Sankey Valley Park
Welcome | How to Find Us | How to Contact Us | Events | History | Leaflets/Guides
Map | Angling | Wildlife | Cyclist's Code | Dog Owners
Welcome to Sankey Valley Park
The historic 15 mile Sankey Valley follows the course of England's oldest canal, linking St. Helens with Warrington through to Widnes by footpath and cycleway. Today this extensive, lush green corridor of woodlands, grasslands and water features is of immense value both for wildlife and recreation. Walkers and cyclists can follow the Trans Pennine Trail or explore the footpath network.
The central section of the park is family orientated with children's play features, a maze and lawned areas. Whether you enjoy walking, birdwatching, angling, cycling or just want to relax in beautiful surroundings the park has something to offer.
Discover the valley
The permanent orienteering course offers a challenging way to discover the park. Suitable for people of all ages, capabilities and levels of experience, orienteering packs are available from the Rangers at £2 each.
Trans Pennine Trail
The Trans Pennine Trail 
is being developed as a coast to coast network of paths for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Within Warrington the trail follows the line of the now disused Timperley to Garston railway, the Manchester Ship Canal, Runcorn-Latchford Canal and the Sankey Canal. On Sankey Valley Park the Trans Pennine Trail joins the park at Sankey Bridges and is signposted west to Widnes. In the opposite direction the route crosses over the River Mersey and heads towards Stockton Heath.
How to find us
| The main car park is at Waterways, off Cromwell Avenue, with smaller car parks at Ledyard Close, North Park Brook Rd, St. David's Drive, Lodge Lane, off Cromwell Avenue South and off Liverpool Rd, Sankey Bridges. |
| From Warrington Bus Station take bus No.18 to Callands or No.16 to Dallam. |
How to contact us
The Rangers can be contacted by the following methods:
Tel/Fax: 01925 571836
E-mail: rangers@warrington.gov.uk
or at:
Rangers Office, Bewsey Old Hall, Bewsey Farm Close, Old Hall, Warrington, WA5 9PB
Sankey Valley Park events
To find out what's on in Warrington, please view the downloadable booklet 
History of Sankey Valley Park
Information relating to the history of Sankey Valley Park, Bewsey Old Hall, the Sankey Canal and Burtonwood Air Base can be found in the heritage section. Click the link to view the Canal History Trail [1MB]
Leaflets/guides
The full leaflet/guide is available to download from our publications section (under Environment>Parks).
Map of Sankey Valley Park
To view a map of this park, please visit the location maps section.
Angling Code
Fishing rights reserved to Dallam and District Community Angling Group for Stanners Pool and St Helens Canal. Click the following link for ticket and membership details
The Sankey Canal is available for day fishing.
Mary Ann's, Brownlees and Whitegate ponds are leased to Penketh and Old Hall Angling Club for members fishing. For further information contact Frank Davies on 01925 652327.
Please note angling is NOT permitted on any other ponds in the park
- Anglers share the bank with other park users. Please treat walkers and cyclists with courtesy and keep footpaths clear. Look out for others when casting.
- Keepnets are not allowed except during matches.
- Leave no litter, bait or food tins that attract vermin.
- All anglers over 12 years old must hold an Environment Agency Rod License. These are available from Post Offices.
Be safe
- Always check for overhead power cables. Never fish within 100 feet of them or walk beneath them with your rod upright.
- Although the water in canals and ponds is clean enough for fish to live in, it naturally contains germs which could make you ill. To minimise the small risk of this happening always cover cuts and abrasions and do not put line or any other fishing tackle in your mouth. Warrington's waterways are important wildlife areas - please take care not to harm or disturb wildlife.
Warrington's waterways are important wildlife areas - please take care not to harm or disturb wildlife. If you see wildlife, particularly swans, in distress please inform the bailiff or contact your local Rangers on 01925 571836 or the RSPCA on 0870 555 5999.
Wildlife and the environment
Both the keen naturalist and the casual visitor will find things of interest in the Valley. The more obvious daytime inhabitants such as squirrels, swans, butterflies and woodland birds are complimented by nocturnal foxes, owls, mice, hedgehogs and bats. Secretive species such as stoats and weasels, tree creepers, kingfishers, water voles and reed bunting are all there to be discovered.
Highlights in the meadow include orchids in late spring and a wealth of butterflies during the summer. The mature woodlands are picturesque at any time of year with the spring flowers and autumn leaf falls particularly stunning. For water plants, animals and birds look no further than the parks many ponds, Sankey Brook, the Wetland Nature Reserve or the Canal.
Warrington Nature Conservation Forum is a community based Local Agenda 21 initiative aimed at promoting nature conservation, undertaking wildlife surveys, protecting biodiversity and providing a focal point for interested people. If you would like to be involved please contact the Rangers for more information.
Woodland Trust
Most of the mature woodlands within the valley are owned by the Woodland Trust, a charity concerned with the conservation of Britain's woodland heritage; safeguarding woods within the landscape, protecting habitats for the benefit of wildlife and encouraging public access and enjoyment.
Further wildlife information can be found on the Nature on your Doorstep page.
Cyclist's Code
Click the link to view the Cyclist's Code.
Dog owners
Whilst we welcome responsible dog walking, we ask that dog owners please remember that this site is a nature reserve, click the link to view the notice to dog owners.
