Lawton Woods Loop

Church Lawton Church, The Rectory, Liverpool Road West, Church Lawton, Cheshire, ST7 3DE

Add Lawton Woods Loop to your Itinerary

Product Image

Book Tickets Online

Grade: Easy
Distance: 6km/3.5 miles
Time: 2 hours
Map: OS Explorer 258 or 268
Terrain: Field paths, canal towpaths. Muddy patches in winter. Fairly flat.
Barriers: Steep canal bridge at Red Bull
Toilets: None

START: what3words: ///leopard.flaking.brambles

The name Lawton originates in the Lawton family with its family crest being the head of a bleeding wolf. Local legend talks about a man saving the Earl of Chester from being killed by a wolf. This act of bravery took place in about 1200, and to repay the deed, this man was given an area of land between Congleton and Sandbach. The one thousand acre estate became the Parish of Lauton, (later Church Lawton), and is recorded in the Domesday Survey of 1086. The family crest can be found in the church.

Lawton Hall, the country seat, of the Lawton family was built in the 17th century, but was almost destroyed by a fire in 1997. During the First World War the hall was used as a hospital, until this time it was still the Lawton family seat. Later it became Lawton Hall school which closed in 1986. Today it has been renovated into private dwellings.

Iron smelting took place in the woods during the late 1600’s early 1700’s. Coal mining took place in nearby Kidsgrove and some of the mines extended into the Church Lawton / Red Bull area.

The Trent and Mersey canal is linked to the Macclesfield canal at the Harding’s Wood Junction. At the junction of the two canals (point 7) it is well worth turning right and walking further along the Trent and Mersey canal to view the Harecastle tunnel entrances. This detour will take about half an hour. The tunnel on the left was built in 1827 by Thomas Telford and the tunnel on the right was built in 1777 by James Brindley. Brindley's Harecastle Tunnel took eleven years to complete as conditions were treacherous. In 1767 the tunnel was described as "the eighth wonder of the world …" as nothing like it had ever been attempted.

The tunnels are without a towpath so the boats had to be moved through the tunnels by men who "legged" the boats along. The men lay on the top of the boat and literally "walking" on the stepped roof and sides of the tunnel to send the boat forward.

Book Tickets

Opening Times

2024 (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)

Directions

TripAdvisor

Contact Us

Tel: 01270 686029

Tel: 01270 686029

What's Nearby

  1. Merelake Way

    The Merelake Way is an approximately 1 mile / 1.5 kms long trail for walkers, located on…

    0.86 miles away
  2. Rode Hall & Gardens

    Rode Hall is a fine early 18th century country house set in a Repton landscape. It has…

    1.14 miles away
  3. Alsager Golf & Country Club

    This picturesque 6225 yard course provides a fascinating variety of challenges and…

    1.19 miles away
  1. Little Moreton Hall (NT)

    Seeing the tumbling architecture of Little Moreton Hall for the first time, engineers in…

    2.3 miles away
  2. The Salt Line

    One hundred and fifty years ago this area was a hive of bustling industry, based on salt.…

    3.17 miles away
  3. St Mary's

    Described by Pevsner as ‘one of the most exciting Cheshire churches’ with plenty of…

    4.1 miles away
  4. Malkins Bank Golf Course

    Malkins Bank Golf Course was opened in 1976 and designed by world famous Hawtree Golf…

    4.14 miles away
  5. Astbury Golf Club

    Facilities include bar, trolley hire, catering, clubhouse, changing rooms and pro shop.

    4.18 miles away
  6. Astbury Mere Country Park

    Enjoy a stroll through the wildflower meadows at Astbury Mere Country Park, or simply sit…

    4.75 miles away
  7. Wheelock Rail Trail

    After the railway closed in 1966 the track lay derelict for many years, gradually…

    4.89 miles away
  8. Englesea Brook Chapel & Museum

    Freedom, Equality, Fraternity! It’s a surprising proclamation to hear on a quiet country…

    4.94 miles away
  9. Biddulph Grange Garden (NT)

    This amazing Victorian garden was created by James Bateman for his collection of plants…

    5.09 miles away
  10. Congleton Golf Club

    Congleton Golf Club was founded in 1898 when a group of some 20 gentlemen enthusiasts met…

    5.28 miles away
  11. Congleton Museum

    Discover a fascinating display of life, culture, and industry dating from the…

    5.3 miles away
  12. Congleton Paddling Pool

    The pool has been a firm favourite with young children since the 1930s!

    5.38 miles away
  13. Sandbach Golf Club

    Sandbach golf club is home to a challenging course.

    5.38 miles away
Previous Next

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss