The Guild Wheel and Walton-le-Dale
The Guild Wheel is a circular walking and cycling route that encircles Preston, linking the city with surrounding communities, green spaces, and countryside. Originally created to mark the 2012 Preston Guild, it has become one of the area’s most popular routes for both leisure and everyday travel.
On the doorstep of Walton-le-Dale
Although the Guild Wheel does not technically pass through Walton-le-Dale, it runs immediately alongside it, on the opposite bank of the River Ribble. In practical terms, this places the route right on the doorstep of the community, with easy access via nearby bridges and connecting paths.
This stretch of the route follows the Ribble’s riverside corridor and connects directly to key green spaces including Preston Junction Nature Reserve and Cuerden Valley Park, both of which are well used by residents of Walton-le-Dale and the wider South Ribble area.
Accessible and well-used
The Guild Wheel provides a largely traffic-free route suitable for:
- Walking and running
- Cycling and family rides
- Wheelchair and mobility access
It also offers a convenient off-road link into Preston city centre, making it valuable for both recreation and everyday journeys.
A shared local asset
While the route itself sits just beyond the historic boundary, it is very much part of everyday life in Walton-le-Dale. The Guild Wheel supports healthier lifestyles, encourages sustainable travel, and helps connect local communities with the natural setting of the River Ribble.
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Friends of the Guild Wheel
The Friends of the Guild Wheel are a volunteer-led group dedicated to caring for and protecting the route. Re-formed in 2020, they bring together local people who help to maintain the Wheel as a safe, accessible, and enjoyable space for everyone.
Through regular volunteer task days, the group carries out practical work such as clearing vegetation, litter picking, and improving sections of the path. They also work with local authorities and others to help safeguard the route from the impact of nearby development and to promote its long-term use.
Although they do not have a dedicated website, the Friends of the Guild Wheel maintain an active online presence and welcome support from anyone interested in helping to look after this important local resource.
Although they do not have a dedicated website, the Friends of the Guild Wheel maintain an active presence on social media, where they share updates and organise volunteer activities.
https://www.facebook.com/friendsoftheguildwheel
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Task Days and Volunteering
The Task Days 2026 page linked by the Friends of the Guild Wheel is a simple sign-up and information page for their volunteer activities. It acts as a central place where people can:
- View upcoming volunteer task days along the Guild Wheel
- Register their interest or sign up to take part
- Join a mailing list to receive updates and future dates
These task days typically involve practical work such as vegetation clearance, litter picking, and general maintenance to help keep the route accessible and well cared for.
https://friendsoftheguildwheel.eo.page/task-days-2026
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