If you’re looking for a walk that feels properly woodland-led while still packed with local history and variety, this 11km circular route is a perfect introduction to exploring Worsley Woods. Starting and finishing at Monton Green, the walk weaves through tree-lined former railway paths, hidden stations, golf course footpaths and peaceful canal banks.
The Roe Green Loopline walk starts at the bottom of the Dukes Drive, a former railway line that’s now a public path. Worsley Golf Club runs on your right, while Dukes Drive car park is on the left. The path is mostly flat and easy to follow. It’s a gentle start but gives a sense of the mix of green space and local infrastructure you’ll see throughout the walk.
A short way along, you reach the abandoned Worsley railway station. The old brick platforms are still there, and it’s a fascinating reminder of the area’s history. Walking past it, you can imagine the trains that used to run here. The website, Disused Stations has some amazing photos of the once-busy railway station in it’s former glory. Take a look at some of the photos, here.
Continuing on, the path takes you under the M60 motorway. The brief roar of traffic contrasts with the quiet of the path, but it passes quickly. You’ll then cross under the East Lancashire Road (East Lancs) before turning back on yourself to cross over it, giving a different perspective of the area as the walk continues.
After the roads, the route leads through a public footpath at Worsley Park Golf Club. The path here is open and well-kept, with wide views of the golf course and surrounding greenery. It’s a nice contrast to the narrower woodland paths earlier in the walk.
Exiting the golf course footpath, you come out onto Leigh Road, also called Millionaires Row. The grand houses and manicured gardens are a striking contrast to the woodland and paths you’ve just walked through, and it’s interesting to see how the area changes from rural to urban over just a few hundred metres.
Turning right, you follow a public footpath toward RHS Bridgewater, which gradually leads down to the canal. The footpath is lined with trees, and as you approach the water, the path opens out slightly, giving a pleasant sense of space. At the canal, turn left and follow it back toward Worsley Village. This stretch is calm and flat, with boats passing and reflections on the water making for an easy-going walk. There’s plenty of spots to stop by for a break along the route here. You can either grab a quick coffee and a sit down on a bench or stop by the Bridgewater pub for a pint or two.
This 11km loop is really straightforward and mostly paved, so it’s easy to walk for most people. It works well for families, and you can also run or cycle it if you want a bit more exercise. The mix of woodland paths, open areas around the golf course, and the calm canal stretch keeps it interesting the whole way.
There’s a nice balance of quiet spots and open views — you can pause at the old railway station, look out over the golf course, or just enjoy the canal for a while. It’s easy to follow, and starting and finishing at Monton Green makes it simple to get to. You could even tweak the route a little if you want a shorter or longer walk.
Overall, it’s a relaxed, enjoyable route that shows off Worsley’s woodland and local scenery. Even if you’ve done walks in the area before, this loop gives you a slightly different perspective, and finishing back at the Waterside Pub is a great way to round it off.
If you’re ever thinking about exploring Worsley Woods in the future, be sure to let us know. If you’re looking to be inspired with your next walk, check out the rest of our walks.
