07/05 – Philips Park and The River Irwell

With Prestwich’s popularity ever increasing we thought we’d go and check out what it has to offer. When you take a look at Google Maps you notice a large green area with parks and the River Irwell near the M62, perfect to explore. We’ll start the walk from Philips Park, a former family home turned night club venue and conference facility now left abandoned until recent renovations. We’ll head north through the park and over the motorway before heading down a muddy path onto the Irwell Sculpture Trail. After a short walk along the disused railway we’ll climb the hill into Nuttall Wood where there will be the option to refuel. We’ll then head back onto the Sculpture Trail and through Ringley Wood, around the sewage works and across the river. Crossing the river brings us into Clifton Country Park, a popular spot with twitchers and the general public. To finish the walk we’ll head back under the motorway and down to the river’s edge, then recross the river into Prestwich Forest Park and back to the car park.