The Millenium Walk was created by the Town Council in the year 2000 as a lasting legacy to celebrate the new Millenium. It was established in collaboration with Solway Rural Initiatives, working alongside a Community Payback group. The bridge across Speet Gill was provided by UCB, now Innovia Films, which the town remains deeply grateful for.
Millenium Walk Route
The walk begins at Proctors Row, on the south side of St Mary’s Church, before proceeding down Laurel Terrace toward the Swimming Baths, which were built for the town by Edwin Banks. The walk continues over Stoney Banks, leading to the entrance of the Millenium Path, where there is an information board explaining the area and its wildlife.
Continue eastward along Speet Gill through natural woodland for approximately 300-400 metres. Before reaching the path’s end – where two picnic benches are situated – cross the bridge over Speet Gill and follow the scenic path through the pine trees and over the hill until it meets Kirkland Lane. You may wish to linger at the top of the hill and take in the interesting views of the town, accompanied by an information board detailing the area’s history. At the end of the pine trees you will join Kirkland Lane, a public ‘Right of Way’, which has been used for hundreds of years. You could choose to turn right on Kirkland Lane which takes you through open fields ending at Kirkland Hall, roughly 400-500 metres away.
For those wanting to take the circular walk, a left turn leads back towards Wigton. About halfway down Kirkland Lane, lined with old iron railings, there is a sitting post which provides an ideal resting point. From here, looking left offers a view of Highmoor Tower, once home to the prominent Banks family. Continuing, the route crosses Stoney Banks again, where walkers can take a right turn along Tenters, toward Market Hill and the Black-a-Moor pub, once home to Melvyn Bragg. However, for those following the Millenium Walk, going straight over onto Little Lane leads you to Brookside, where the route crosses Speet Gill for the third and final time.
At the top of the walled Little Lane, the walk continues through Water Street and up Church Lane, following the north side of St Mary’s Church. Along the way, the historic ‘Alms Houses’ – built in 1723 – stand on the right. You will complete the circular walk at the Corn Market, in front of the church.
This scenic and rewarding route takes approximately half an hour to complete.