Day 2 - Maghull to Burscough 13.5 miles

We drove to Burscough Junction railway station for the 8.51 am train to Maghull via Ormskirk.  9.16 saw us arrive and retracing our steps back to the Red Lion Bridge we then set off on the second leg of the walk.  It had been raining on the way there but thankfully we walked the entire length of the 13.5 miles in overcast but dry conditions. This is a largely rural stage of the canal through farming areas and whilst there was little evidence of other industry along the way there were plenty of pubs!

Scarisbrick Arms, Downholland Cross 1906

Saracen's Head, Halsall 1906

Farmers Arms 1906

1906 Map of the town

After passing numerous pubs along the canal walk we finally walked into Burscough and enjoyed some lunch and a beer at the Hop Vine, formerly the 'Royal Hotel', which was built in 1874 and was a central part of business and transport in the town a century ago.