Northwich Canals

1 From the left-hand corner of the car park (as seen when you enter) a gap leads you to an information shelter. Go left up the track alongside an avenue of lime trees. The track bends right, past toilets and the ranger office. Follow it to its end then continue on a footpath to the shores of Budworth Mere and turn right. Skirt a small 'harbour', which gives a good view across the mere to the sailing club and Great Budworth church, then leave the waterside and go left on a broader path. Follow the main path to a fork and bear left, following a sign 'Anderton Nature Park and canal'. Along here there's a wonderful sculpture (Phil Bews, 2001) made from a fallen tree, as well as lots of rhododendrons. A more open area is good for bluebells in season.

2 When you come suddenly to the banks of the canal, follow the path round to the right, looping away then back left to a stile that leads into Marbury Lane. Go left over the bridge and continue down the lane to a dip, where there's a gate on the right with a sign 'Nature Park and Boat Lift'. Go down a short track then detour 50yds (46m) right and up steps to a bird hide, which gives a view over Haydn Pool. Return to the last junction and continue round to the right.

3 The path first follows a reed-filled inlet then crosses a bridge. The first marker is No 6, highlighting ramsons and butterbur, well-suited to this riverside habitat. Ramsons is better known as wild garlic and its aroma is very noticeable in spring and summer. Take the left path here then, at the next junction, slant back right past marker No 4. Go left along the main track and over a bridge to a crossroads, by marker No 3. Orchids grow in the open shade here. Go right, passing marker No 9. At the next junction keep right again, out into an open area, then left at a fingerpost. At a T-junction go right and out into the open, close to the River Weaver, with a good view of the soda works.

4 Just beyond marker No 2, descend some steps, go past the rifle range, then take a green path away from the river to the dragonfly pond - and another great wooden sculpture. Return to the riverbank and continue towards the Anderton Lift, now rising ahead. Climb steps alongside the overspill channel, signed 'car park and canal basin'. At the top, turn left along the tow path as far as the bridge over the branch to the lift. Then retrace your steps and continue along the tow path, passing the Anderton Marina.

5 Follow the tow path for another ½ mile (800m) to the first overbridge after the marina. Go up steps and over the bridge. After 20yds (18m) cross a stile on the right. Keep left on muddy paths, soon meeting a wider gravel path. Go left, looping round into a narrow strip of woodland between the lane and a large pasture.

6 At a junction with a track, go right signed 'car park' then, after 100yds (91m), go left through a kissing gate. Go straight ahead, back to the avenue of lime trees, bear left and left again past the information shelter into the car park.