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Lydiate Loop
Sefton Public Rights of Way Team: 0845 140 0845
This route passes all three of the chief historical sites of Lydiate: the hall, the chapel and the pub. Lydiate Hall was built during the first half of the 16th century by the Ireland family who held the Lydiate lordship from 1410 – 1673. Subsequent owners of the half timbered hall were the Andertons of Lostock Hall 1673 – 1760 and the Blundell family 1760 – 1957. From 1673 the hall was tenanted and gradually deteriorated, last being repaired in 1907. It was a complete ruin by 1940.
St Catherine's Chapel is visible across a field to the right of the path. It was a private chapel for the Ireland family. An interesting feature is the solid north wall contrasting with the massively windowed south wall. It has never been satisfactorily dated. A set of alabaster panels discovered in Lydiate Hall depicting the life of St Catherine and believed to have adorned the chapel altar have been dated to 1420 – 1460, although no firm evidence is available to physically link the panels to the chapel.
To the south of the chapel on Southport Road is the Scotch Piper Inn, a cruck-framed building reputed to be the oldest inn in Lancashire, dating back to 1320. Legend has it that its name originated when a soldier returning from the Jacobite rebellion married the innkeeper's daughter.
Turn left out of the Running Horses pub car park.
Follow the path marked 'Green Lane 1/3' around the field edge, crossing Maghull Brook.
Turn right at Green Lane.
Where the road bends sharply to the left, take the farm track on the right marked 'Trans Pennine Trail'.
Turn right when you reach the dismantled railway.
Turn right at Maghull Hey Cop, the first track after the car park, which takes you to Acres Lane.
Turn left.
Turn right on to a path almost immediately.
Follow the path around several 90° bends before reaching Southport Road.
Turn left, then right on to Hall Lane.
Bear right at the junction.
At the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, turn right on to the nearside towpath.
Eventually you will arrive back at Bell's Lane and the Running Horses.
