The Best Walks in Cheshire That You Should Actually Explore

Walkers love Cheshire, with its rolling hills and charming towns. Check out the best walks in Cheshire from the Wirral to the Peak District.

Some of the best walks in the north west can be found in Cheshire. From the city walls of Chester to the Delamere Forest, there's something for everyone. This guide covers the [x] best walks in Cheshire so you can plan your perfect Cheshire holiday.

Best Walks in Cheshire

Three Shires Head

This pleasant circuit of a little over 4 miles takes you out to Three Shires Head and back, through secluded river valleys, ancient woodland, heather moorlands and beautiful waterfalls at the point where Cheshire, Staffordshire and Derbyshire meet.

This route can take just over an hour or so hours if you don't stop, but on a nice sunny day we'd recommend giving yourself a good couple of hours to enjoy this scenic walk.

Tegg's Nose

The Tegg's Nose Country Park Trail starts from the Visitor Centre off Old Buxton Road, taking you uphill towards the old quarry and the quarry equipment display, the Tegg’s Nose summit at a height of 380 metres, Bottoms and Tegg's Nose reservoirs and fantastic views across Macclesfield Forest.

This 2.5 mile trail on the edge of the Peak District is great for summer days with clear skies.

Delamere Forest

Delamere Forest is the largest woodland in Cheshire, home to many gentle forest trails ideal for all ages and abilities. You'll find sandstone paths, lots of mature trees to shelter under and Blakemere Moss, a popular lake for bird watchers.

The Delamere Forest Walk is 5.1 miles long and should take just over 2 hours to complete. On this circular walk from Delamere Rail Station in Cheshire, you'll climb to the summit of Old Pale Hill where you will be rewarded with fantastic views across seven counties, stretching as far as Liverpool's iconic skyline, before descending into the enchanted Delamere Forest.

Gawsworth

Gawsworth Hall is perfect for a pleasant circular walk, guiding you through farmland and rolling Cheshire countryside, along the Macclesfield Canal and across the Danes Moss Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest

This 3.5 mile circular route will take you between 1 and 1/2 or 2 and 1/2 hours to complete, depending on whether you'd like to complete it in one regular pace or allow yourself to stroll and stop to admire the scenery.

Bosley Cloud

Bosley Cloud is a 343 metre hill situated within Cheshire's Peak District on the border between Cheshire and Staffordshire, making it one of the highest hills in the area and one of the best places to see incredible views.

At the summit of Bosley Cloud you'll feel on top of the world with views across the whole Cheshire Plain and the ridge of Cheshire’s Peak District.

This 2.5 mile walk will take you up to 2 hours to complete, but be prepared for rocky terrain and a lot of uphill hiking.

Mobberley Rail Trail Walk

This circular walk starts from Mobberley Railway Station, built in 1862. The route explores the beautiful countryside in Mobberley, one of the oldest parishes in England. The area is rich in history including the church of St Wilfrid and St Mary which dates back to 1245, which is definitely worth a visit. On this route you'll find country lanes and footpaths through pastures and arable fields, as well as an impressive stretch that crosses the approach to the runway of Manchester Airport, where incoming planes loom at what feels like just a few feet overhead!

The Mobberley Rail Trail walk is 4 miles long and will take you around 2 hours to complete.

Bickerton Hill

The Bickerton Hills are home to a rich variety of habitats, from lovely woodland to bogs and pools, and in the summertime you can expect to see lovely purple heather, yellow gorse mingle and bilberry bushes. Here you'll also find the largest continuous area of rare lowland heath in Cheshire, which is at the heart of the National Trust's ‘Habitats and Hillforts’ project which aims to conserve and enhance existing habitats and create new areas linking them together.

Countess of Chester Country Park

A former landfill site transformed by The Land Trust, The Countess of Chester Country Park is home to natural and peaceful surroundings designed to bring the countryside closer to the city.

For a beautiful short walk around Countess of Chester Country Park, start in Abbot's Meads and explore a circular 1.6 mile route through grassy fields and along different paths with wonderful scenery along the way. The route is relatively flat throughout and makes a perfect walk to do with the whole family.

Caldy Valley Nature Park

Caldy Nature Park is a small area of wetland, woodland and meadows close to Chester city centre. From the car park you'll find a relaxing circular route around Caldy Nature Park, with easily accessible paths throughout making this route ideal for all ages and abilities. There are several benches around the park giving you plenty of opportunity to sit and relax or enjoy the scenery. You can easily enjoy an hour or more in Caldy Valley Nature Park.

Macclesfield Forest

Situated in the Peak District National Park, Macclesfield Forest is home to a herd of red deer, tall pine trees and a native broafd leaf tree planting programme.

Here you'll find countless beautiful walking routes, but if you're looking for something easy for the whole family we recommend a stroll around the Trentabank Reservoir. Here you can enjoy a leisurely walk with beautiful views of the reservoir, and you'll be likely to spot a variety of wildfowl species and the largest heronry in the Peak District.

Walks Near Chester

Chester City Walls

The best way to enjoy a short circular walk for you and the whole family in Chester is to explore its historic city walls. These walls are the oldest, longest and most complete in Britain - some of which are almost 2000 years old. This 2 mile route is perfect if you're looking to find wonderful views of the city and a fascinating insight into its incredible Roman and medieval history.

