M62 Jct 7 Dog Walk at Sutton Manor Woodlands (The Dream Sculpture), Merseyside
WA9 4RU
Description
Excellent dog walking territory through attractive woodlands that are part of the Mersey Forest. Paths are steep in places but are well surfaced and maintained. There is a nice 45 minute 1.7m circular route that takes in the huge Dream Sculpture (2009), provides expansive views across Cheshire and towards the Pennines and incorporates a small pond for dogs that like a water feature. There is a shorter circuit that still takes in the sculpture and views as well as various other criss-crossing paths for variety. The area is perfect for off-lead walking. Less than 2 miles from the M62: Junction 7.
Details
GPS coords for car park: 53.4145, -2.7269 A former colliery which was closed and levelled in 1992. Now in the care of the Forestry Commission and part of Bold Forest Park. A big draw for this walk is to see the massive 'Dream' sculpture by Jaume Plensa that was sited in 2009 as part of Channel 4's Big Art Project. It can be seen from miles around and you'll most likely have seen it from the M62 which borders the woodlands on the southern edge. It is however harder to spot these days now the trees have grown up more. Bins are only available at entry points onto the site. (Unfortunately, they are quite often full) There is also a dog bin in the park attached to the car park. If you approach from J.7 of the M62, the car park is situated on the left after you pass the woodlands. It also serves the King George V Playing Fields and playground.
Full Walk Details
From the car park, cross the road and walk back towards the motorway until you reach the edge of the woodlands. There is an entrance onto the site here. There is a network of criss-crossing paths so you can wander in any direction, however for the perfect 45 minute circular route mentioned above, follow these steps....
1. Keep right where the path forks into 3 paths. Pass additional entrances onto the site that join from the right, noting the original black colliery gates still in situ.
2. Follow the main path as is slowly leads upwards curving to the left. Fab views of Fiddlers Ferry Power Station can be seen to the right.
3. At a main junction where the path forks, take the left uphill route (the other goes back downhill) - The Dream sculpture will be directly ahead now.
4. Continue on past the sculpture (the highest point) and start going downhill again.
5. At a t-junction in the path, turn right and follow all the way down the hill till you reach the pond. You'll join the base path (comes from the right) that circuits the whole site.
6. Keep left around the pond (if you turn right here, a footpath leads off the Sutton Manor Woodlands Site and leads to Clockface Country Park.)
7. Continue along here back to the main road and car park.
For a shorter 25-30 minute walk - at point 5 - turn left instead and it joins back up to point 1.