[1] Leave the centre and turn right on Mauldeth Road West. At the traffic lights cross Barlow Moor Road and continue on Hardy Lane. (Note: The path from Hardy Lane to Jackson's Boat can flood but only after persistent very wet weather). Cross Dagnall Avenue, Cundiff Road and Hurstville Road (the road markings suggest that Hardy Lane itself turns right into Hurstville Road but ignore this). On the right hand corner of Hardy Lane, just past house number 102, there is an entrance to Chorlton Meadows. There are barriers to keep motorbikes out but there is no difficulty in walking through. Follow the path (there are two parallel paths, one grit and one grass nearer the river) which leads to Jackson's Bridge over the Mersey. On the other side of the bridge is (A) Jackson's Boat pub.
[2] Walk about 200 yards past the bridge along the river bank (caution, small children need to be supervised by the river) and you will see a path to the right. There is a board saying Chorlton Ees Nature Reserve (B). Go through the gate and follow this path which runs between woods and a meadow - one of the few places within the Manchester City boundaries where you can expect to see cattle. This meadow used to be a water meadow where winter excessive water was stored, and before the Second World War was a popular winter skating venue.
Towards the end the path becomes cobbled. Pass through another gate and at the T-junction turn right on a cobbled road, or go on a little further, crossing a foot bridge, and then turn right. A dirt track goes along the side of Chorlton Brook. Walk to the end of the cobbled road - Chorlton Brook is on your left - or to the end of the dirt track with the Brook on your right, and towards the end you will pass the back of Brookburn School.
[3] You have now reached Brookburn Road. Cross Brookburn Road and turn left. Pass the Bowling Green pub and take the steps leading from the pub's outside seating area into the old graveyard. Walk through the graveyard and exit under the lychgate (C).
[4] Cross Crossland Road and continue straight on with Chorlton Green on your left. At the end of the green turn right on Beech Road.
This is Chorlton Village and you will pass a variety of pubs, bars, restaurants and shops - although in some cases it is not easy to tell what the shops are selling.
Continue past Beech Road Park (a suitable place for small children to enjoy swings and slides) and go to the end of Beech Road.
[5] Turn right on Barlow Moor Road. You will soon reach a traffic light controlled pedestrian crossing. Use this to cross Barlow Moor Road. Just past the Feathers Pub (currently closed) you will see a gate into Chorlton Park. Enter the park and follow the path which leads to the right between the lines of Chestnut trees and the winter football pitches. This will take you back to the centre.