Walking enthusiast publishes book of beautiful routes around Wigan

The 10 routes in the collection take in some of the borough’s finest landscapes and outdoor spaces, including Haigh Hall, Pennington Flash, Bickershaw Country Park, Borsdane Wood and areas around Top Lock and Standish.

Cliff, 66, had never put pen to paper before but decided to create his book of walks after enjoying his permitted daily exercise when the Covid-19 pandemic hit in March 2020 and lockdown was imposed.

Covering more than 600 miles in the three months people were only permitted out of their houses once a day, Cliff discovered so many enchanting places to walk and so much wildlife around the borough that he decided he simply had to share his enthusiasm with a wider audience.

He also hopes the book, which is being published by ShieldCrest, will help to lay to rest outdated stereotypes of the borough.

Grandad Cliff said: “You don’t have to drive to the Lake District or the Yorkshire Dales to enjoy a nice countryside walk.

“I think the popular beauty spots in the town are as picturesque and inspiring as anywhere in the country.

“When my wife and I bought a caravan on the edge of Settle, our long weekends always included a couple of walks in the Dales or Trough of Bowland.

“Then, as retirement approached, mid-week walks with some old rugby mates began to bring about a realisation of what I’d been missing. Our walks were basically confined to the environs of Wigan, and we all became increasingly amazed at the fantastic walks we were discovering.

“Then the Covid-19 epidemic arrived. I was determined to use the daily allotted exercise quota to the full and I became enthralled at the abundance of nature that thrives in the town.”

Cliff says that during his lockdown walking he saw deer, weasels, hares and rabbits and beautiful birds including kingfishers, waterfowl and birds of prey.

The walks in Cliff’s book range from around five-and-a-half miles to eight miles, although he says he has ensured the routes are not particularly strenuous.

Ramblers who venture out on his suggested excursions after the current Covifd-19 restrictions have been lifted will also find the start and finish points of each walk have a pub nearby to slake a thirst.

Cliff is also donating proceeds from his book to Guide Dogs for the Blind.

A born and bred Wiganer, Cliff worked for Wigan Council as an auditor before becoming a licenced trade stocktaker, initially with Greenall Whitley. He then spent three decades working self-employed.

Ardent rugby fan Cliff played for Wigan RUFC for 25 years and spent 15 years as a junior rugby league coach, with future stars including Sean O’Loughlin, Paul Deacon and Paul Johnson benefitting from his tuition.

He also supports the town’s football team and was at Wembley in 2013 to see Latics lift the FA Cup.

Cliff has been married to Lynn for 47 years and they have two children, Michael and Kerry. and four grandchildren Will, Jessica, Layla and Hallie.

Sadly, since completing the book Cliff’s eyesight has deteriorated due to a long-term health condition which means that although he still regularly gets out walking he has to restrict himself to less adventurous terrain.

Walks Around Wonderful Wigan, by Cliff Peters, is out now and available from a number of leading online retailers.

Find out more, including how to purchase a copy, at www.shieldcrest.co.uk/about/featured-authors/cliff-peters/

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