Hale Duck Decoy Nature Reserve – Hale Head Lighthouse loop from Ditton

Hiking trails & Routes

Hale Duck Decoy Nature Reserve – Hale Head Lighthouse loop from Ditton

Moderate

hikers

Hale Duck Decoy Nature Reserve – Hale Head Lighthouse loop from Ditton

02:49

11.0km

50m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: July 31, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

463 m

View of the River Mersey

Highlight • River

You can find out on Komoot what time the sun rises and get there. It's absolutely fantastic.

Tip by

1.56 km

"Located in Widnes, nestled next to the River Mersey, Pickering’s Pasture is a local nature reserve with acres of wildflower meadows and stunning views of the river Mersey. Many different butterflies and birds can be found in the meadows.
Until the 1950s the area now covered by wild flowers and trees was a salt marsh, grazed by cattle and home to wading birds and estuary plants. For the next 30 years however, the site was used as an industrial and household waste tip and a mountain of refuse built up on the salt marsh. The land was reclaimed in the 80’s by Halton Borough Council. Where they undertook to restore the land and in the process, created a wildflower meadow as can be seen today, the site was opened to the public in 1986 and declared as a local nature reserve in 1991.
Today the site is part of the Trans Pennine Trail (TPT) which is a popular walking, wheeling and cycling destination for Halton residents, people from afar and many dogs of course. It’s a great place to rediscover your love of nature whether you’re having a quiet stroll with family and friends or a leisurely Sunday cycle ride.
The reserve has also won the prestigious Green Flag Award thanks to the successful conservation and educational work that goes on in the reserve. This recognition highlights the site’s commitment to maintaining high environmental standards and providing a welcoming space for all visitors."

It is also a site of special scientific interest (SSSI).

Source; transpenninetrail.org.uk/pickerings-pasture-a-nature-reserve-with-a-rich-history-and-stunning-wildlife

Tip by

2.93 km

Hale Duck Decoy Nature Reserve

Highlight • Natural Monument

The Duck Decoy at Hale is an impressive, complex monument, now a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It lies in the lowest part of the landscape, amongst streams and wetlands and close the the River Mersey itself.

This part of the manor of Hale was drained in the medieval period, with the idea of increasing the amount of land suitable to plough. The trade-off was a reduction in land that wetland wildfowl could use. To counter this, the duck decoy was built.

Hale Decoy was designed to look like the many other coverts that dotted the landscape. The lack of shelter for water birds would make it an attractive spot. A pond was dug in the centre to complete the picture.

Tip by

3.78 km

Childe of Hale

Highlight • Monument

4.23 km

John Middleton (Childe of Hale) Statue

Highlight • Historical Site

Statue of the Child of Hale

Tip by

5.54 km

Hale Head Lighthouse

Highlight • Monument

Hale Head Lighthouse was built to guide ships into the Upper Mersey. It is the most southerly point in Lancashire.

The channel above Garston was first lit in 1838. The original lighthouse at Hale Head was established at the same time, with land being leased from the Blackburne family of Hale Hall.

The original lighthouse was a short square tower. An adjacent cottage had previously been used as a bathing house and was converted into dwellings for the lighthouse keeper and family.
To get to the light house there is a long gravel path so take extra care if on a road bike.

Tip by

5.88 km

View of the Tidal Race on the River Mersey

Highlight • Viewpoint

Watching the tide rush in. There are a number of benches on this leg of the walk to sit and enjoy the peace and quiet disturbed only by the sound of the river pouring in.

Tip by

8.38 km