GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

Parbold Fairy Glen

5 miles (8 km)

This walk visits the delightful Fairy Glen near the Lancashire village of Parbold. It's a nice easy walk, starting from Parbold train station and heading east along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. You follow the towpath for about a mile before crossing the canal and heading north east to the glen. It's a lovely little spot with pretty streams, beautiful waterfalls, dramatic cliff faces, wooden bridges and shady woodland trails.
It's great for flora and fauna with wild garlic, bluebells and various other wildlflowers to see.
If you prefer you could start the walk from Appley Bridge station which is just to the east of the site. If you are coming by car you can park at the lay by off the A5209 at the northern end of the glen (postcode WN6 9EQ). From here it is a short walk to the glen on the other side of the road.
To extend your walk you can enjoy a climb to the nearby Parbold Hill and enjoy wonderful views over the area. You could also continue south east along the canal to Gathurst, enjoying views of the River Douglas as you go.

Postcode

WN6 9EQ - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Parbold Fairy Glen OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Parbold Fairy Glen Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

The circular Hunters Hill and Harrock Hill Walk starts near to the glen. It visits a fine viewpoint at Harrock Hill where there's also an interesting ruined windmill.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Lancashire Walks page.

Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby

Photos

Waterfall at Fairy Glen, Appley Bridge - geograph.org.uk - 173739

Waterfall at Fairy Glen, Appley Bridge

Fairy Glen - geograph.org.uk - 26835

Fairy Glen. This photograph was taken from the bridleway, facing SE. There is quite an enchanting little walk by a stream in a small valley to the left.

Sandstone Face at Appley Bridge - geograph.org.uk - 173740

Sandstone Face at Appley Bridge. Probably the face of a former quarry. Vegetation is established on the floor and moss and lichens grow where rainwater seeps through joints in the rock. Bedding dips at about 30deg to the South.

Woodland path in 'Fairy Glen' - geograph.org.uk - 1492159

Woodland path in 'Fairy Glen'

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Parbold Fairy Glen.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Share>Save to Files')

Memory Map Route

Parbold Fairy Glen.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Share>Save to Files)