With the weather getting colder and nights drawing in, it is important to stay active. At this time of year, a country walk is one of the best ways of doing this.
Walking in the countryside is not only good for your physical health and fitness, but it can also benefit your mental wellbeing and ward off the seasonal blues.
As an added benefit, a walk provides a perfect excuse for a pub lunch afterwards, as a reward for your activity!
Cheshire offers a great range of winter walking options. On a bright sunny day under a clear blue sky, you can enjoy wonderful scenery with a wide selection of routes to choose from.
It is worth taking some sensible precautions before you set off
While it may be tempting to simply put on your coat and set off, it is prudent to plan ahead to make sure you get the most from your walk.
For example, you should always check the weather forecast. Conditions can change quickly, and getting caught in driving rain, especially if you have children with you, is not conducive to an enjoyable day out.
While most of the trails you can read about here are well marked, it is always advisable to take a map with you (Google Maps works well) or download a walking app on your phone.
If you are new to country walks, you may want to start with smaller, flatter routes before building up to longer hikes. It is also worth investing in a pair of sturdy walking shoes and wearing layers of clothing you can take off or put on depending on the weather.
With all that in mind, here are some of the best winter walks in Cheshire for you to enjoy.
1. A choice of walks through Macclesfield Forest and around Trentabank Reservoir
Two of the most popular and contrasting types of country walks are through woodland and around open water, such as lakes or reservoirs.
Macclesfield Forest provides the best of both worlds.
The forest is perfect for a peaceful winter stroll and offers several marked trails of varying distances. You can embrace the peace and quiet as you wander through the trees, seeing your breath and enjoying the crunch of leaves underfoot.
Then, as an alternative, or addition if you are feeling adventurous, check out the serene lake views as you walk around Trentabank Reservoir.
2. The natural beauty of Delamere Forest
Delamere Forest provides a range of walking options. This means that it is perfect for all groups looking for a bracing winter walk, from beginners and families with small children, to more seasoned hikers.
For example, the longest route taking in Old Pale Hill stretches over five miles, with much of it on a very hilly track that is not particularly family friendly.
However, other routes are more straightforward, such as The Gruffalo Trail, which features wooden sculptures of characters from the book along a pushchair-friendly path.
As another alternative, the Whitemoor Trail is primarily woodland, which makes it an ideal option on a cold and windy day as the trees provide shelter from the elements.
In the same area, you can also walk the Blakemere Moss trail, which is a seven-mile circular route around a stunning lake.
3. The fabulous grounds of Tatton Park in Knutsford
Tatton Park in Knutsford is a historical estate with over a thousand acres of parkland to explore.
If the huge stately home looks familiar, it is probably because it is a popular film and TV drama location, with Brideshead Revisited, the Forsyte Saga, and Robin Hood all filmed in the grounds.
It offers a range of different marked walks, including a five-mile circular route around the grounds, as well as shorter options along nature trails and through the park and woodlands.
There are also the less-strenuous routes around the gardens and the deer park, which offer wonderfully scenic views in the winter.
4. Follow the Sandstone Trail from Frodsham to Whitchurch
The Sandstone Trail is one of the best-known walking routes in Cheshire.
In total, it covers over 34 miles. While even seasoned hikers would find the complete length a challenge in a single day, the variety of terrain makes it ideal for those looking for shorter sections to explore.
As a complete trail, it is “there and back” rather than a circular walk. But it should be easy to find a suitable hike that meets your needs and abilities with some advance planning.
There is a great mix of scenic countryside, woodland, and hilltop views. The latter, in particular, are among the main attractions, and make it perfect for a bracing winter walk.
5. Beeston Castle and Woodland Park
If you enjoy walking and are a history buff, you will want to visit Beeston Castle and the surrounding parks, with over 40 acres of open space and tracks to explore.
The walk up to the castle is quite steep, but it is worth the exertion as it offers spectacular views across as many as eight counties on a clear day. This includes views of both the Pennines and the Welsh mountains.
As an added bonus, there is also a museum on site, with exhibits spanning periods from the Bronze Age to the English Civil War.
Note that part of the Sandstone Trail passes through this area, so you could tackle both walks in one day.
6. Circular walk around the Lymm Dam
Of all the walks you have read about here, possibly the best for a novice is the 3.6-mile route around the Lymm Dam Heritage Trail.
It is a scenic circular walk that offers a mix of woodland and open water, so if you are not used to countryside walks, you will get an immediate taste of the attractions they have to offer.
Furthermore, the track is relatively flat and suitable for pushchairs and buggies, so it is a great walk you can enjoy with the family.
The alternative routes that go into the woods and via The Dingle are shorter, but the track is slightly steeper.
All the alternative routes pass through Lymm village centre, where you can find plenty of options for lunch at the end of your walk.
Get in touch
If you would like to talk to us about any aspects of your financial planning, you can email enquiries@dbl-am.com or call 01625 529 499 to speak to us today.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute financial and legal advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.