The Local Nature Reserve of Childwall Woods and Fields is a wonderful place for a walk in the countryside without leaving the city.
Here are some walks to take you around the site without leaving your armchair; however, to get the most out of them, you will have to do them on foot. JUST CLICK ON THE TITLE.
We hope you enjoy them.
Please be aware that strong winds and heavy rain have brought down large branches across many paths. All paths are now open, but PLEASE be careful on your walks.
Walk 1 – The Grounds of Childwall Hall and the Carriageway. This is not a wheelchair/buggy-friendly walk as there are steps down to the folly.
Of the many walks around Childwall Woods and Fields, the walk that begins with the carriageway is the most magical. The carriageway dates back to when this was the main entrance to the grand Childwall Hall, known in its heyday as Childwall Abbey due to its monastic look. This is a short walk through the carriageway and back through the grounds. 50 minutes approx
Walk 2 – The Ornamental Woods and the Beech Woods
This walk will take you all around ‘The Grounds’ of Childwall Hall (the hall itself is no longer standing) on a circular route starting and ending at the Lodge on Childwall Abbey Road. There is a detour around the Folly with its unique rock structures and contorted trees, and you will stroll over a sunken carriageway and between veteran trees hundreds of years old, before returning to the Lodge. 1hr approx
Walk 3 – The Top Field, through the Willow Plantation, and the Beechwoods.
This walk is a circular route taking you up onto the Top Field, around the edge, and through the Willow Plantation. After a short walk through the Beech Woods, you will cut through the centre of the Top Field to experience very different environments at each stage of your walk. 45mins approx
This walk is wheelchair and buggy-friendly in the summer when the path through the field may be passable with a wheelchair, but there is no guarantee. It would certainly be too muddy in the wetter months.
B Cameron
Photographs are the author’s own.