THIS is an invigorating and varied walk with glorious views over Warrington and the Mersey Valley.

And at this time of year, it provides wonderful views of the carpets of bluebells on The Dingle in Appleton.

Climb over the stile opposite houses dating from 1936 and continue down the field ahead, where the panoramic view of industrial Merseyside contrasts sharply with the rich, rolled greens of Warrington Golf Course.

Proceed along a cart-track until you turn right to Stockton Heath.

You soon turn left at the T junction towards Appleton Reservoir along a wide track, leaving it for a narrow path between ponds which then crosses a field.

The footpath to Hill Cliffe gives a view which stretches before you like the unrolling of a magnificent mural – Daresbury tower, Appleton Reservoir, Frodsham and Helsby Hills; the Mersey curving under Runcorn Bridge to Fiddlers Ferry, while the pastoral landscape surrounding Walton Hall and church is backed by Bold Colliery and the diverse industrial scene of Warrington – the whole panorama a glorious miscellany of old and new, man-made and natural.

Warrington Guardian:

From Hill Cliffe, make your way to the London Bridge pub with its whitewashed walls.

As you cross London Bridge and drop down onto the tow-path brightly-coloured pleasure boats come into view. Leave the towpath by doubling back after crossing Lumb Brook Bridge and make your way to ‘The Dingle’, with its banks of evergreen rhododendrons, deciduous trees and varied wild life.

At this time of year, it provides wonderful views of bluebells.

You will eventually pass over Dipping Brook before finally arriving at Stretton Church.

The path goes to the right of the hawthorn hedge (past more Roman statues) and on to the vicarage, where the ancient Roman road from Warrington to Northwich once ran through the garden. A right and your are almost back at the Cat and Lion again.

Distance: 7.5 miles Time: Three to four hours Start: Cat and Lion car park, London Road, Stretton NB: Restrictions on space mean this article provides a summary of the route. It is advisable for anyone who plans to follow the walk to take a copy of the relevant Ordnance Survey map.