Beech Hill to Parbold towpath

Thousands of pounds was spent recently upgrading this towpath and since it has been done every man and his dog has been using it as it is an all weather surface for use all year round.
However, some sections have been reduced to a one metre wide due to weeds and brambles overflowing the path. I hope that this vegetation gets cuts back as it would be a shame to lose something so well used.

I thought the rivers and canal trust kept this under control, We use that stretch all the way up to Parbold on a regular basis, Its very smooth and a good path apart from the cobbled bit just after the Gathurst Viaduct , Its a bit bumpy there and dangerous for bikes if you don't take care,

From memory I think this was one of the Bee route joint ventures so who should do the maintenance who knows. Could I ask when someone is next along there if the barrier at Appley Bridge has been removed to allow wheelchair and scooters to go through .

yes Wigman I can confirm that barrier has gone,

brilliant another adventure weather permitting so many of the off road footpath routes still have restricted barriers which do not meet the Equalities Act , thanks for your prompt reply much appreviated

As a cyclist i hate those Barriers, We go down The sanky Valley and its a great off road path that goes for miles but spoiled by those barriers, I know they deter the hooligans on motorcycles but, It spoils the ride and if you're a wheel chair user or mobility scooter user, Its impossible to use those paths, the annoying thing is,,,The hooligans can get round the barriers, the disabled cannot

The only barriers remaining are a few on the Wigan flight where the canal passes through New Springs, Ince and Henhurst lock area.
The overgrown grass and bushes have been left to help wildlife according to the Canal and River Trust, but nobody believes them, and boaters complain about being able to see the edge of the bank when stepping onto their boats and sometimes fall in.

I beg to differ Big Harold. If i go from the new road at Poolstock, there is a gate at, lock 1 at Poolstock, then as you get to the junction of the canal over the iron bridge, there is another just before the railway bridge over head, then anther just after Britannia bridge , another after Manchester Rd , the next one if you go up the whelley loop and another 200yards up and another just before you get into the plantations , There are 2 more just before the red rock, Then, Its all clear but the tow path there is muddy in Winter,

Tow paths appart barriers are a plague all over the Metro area I could list at least fifty or more which prevent disabled access forcing users onto traffic roads.

Well they will have more barriers on the Wigan Flight as it goes through Higher Ince, because that is where all the 'bad uns' live

Wigman, I can tell you that a good route for you is, the ' guided bus' route from Leigh to Monson, It starts in Leigh and goes to the Tyldesley loop line, no barriers at all, all the way to Monson Manchester with many off shoots in different directions, You can park in Leigh and spend all day wandering around the paths

TOM wandering is no more for me and my mileage on a full charge with a folloeimg wind is about 40 miles there and back so Wigan and district is my limit

Thats not bad Mileage for an electric mode of transport Wigman 31, My old mate used to have a mobility scooter and he's range was 18/20 miles, Mind you it was a big man of 25 stones so needed a big scooter,

When I had to give up the car I opted for the extended range not that I would ever do that sort of distance at max 8mph but to allow plenty reserve.I have it fully insured and licenced lest you know who stop me.

And beware of the Leigh Branch canal towpath if you are over 5 foot tall as the low branches will knock your block off.

Low trees and bushes all along the canals.
And now idiots who go too fast not just on e-bikes but also on their wide handlebars mountain bikes.

Stop moaning and do Summat about it.,complain..canvass..object..I don't use the cut so I ain't bothered.

I actually like the unkempt nature, As mentioned before, it helps wild life and embellishes your experience touching nature, If you've not got the common sense to duck when a tree branch is in front of you. should you be allowed out unsupervised ?

Posted by: tomplum (13513) View tomplum's page
I actually like the unkempt nature, As mentioned before, it helps wild life and embellishes your experience touching nature,

Tom seems to have changed his tune.

Posted by: tomplum (13513) View tomplum's page
much the same on the canal paths and trails off the canal and around the flashed, some paths unpassable as the nettles and thistles have met mid path and 'Bite' ya as you try to get through, Its the bloody woke brigade again with their, " save the bee" campaign,



Replied: 27th Jul 2022 at 19:58


https://www.wiganworld.co.uk/communicate/mb_message.php?opt=f1&msd=1530630&page=49&subject=Wigan%20Flight

I enjoy a day out on the canal bank, what ever the environment I take the good with the bad while breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the day, Its much better than being cooped up with nothing more to do only looking for, things to nit pick and gladly we have got rid of the monster and his associates , lets hope admin keeps them at bay,,