Carr Mill Dam – Sankey Viaduct loop from Earlestown

Hiking trails & Routes

United Kingdom

England

North West England

Carr Mill Dam – Sankey Viaduct loop from Earlestown

Moderate

hikers

Carr Mill Dam – Sankey Viaduct loop from Earlestown

04:24

17.2km

70m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: July 28, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

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285 m

Earlestown Railway Station

Highlight • Historical Site

Earlestown Railway Station built in the 1830's is at the site of the first 'main line' junction and triangle. One of the oldest railway passenger buildings in the world.

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3.13 km

Newton-le-Willows Train Station

Highlight • Settlement

Newton-le-Willows is a market town in the Metropolitan Borough of St Helens, The population at the 2021 census was 24,642. Newton-le-Willows is on the eastern edge of St Helens, south of Wigan and north of Warrington.

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8.62 km

Carr Mill Dam

Highlight • Lake

good for mountain bikes but gets muddy

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8.86 km

View of Carr Mill Viaduct

Highlight • Bridge

The railway viaduct was built in 1891 by Charles Braddock and is located on the Wigan - St Helens railway line. It replaces an earlier one from 1869.
flickr.com/photos/themakerfieldrambler/9984346725

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9.00 km

Carr Mill Dam Overflow

Highlight • Structure

Carr Mill Dam's overflow system evolved from supporting early industry allowing water down Black brook and into the Sankey Canal.

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14.6 km

Remains of a Canal Lock

Highlight • Structure

In the long term, the complete restoration of the canal and the locks is planned.

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15.2 km

Sankey Viaduct

Highlight • Other

The Sankey Viaduct is considered the oldest railway viaduct in the world. It was built between 1828 and 1830. It is made of yellow sandstone and red brick. It is …

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15.9 km

The Mucky Mountains Nature Reserve

Highlight • Natural Monument

The Mucky Mountains are a former chemical dump. Today they are a landscape with interesting flora and a nature reserve. Here you can find, among other things, the dogwort, a …

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17.2 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types