Which of the pregrouping Rly Cos had the shortest route between Manchester & Lpool what was the mileage?

Question

Which of the pregrouping Rly Cos had the shortest route between Manchester & Lpool what was the mileage?

Answer 1

London & North Western - 37 1/4 via Warrington, Bank Quay

London & North Western - 31 1/2 via  Earlstown (the original route of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway)

London & North Western - 37 via Wigan

Cheshire Lines Committee - 35

So the 'Premier Line' had it!

Answer 2

I would think the Liverpool Centreal to Manchester Central route (CLC Cheshire Lines Committee)