Local Life - St Helens - February 2018

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It shocked me to find out that thin and windy Sandy
Lane was once a 60mph road, but is now closed
to motor vehicles. With the ‘slow’ markings still on
the tarmac road, it’s clear to see the vegetation has
made itself at home and the road will eventually be
completely covered in greenery. Sandy Lane will
look lovely in the spring and summertime with the
trees lining the road.
At the end of Sandy Lane go left along Cronton
Road a short distance, then cross over to go up Hall
Lane on your right, passing a lovely red brick family
church. And you’ll then turn right again into Mill
Lane.
When the road turns sharply to the left, instead
you’ll head straight on through the gate, going up
to footpath that was once the continuation of Mill
Lane many moons ago.
At the top, the path reaches the old sandstone
quarry which if you’d like to venture down, a lot of
free climbers are said to dare the heights.
Continue around the fence above the quarry,
following the path round to the footpath entrance
to Pex Hill Nature Reserve, which is beautiful come
any season.
As we walked up the path we had a great view
over to Liverpool; being able to pick out the two
Cathedrals and the Radio City Tower. Then it was
back to the car and off to find a hot cup of tea and a
well-earned piece of cake.