Sandstone Trail

If you're looking for a long distance walk, Cheshire’s Sandstone Trail is one of the most popular routes in North West England, and it was once voted by ITV viewers as one of ‘Britain’s Favourite Walks‘! The Trail stretches across 34 miles of Cheshire’s Sandstone Ridge and offers a fantastic walking experience across the Cheshire countryside, running from the ancient market town of Frodsham on the broad Mersey estuary, to Georgian Whitchurch in rural north Shropshire.

Chester Castle

If you're looking to explore Chester's rich history, the Chester City Walk is the perfect route for you. Starting at Chester Castle where you can enjoy impressive views of the River Dee, this 2 mile walk will guide you to the Grosvenor Museum, followed by Chester Cathedral and its impressive gardens, the King Charles Tower, and then Eastgate with its iconic Eastgate Clock - a perfect photo opp! Next, discover the Roman Ampitheatre and Roman Gardens, before enjoying Grosvenor Park and arriving at the Old Dee Bridge.

Welsh Border

Chester sits right on the English and Welsh border, so why not take the opportunity for a stroll right into Wales? This delightful 7 mile route starts at Old Dee Bridge alongside the River Dee, right in the heart of the city. Just follow the river all the way to Saltney Ferry, cross the Welsh border and walk over the footbridge to return on the other side of the river. The return journey will take you through Curzon Park before rejoining the riverside and arriving in the charming district of Handbridge. This pleasant route should take you around 2 and 1/2 hours to complete.

Dog Walks in Cheshire

Marbury Country Park

Marbury Country Park lies in the heart of Northwich Community Woodlands, where former industrial land is gradually being transformed into a rich and green environment. Here you can wander along the mere, explore the community gardens, lime avenues and arboretum, and enjoy the picnic area and children's play area.

Grosvenor Park

Situated just outside the city walls and overlooking the River Dee, Grosvenor Park is extremely popular with residents and visitors to the city alike and one of the finest examples of Victorian parks in the UK. Grosvenor Park is home to a popular miniature railway for fun filled train rides, and a great fully accessible play area designed by a local artist using a range of natural materials. You'll also find the Lodge Cafe offering light lunches, refreshments and afternoon tea. If you're visiting in summer, the Grosvenor Park Open Theatre is a must see!

Bickerton Hill & Maiden Castle

Bickerton Hill is a perfect place to visit, whether you're looking for peace and quiet or lots to see and do. Be sure you explore the remains of Maiden Castle, a fort ruins that date back to the Iron Age.

Now a Scheduled Ancient Monument of national importance, Maiden Castle was built at Bickerton between 500 and 600 BC and was probably still occupied when the Romans arrived in Britain. This whole site would have once been a busy and bustling settlement with stone and timber buildings, trackways and livestock enclosures.

Kettleshulme

This Peak District walk feautres some long steep ascents, but your effort will be highly rewarded with fantastic views across the whole landscape. This route starts from a small parking space on the road from Pott Shrigley to Kettleshulme. Follow the footpath leaving this road, cross the stile and head south climbing up the field with the wall to your right. The route will take you to farm tracks, cottages and beautiful scenery.

Lyme Park

Nestled on the edge of the Peak District, Lyme is a 1400 acre estate with a herd of red deer and some incredible scenery. For a peaceful walk, explore the elegant Rose Garden, Ravine Garden or the luxurious herbaceous borders next to the reflecting lake (where Mr Darcy met Miss Bennet in the BBC production of 'Pride and Prejudice'!). For a delicious choice of hot and cold snacks and sweet treats, stop by The Timber Yard Cafe. There is also a Refreshment Kiosk in the car park offering drinks and ice creams.

Nantwich Riverside Loop

For a pleasant and peaceful walk from the town centre, the Nantwich Riverside Loop will guide you along the Riverside Park, the Shropshire Union Canal and the historic Welsh Row. This is a simple walk to do, just follow the signs in either direction and enjoy exploring the historic Cheshire countryside. This scenic 3 mile route will take you up to 2 hours to complete.

Mow Cop Castle

This short trail explores the history of Mow Cop, exploring the ruins of Mow Cop Castle and the distinctive rock feature Old Man o'Mow. This is a perfect trail for history fanatics or anybody wishing to enjoy spectacular views over the Cheshire and Staffordshire countryside.

Raw Head Walk

No visit to Cheshire would be complete without climbing Raw Head, the highest point of the Sandstone Trail at 227 metres. Starting in the picturesque village of Burwardsley, this 5.5 mile walk will guide you along woodlands where wrens, goldcrests and pheasants roam, the atmospheric woods on Bulkeley Hil, and natural stone outcrops providing perfect places to stop and admire the view.

Risley Moss Nature Reserve

The boggy landscape of Risley Moss is mostly known for the moss itself, but there are plenty of other attractive landscape features to explore, such as mature oak, ash and hazel woodlands that have been specially designed for recreation with pleasant circular walks to enjoy.

As many as 60 species of breeding birds and 50 visiting species can be observed on the moss, as well as adders, lizards, ponds newts, frogs and toads. Around the Nature Reserve, you will see many wooden sculptures created by local artists.

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