Cheshire’s footpaths are a treat for the eyes and a journey through the county’s history.
As you walk these paths you’ll come across many historical landmarks that tell the story of Cheshire’s past.
- Beeston Castle: Near the Sandstone Trail, this medieval fortress has views of eight counties on a clear day. The ruins are a reminder of Cheshire’s importance in medieval times.
- Chester Roman Amphitheatre: On the Cheshire Way, a detour into Chester will take you to the largest Roman amphitheatre in Britain, the city’s Roman heritage.
- Norton Priory: Near the Mersey Forest, Norton Priory is one of the most excavated monastic sites in Europe, to see what life was like in the 12th century.
Seasonal Walking in Cheshire
The walking trails in Cheshire change with the seasons:
- Spring: See the wildflowers explode, especially in Delamere Forest, where bluebells carpet the floor. This is also the best time to see newborn wildlife.
- Summer: Enjoy the long days on paths like The Cheshire Way, where the greenery is at its best. Warm weather makes this the perfect time for a riverside picnic.
- Autumn: Bickerton and the Sandstone Ridge are particularly beautiful as the leaves change — a vibrant red, orange and yellow tapestry.
- Winter: For a more challenging walk, winter in Cheshire offers crisp clear days where the landscape is often frosted and trails like The Gritstone Trail are magical.
Wildlife Watching
Cheshire’s walking trails are a nature lover’s paradise:
- Birdwatching: The Mersey Forest and surrounding wetlands are birdwatcher’s hotspots. Kingfisher, herons and buzzards are often seen.
- Deer in Delamere: Delamere Forest has a thriving deer population, which can be seen grazing in the morning or evening.
- Badgers and Foxes: Paths through more secluded areas like the Peckforton Hills are where you can see badgers and foxes in their natural habitat.
Local Food and Drink: A Taste of Cheshire
No Cheshire walk would be complete without trying the local food.
Here are some places to visit along the paths:
- Cheshire Cheese: Stop off at local pubs like The Pheasant Inn on the Sandstone Trail to try the famous Cheshire cheese, a regional speciality that’s been around for centuries.
- Afternoon Tea: Have a traditional English afternoon tea in one of the many tea rooms in Chester or near Delamere Forest where you can rest and refuel after a day’s walking.
- Local Breweries: Many of Cheshire’s villages have local breweries with craft beers and ales. The Bollington Brewing Company near the Gritstone Trail is a popular stop for walkers.
Accessibility and Family-Friendly Trails
Cheshire has trails for everyone, including families with young children and those with mobility issues:
- Tatton Park Gardens: For a great family day out, this trail is flat and easy with walks around beautiful gardens, a children’s play area and a farm.
- Marbury Country Park: Located near Northwich, this park has several wheelchair-friendly trails, picnic facilities and children’s play areas.
Guided Walks and Events
If you want to get more out of your walking experience, Cheshire has guided walks and walking events throughout the year:
- Cheshire Walking Festival: Held in May every year, this festival has guided walks on various trails for different interests and abilities.
- Wildlife Walks: Organised by local nature reserves and parks, these guided walks are about learning about the local wildlife.
Practical Info
If you’re planning a multi-day walk or longer stay in Cheshire, here are the things you should know:
- Public Transport: Cheshire is well connected by train and bus. Many trails are accessible from towns with direct rail links so you don’t need to have a car.
- Parking: Most trailheads have parking but can get busy during peak times, so arrive early.
- Dog Friendly: Many trails are dog friendly — Delamere Forest and Sandstone Trail are popular ones. Remember to keep dogs on leads in areas with livestock.
Chester Tourism FAQ
How hard is the Box Hill walk?
The Box Hill walk is moderate to challenging with some steep inclines and uneven terrain. The walk is 3 miles long and takes 2-3 hours to complete. It is not suitable for beginners or those with mobility issues.
How long is the Alderley Edge walk?
This walk is 4 miles long and takes 2-3 hours to complete. It has some moderate inclines and uneven terrain but great views and historic landmarks make it worth it.
Can I do the Gritstone Trail in a day?
Yes, but you need to be fit and have endurance. It is 35 miles long and takes 8-10 hours to complete. Plan your route and schedule in advance to ensure you finish before dark.
What is the Cheshire Walks app?
The Cheshire Walks app is a free mobile app to help you explore and navigate the many walking trails in Cheshire. The app includes route maps, GPS tracking and local information and amenities. It is available on iOS and Android.