This short walk around Pex Hill and Cronton is about 3 miles (5 km) in length. It is pleasantly varied in an area otherwise dominated by rather flat agricultural land and there are extensive views from Pex Hill. At the old village of Cronton, the Unicorn pub provides the usual refreshments. The paths are all good and clear but parts of the way can be muddy and slippery so walking boots are advisable in wet conditions.

The relevant Ordnance Survey 1:25000 Explorer map is No. 275. For further information on the locations visited, click on the images.

	Detailed mapping and satellite photography for this walk courtesy of Bing Maps
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Start at the car park [1] at the top of Pex Hill by the Liverpool Astronomical Society's observatory, marked on the OS map as a visitor centre (now closed). The view from here 230 ft (70 m) up is extensive, from the Widnes-Runcorn bridge on the left to Liverpool on the right via an array of Welsh mountains including, in clear conditions, the Berwyn and Clwydian Ranges, and Snowdon, the Glyders, Tryfan and the Carneddau of Snowdonia.

Go out of the car park entrance and turn left alongside the reservoirs [2]. These were constructed with stone from the local quarry and the oldest dates from 1878. Follow the lane to the right and then bear left near the end of the reservoir along the path running down the hill by the trees. Just before the path crosses a little bridge over a brook, turn left through the hedge and walk along the right hand side of the field. Keep Cronton Wood on your right and the path curves to the right and becomes a broad track across open fields. Turn left by a pylon along a narrower path, which goes through a gate and some converted farm buildings to reach Hall Lane. Turn right and keep straight ahead by the remains of the old cross [3] onto Penny Lane.

Just before Tue Lane (actually marked as Penny Lane by the roadside), take the footpath across the fields on the left signposted Cronton Road. Turn right at Cronton Road and almost immediately left into Lodge Lane. Go past the farm buildings and shortly after there is a clearly marked footpath on the left. Follow the way marked across the fields, turning first to the left and then round to the right to emerge back onto Cronton Road.

Turn right onto Cronton Road and the Unicorn pub [4] is just opposite. Just along on the other side of the road are the remains of St. Anne's Well [5], now filled-in. Cross at the traffic lights by the old village stocks and stay along Cronton road until you are about to leave the village, where you turn left into Hall Lane and then right into Mill Lane. At the end of the lane, keep straight ahead through a gate and along a path leading up Pex Hill.

At the top of the path is Pex Hill Quarry [6]. You can descend into the quarry through a gate here - it's an interesting and atmospheric place. Follow the path to the right, keeping to the edge of the quarry, to arrive back at the car park.