Conishead Priory has a long and interesting history from Augustinian monks to Buddhist monks via stately home, grand hotel, miners’ convalescent home and wartime hospital. The main building is Victorian Gothic and a spectacular Buddhist temple graces the grounds.
This route keeps off busy roads as much as possible and takes you via Stan Laurel’s and Sir John Barrow’s birthplaces. It then goes via The Ropewalk to Saltcoats Farm and across flat fields which can be muddy in winter. Refreshments are usually available at Conishead vegetarian café. Return via the rolling bridge and canal towpath.
➣ Start/Finish: Brewery Street Car Park
➣ Distance: 6.6 miles (10.6 km)
➣ Ascent: 130ft. (40m)
➣ Difficulty: Moderate (Quite long)
➣ Accessibility: No