I went on a canal walk and found a pub that looked like it was out of a postcard

January is peak time for wintry walks with every man and his dog - literally - keen to "blow away the cobwebs" after the festive period.

We're extremely lucky here in Merseyside, with its abundance of beautiful parks and sandy coastlines, and there is always a nice hike to be had. But if you fancy a change, I found a new glorious walk not far away at all.

Less than a 45 minute drive from Liverpool is the pretty village of Halsall in West Lancashire, which sits on the Leeds Liverpool canal.

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We parked near the Saracens Head, an idyllic gastro pub that sits right at the water's edge. The pub is dog-friendly, and offers great food, and cold pints, not to mention its pretty exterior and thatched roof make it look like something right out of a postcard.

The trail we took began and ended back at the pub and as we made our way along the canal on a sunny but cold Sunday morning, we were greeted by a number of cheery people passing - both on boats and on foot.

Along the way we passed the Halsall Navvy sculpture which commemorates the workers that constructed the Leeds Liverpool Canal. It stands close to the place where the first piece of earth was dug on the entire route in 1770.

We then meandered through the Haskayne Cutting Nature Reserve, based around an old railway line which is now occupied by a stream. It's important to note that while this was a stunning walk, it can get quite muddy - and slippy - underfoot.

The walk takes about an hour and a half and covers around four miles. Here is the route in full:

• Starting from the pub, cross over the bridge and follow round the grass patch past the Halsall Navvy. Follow the