After months of cold, wet weather, we might finally be looking forward to some warmer air and sunshine in the UK.
Cold snaps with temperatures as low as minus seven degrees Celsius led to weather warnings across the country, including here in the north-west.
Fortunately, those days now look to be behind us, and we are finally able to enjoy some drier, warmer weather and more daylight hours.
As the weather warms up and the days get that little bit longer, it is the perfect opportunity to get out into nature and explore some of the fantastic landscapes here in Cheshire.
So, if you are looking to spend some time in the great outdoors and enjoy some of the sights of spring, here are five spring walks located across the county that you could take on this year.
1. The River Bollin Trail, Wilmslow
The first ramble on the list is a local one to us, taking in the scenic views around the banks of the River Bollin.
Starting from Wilmslow, this trail involves walking alongside the river as it makes its way under the Grade II-listed Vardon Bridge down toward Mottram Hall.
From here, you will head out across green fields and meadows, perfect for seeing spring flowers in all their glory. The route then takes you down to Mill Lane, before you will then return and come back the way you came.
This easy, relatively flat walk of between four and five miles typically takes around an hour and 45 minutes to complete.
2. Tegg’s Nose Country Park, Macclesfield
Tegg’s Nose Country Park is just down the road from Wilmslow in Macclesfield, located in the western part of the Peak District that flows over into Cheshire.
There are various routes you can take across the park. You could choose the moderate-intensity two- to four-mile circular walk that takes you up Tegg’s Nose itself, which is a 380-metre tall hill.
Enjoy panoramic views of the entire Peak District, as well as of Macclesfield Forest and the Cheshire Plain. On clear days, you can even spot the cathedrals in Liverpool, and the Welsh hills that lie beyond.
Or, you could explore part of the 35-mile Gritstone Trail that passes through the park on its way to Disley in the north and Kidsgrove in the south.
It may be worth starting at the Tegg’s Nose visitor centre, where you will find a walking leaflet detailing some of the options for exploring the area.
3. Delamere Forest, near Frodsham
Located around six miles south of Frodsham, Delamere Forest is the largest area of woodland in the whole of Cheshire, covering a remarkable 972 hectares.
As you can imagine, there are multiple trails across the forest that can be worth traversing. The Forestry England website has recommendations for five routes that you could consider:
- Old Pale Trail. This 1.9-mile circular walk takes you up to a viewpoint featuring seven stones that represent the counties you can spot from the top.
- Blakemere Trail. Across 3.6 miles, wander among mature trees and Blakemere Moss, a serene, shallow black lake around half a mile in length.
- Linmere Trail. A 2.1-mile walk in the centre of the park where you can see some of the major landmarks across Delamere without having to venture too far.
- Whitemoor Trail. This slightly more challenging, 6.5-mile walk takes you deeper into the woodlands of Delamere.
- Hunger Hill Trail. Enjoy views of Blakemere Moss as you take on this 3.7-mile trail. Bear in mind that this involves some steeper climbs, so may not be appropriate for walkers of all abilities.
The forest can be an ideal location during springtime as you can see flowers from this time of year, such as bluebells, as well as perennials including wild garlic.
4. The Sandstone Trail, Frodsham
The Sandstone Trail is a well-known long-distance walkway in Cheshire, travelling an impressive 34 miles from Frodsham all the way to Whitchurch in Shropshire. As the name suggests, the route covers the sandstone ridges between the two towns, taking you just over the Shropshire border at the end.
While the entire 34-mile hike is not going to be a relaxing day out for spring, there are plenty of sections along the way that are well worth looking at.
The Sandstone Ridge Trust recommends a variety of trails that could be worth considering, including:
- Frodsham to Barnsbridge Gates, Delamere, a 7.5-mile walk taking between three and four hours and covering the bustling town of Frodsham, as well as woodlands and outcrops of sandstone.
- John Street to Beeston Castle, a 5.5-mile trail that typically takes between two and three hours. On this one, you can head out into the Cheshire Plain, boasting views of Beeston Castle throughout before ultimately ending up at the 1220s structure itself.
- Frodsham Circular, a moderate-intensity route that takes between two-and-a-half to three hours across five miles. Although some of the gradients are steep on this walk, this is a perfect springtime walk as the rhododendrons and foxgloves burst into flower.
Simply pick your favoured segment of this walk based on how much you want to physically challenge yourself, and enjoy!
5. Bickerton Hill, near Tarporley
Located on the Sandstone Trail referenced above, Bickerton Hill is a National Trust property situated among 91 hectares of wild and rugged countryside.
Bickerton Hill itself is actually two red sandstone hills, the highest of which is named “Raw Head”, with a total elevation of 227 metres.
You can explore different walking routes across Bickerton Hill. There is a circular walk of around three miles that takes you up to the viewpoints here.
Or, there is a shorter walk of just one mile that can be more appropriate if you do not fancy anything too challenging. Just bear in mind that elements of this walk can be steep and rocky, and so may not be appropriate if you are not a confident walker.
Both trails head up through wooded areas before coming out to a spectacular view of the Cheshire Plain. On a clear day, this viewpoint goes two better than the Old Pale Trail in Delamere Forest, as you can see across an impressive nine counties, as well as over to the Welsh mountains.
This hike could also be ideal for history buffs, as you will find the remains of Maiden Castle, an Iron Age hill fort built between 500 and 600BC. There is a plaque with more information attached where you can learn more about the structure that probably once stood when the Romans arrived in Britain.
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Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.