Halton is turning up the volume on its musical heritage with the launch of Beyond the Tracks, a brand new 4.6-mile walking trail introduced by global pop icon and local legend Melanie C. Stretching between Widnes and Runcorn train stations, the trail reveals the stories, scandals, breakthroughs and unbelievable moments that shaped generations of British music.
Melanie C said “Halton has such a rich musical history, and so many incredible stories people don’t know about. Beyond the Tracks is a brilliant way to explore where it all happened, and I’m really proud to be a part of something that celebrates the area in this way.”
Across 17 stops, visitors can unlock the stories by scanning QR codes, each revealing a slice of Halton’s musical magic. From legendary gigs to once-in-a-lifetime encounters, the trail brings to life some of the sounds and stories that put the borough on the musical map.
Halton Borough Council’s Regeneration team are proud to launch Beyond the Tracks as a celebration of the borough’s musical heritage across Widnes and Runcorn. This is the first project as part of IN Widnes, the new regeneration framework. The trail brings together stories not only from music legends, but also from the local people who were there when the iconic moments took place.
Visitors can hear how one local nearly lost their job while waiting for one of only four Beatles signings, or what it was like to stand in the crowd at the legendary Stone Roses gig at Spike Island. Each story along the trail is voiced by local musician Lee Wylding, who secured a number one song in 2025 with his band, The Far North.
Lee said: “These aren’t just stories about famous bands – they’re stories from the people who were there. It’s about the excitement, the chaos and the moments that changed lives right here in Halton.”
As well as immersing visitors in these moments, the trail passes some of Halton’s landmarks and cultural venues. The route takes walkers from Victoria Park and The Studio to Widnes Market, on to the iconic Spike Island, and across the Silver Jubilee Bridge to the Brindley Theatre.
The Brindley is currently undergoing an exciting transformation as part of the Reconnecting Runcorn project and is set to become an even more important cultural hub for the borough. The trail continues past Frailers and the new Dukesfield Murals, heading up to Runcorn Station via the new Peace Garden. Visitors travelling onwards by train are also encouraged to look out for the murals along the route to Liverpool.
The trail has been designed with accessibility in mind. Audio narration is available at each stop, alongside BSL interpretations delivered by the team at the Deafness Resource Centre, on the trail website. QR codes also feature NaviLens technology, helping visually impaired users access and locate information without needing to precisely find the code.
Leanne Crampton said: “I’m really proud that this trail celebrates that and is accessible to as many people as possible.”
The walking route itself was developed with support from Active Halton, ensuring it is enjoyable and suitable for a wide range of walkers.
A spokesperson for Active Halton said: “Walking is one of the best ways to explore the borough, and this trail gives people a fun and inspiring reason to get out and discover new places. We’re delighted to have helped shape a route that people of all ages can enjoy.”
Beyond the Tracks is free to experience and open all year round, making it easy for residents and visitors alike to explore Halton’s musical past whenever they choose.
For more information on Health Walks around Halton, visit: https://activehalton.co.uk/walking/
Walk It. Share It. Go Beyond the Tracks.
Beyond the Tracks is live now, inviting residents and visitors to uncover Halton’s musical past, from folk clubs and punk nights to global superstars and unforgettable local legends.
Share your journey using #BeyondTheTracks and tag @visithalton.