This is a nearer to home route ideal for a summer evening or just to stretch the dogs legs.
You can do the lot but it would take all day or just parts as its ideal for a summer evening walk or ride out.
Leave the A580 East Lancs Road at A570 Rainford Bypass and head for Crank (B5201) , Billinge, Parbold, lots to see and do on the way.
Crank
When you get to the Village T junction turn right and park up around here (WA11 7SJ) then walk down the farm track / footpath to Crank Cavern, As you approach the house gates turn right and follow the steep path in to the woods.
Crank Caverns is the common name of the remains of the Rainford Delph Quarry near Crank in Merseyside. It is a network of underground tunnels and caverns, as well as an extensive woodland. During the war they where used as a storage facility for ammunition for the anti-aircraft position at Crank. Don’t go in its pitch black and I doubt it is safe. They have been bricked up and gated for a reason. You can see evidence of roof falls at the entrance.
Lots of local stories, ghosts etc attached to the caverns, much of it is bricked up and gated to keep people out as its no doubt unsafe, one of the deeper sections is now being filled in (Summer 19)
Lots of good info about the caverns here:
https://ludchurchmyblog.wordpress.com/places-further-afield/crank-caverns/
We walk through the woods passing the caverns on the right and out the other side, down the farm track back to the road, its a short but interesting route.
Next place Billinge Lump
Billinge Hill, also known as Billinge Lump, is the highest point in Merseyside.
A beacon tower is at the summit. Built as a summerhouse to Winstanley Hall in the 18th century, it was used for the Year 2000 celebrations. Most fireworks displays for miles around can be seen from the summit. The views are fairly extensive, notably to the south-west where, when clear, the mountains of Snowdonia in Wales, can be seen and to the north-east Winter Hill can be seen. Looking east one sees Manchester and the Derbyshire On a clear day, it is possible to see Blackpool Tower and Southport the town of St. Helens and the Widnes – Runcorn bridge. Depending on the conditions and direction it is facing, the telescope at Jodrell Bank can be seen to the south-east too.
Leave Crank past the Red Cat pub and head for Billinge Hill, follow signs for golf course you will pass it on your right going up the hill (Shaley Brow) keep your eyes open for cyclists as they use it for hill climb practice. When you get to the top the road has two tight bends, you might be able to park in the lay-by or after the bends on Crank Road at the road side.
Several public footpaths run up to the Beacon and nearby woods Billinge Forest
Keep an eye out for mountain bikes as its a popular place for them.
Now if you are feeling hungry?
The Colliers Arms is great local home made food pub, just down the hill in Kings Moss Village
The best Take away food is the Muffin Man bakers post codeWN5 7DN next to the Asda Garage, the Breakfast is served until about 2pm, Butties and Pies are great.
https://www.muffinmanwigan.co.uk
It’s a nice drive either over Ashurst Beacon along Beacon Lane which has some very nice views.
You can walk to Ashurst Beacon
This beacon tower was built in 1798 by Sir William Ashurst. It was built as a watch tower to warn of a French invasion in the lead up to the Napoleonic War. It is said to be on the site of an earlier beacon that once formed part of a relay series of beacons. They stretched from Everton Brow above Liverpool to Lancaster Castle. They were in place (though unused) during the Anglo–Spanish War of 1585.
Via Roby Mill is a route through a small village and wood land
Parbold
Parbold is a small village in West Lancashire. The Village has a few good cafes and pubs. Is well known for Parbold Hill with its views and walks.
Lots of nice walks around the area a local pub has a good guide, the food and bar is also excellent.