Vale Royal Abbey, River Weaver and Vale Royal locks

This pleasant country and river walk starts in Winsford from the Whitegate Way Car Park, which lies in the heart of Winsford’s salt-making industry. The Whitegate Way reuses the old Railway line which we follow for a short distance before taking level country paths and quiet lanes into the pretty village of Whitegate passing St Mary’s Church.

Next, we walk down to the Vale Royal Abbey house built close to the site of an abbey commissioned by Edward I in about 1270. The present house is the successor to the mansion built by Thomas Holcroft in the 1540s which later became the headquarters of ICI’s Salt Division.

Beyond the abbey the route crosses the River Weaver at Vale Royal Locks which we follow until we return to the short section of the Whitegate way back to the car park. This section of the Weaver is a haven for birdlife with herons, geese, and swans nesting along the banks. The water lilies are spectacular in sections.

Depending on time, we will either cross the Weaver at the footbridge (which is open again) and retrace our route on the Whitegate Way or continue by the river to the Red Lion and complete the circular walk back to the car park.

The paths are generally dry at this time of year but please wear appropriate footwear for muddy sections particularly on the towpaths.