If you're not familiar with the area you might think the Three Sisters at Wigan referred to a happy family who once strolled the fields and canals in this delightful countryside. But the name has nothing to do with the wonders of nature, it was the name given to three enormous slag heaps. Then, in 2002, this former mining area was magically transformed into woodland and open countryside. Footpaths link with the Leeds Liverpool Canal, while the open water and reedbeds of Wigan Flashes, created by mining subsidence, are a bird watcher's heaven.
LOCATION: Three miles south of Wigan
START: Three Sisters signed from B5207, follow road past the Race Track to lake, toilets
Grid ref: SD583010 Postcode: WN4 8DD
DISTANCE: 7.5 miles
GRADE: Easy
TIME: 4 hours
MAP: Explorer - Bolton, Wigan & Warrington Landranger 109 & 108
NOTE: In very wet weather, use Alternative Route
REFRESHMENTS: Pack a flask
EN ROUTE: Viridor Wood, Bryn Gates, Horrocks Flash, Scotman's Flash, Ochre Flash
This walk was originally published by
The Manchester Evening News