Wigan Flashes

Wigan Flashes Local Nature Reserve covers 260 hectares with waterfowl & bird screens.  It features a mosaic of wetland habitats proving the perfect place for open water, reedbeds, wildflower meadows and woodland trails.  The Leeds-Liverpool Canal (Leigh Branch) runs through the site. The ‘flashes’ themselves are lakes formed as a result of mining subsidence.

Directions:

Meet at 10a.m. at the Wigan Flashes car park just off Poolstock Lane, Worsley Mesnes, Wigan WN3 5DX

If coming via the M53/M56/M6, leave the M6 going North at J25, towards Bryn Interchange.  At the interchange, take the first exit at the roundabout onto the A49/Warrington Road (Straight on at first traffic lights and past McDonalds on left).

After c.0.6 mile, at the second set of lights, get in right hand lane and turn right onto Poolstock Lane (B5238). Continue for c. 0.8 mile.  You will see a grass area on your right.  At the end of this area, immediately look for the small, white Car Park sign on the right (Opposite 77 Poolstock Lane).  Turn right into the cobbled lane and continue a short distance into the car park.

If coming via Liverpool, there are several routes you can take.  You may approach the car park from the opposite way.  Hopefully the postcode will get you close.

NOTE: There are ongoing roadworks on the M6 around this stretch by Junction 25. The exit is open as I write these instructions, but in the event of the junction being closed on the day, you will have to follow the detour and hopefully re-find the route.

Sorry, there are no facilities on site.

The plan is to take our lunches with us, but this is dependent on the weather on the day.

Please text Hugh on 07527 828 571 if you intend to come along so he can alert you in the event of any changes to the plans.

You can also contact me if you have any questions beforehand or on the day.

Hugh