LYMM ranger Tim Baker says that walkers are often surprised about what is on their doorstep.

Tucked away in the village is the Green Flag awardwinning Lymm Dam, the Trans Pennine Trail, the Bridgewater Canal, the old route of the Mersey, Booths Hill and the Bollin Valley.

This is your chance to discover Lymm’s extensive network of paths for yourself because the Ranger Service is hosting a guided walk on Sunday.

The Parish Pathfinder circular walk will cover more than seven miles in length and yet venture little more than a mile from the village centre.

Tim, who has been a ranger for almost 30 years, said: “We do get a few people coming on our Lymm walks who’ve recently moved to the area and want to get to know their surroundings a little better.

“But the Ranger Service leads walks across the borough so our walkers come from all over town. Often they are surprised about what’s on their doorstep.

“Warrington has a rich natural and built heritage and its historic transport network, particularly its current and former canals together with alterations to the Mersey, has left us the legacy of some great countryside links.”

Tim told Weekend that there will be plenty of wildlife to look out for.

He said: “Lymm Dam and Statham ox bow offer good views of waterfowl.

“Nuthatch, woodpecker, treecreeper and other woodland birds can be spotted at Lymm Dam and along the Trans Pennine Trail, finches feed on the seed heads from last summer’s wildflowers.”

The walk may be more than seven miles but is suitable for most levels of fitness.

Tim, from Birchwood, added: “That may sound a bit daunting if you aren’t used to countryside walking.

“But people might be surprised at how easily they can cover that kind of distance.

“The Ranger Service attempts to encourage everybody to make greater use of Warrington’s open spaces so we try to make our walks as welcoming as possible.

“The pace is fairly moderate and the terrain not too challenging. We do have some regulars and quite serious long distance walkers, but we have a lot of newcomers too.”

Tim became a ranger in 1985 with Lymm Dam and the Trans Pennine Trail his main responsibilities.

The 49-year-old is also involved with the Lymm Environment and Heritage Group and works with Sustrans, the charity that promotes walking and cycling, on the Trans Pennine Trail.

Tim said: “The Trans Pennine Trail, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, is a tremendous asset for Warrington offering greater outdoor recreation opportunities.

“It also brings in people from outside the area who are doing the full coast to coast route.

“I enjoy being a ranger because I enjoy the countryside and how varied the job is.

“I also enjoy the interaction with my colleagues in the rest of the Ranger Service.”

à To take part in Parish Pathfinder walk, meet at the Ranger Centre, off Statham Avenue, Lymm, at 11am.

Comfortable waterproof boots are recommended and you should bring a packed lunch.

The walk finishes about 3pm If you would like more information about the Ranger Service walks programme, call 442495 or you can email rangers@ warrington.gov.uk