Walking in Cheshire

The county of Cheshire is tucked in against the Welsh border just below the industrial conurbations of Liverpool and Manchester. It provides a link between the Midlands and England's rugged North-West counties and its location, forming a connecting link to these three regions has led to a rich and eventful history. The landscape too is full of variety and interest, ranging from the gentle pastoral lowlands and peaceful wooded hillsides of the Cheshire Plain in the west, to panoramic heights of purple moorland and wild hills in the east.

Cheshire is a great county to explore on foot. With an area of about 2,000 sq. km. there are endless possibilities for great walks within a network of over 3,000km of footpaths and other rights of way. Rocky ridges and broad river valleys create natural routes with plenty of quiet corners to explore, together with many opportunities to see flourishing local crafts, or visit famous historic towns and villages, country houses and beautiful gardens.

The landscape of the Cheshire Plain is typically one of dairy farming, Friesian cows grazing contentedly in green pastures, shady woodland and picturesque black and white 'Magpie' houses nestling between the fields. The essential element of water is provided by the gently flowing River Dee as it makes its way, via historic Chester, to the Irish Sea. Scenic variety is provided by sandstone up thrusts such as Alderney Edge with its wooded escarpment and fine views of the Cheshire Plain. Similarly, Delamere Forest, old Crown woodland, provides splendid trails through Scots and Corsican Pines.

East Cheshire provides a more dramatic contrast to the Plain as the landscape rises towards the gritstone Pennine foothills and rich pasture becomes open hill country with stone walls and upland meadows where sheep graze. The areas around Shutlingsloe, often referred to as Cheshire's Matterhorn because of its distinctive profile, Shining Tor, and Kettleshulme on the eastern county border, provide excellent if energetic walking.

The Wirral, a peninsular formed between the River Mersey and River Dee estuaries, provides yet another distinctive Cheshire landscape. Here the coastal marshes are an important sanctuary for wildlife and a bracing winter walk will be rewarded with the sight of thousands of wading birds and wildfowl as well as magnificent estuary views.

Wilmslow lies in a deep valley of the River Bollin. From its source near Shutlingslow the river flows through some beautiful countryside offering enjoyable walking. The town itself is an affluent modern place largely providing a dormitory to Manchester.

Alderley Edge, to the south, is a wooded sandstone escarpment overlooking the Cheshire Plain. It is well worth planning a walk to include the Edge and perhaps also nearby Hare Hill. Nether Alderley watermill (NT), which dates from the 15th century, and is in full working order with regular flour grinding demonstrations, is well worth including in a walk.

The origins of the county town of Chester go back to the Roman camp of Deva, established in AD79 to protect the fertile area from marauding Welsh clans. The Roman remains are remarkable, including some of the original town walls and an amphitheatre. However, it is the building from the middle ages onwards that gives Chester its unique and attractive character, particularly the galleried streets and balustraded walkways. Chester is definitely worthy of a visit, and there are a number of interesting walking locations in the area, making the town an ideal location for a weekend break.

Peover Heath

An attractive village to the south of Knutsford, Peover Heath is one of a number of settlements in the area with the name Peover, which is pronounced 'Peever'. The name derives from the ancient Anglo-Saxon word 'peefer' meaning 'bright river' and refers to a stream called Peover Eye which meanders through the district. It's a pleasant walk from here to the Jodrell Bank Centre and Arboretum. Also, just a mile away, is Peover Hall and Gardens. Dating from 1585 the Hall is well known for its fine Jacobean stables, chapel, landscaped gardens and topiary work.

A Walk from Peover Heath [SJ 793736]

Dog Inn, Peover Heath The area around Peover Heath is one that has changed little over the centuries, where ancient woodlands and old estates are mixed into a most appealing landscape. This walk takes you away from Peover Heath along a lane prior to crossing lush green fields in a northerly direction. A virtually straight cross-country path then leads to a lane for the return stroll back to the start. About 2.5 miles.
Best Pub for this walk
Dog Inn, Peover Heath Tel: 01625 861421 (Good Pub Guide)
Set in a quiet lane this attractive pub has a very pretty front garden with colourful hanging baskets and picnic tables, and there is also a beer garden at the rear. There are several room options inside. Excellent value bar food is available from soup, sandwiches and ploughman’s to steak and kidney pie, roasts, and much more.

Macclesfield

Macclesfield's early development was as a silk manufacturing town. The old town has much character within its steep streets which contain some attractive black and white 'Magpie' houses. To the east of the town lies the green Bollin Valley and beyond, the dramatic gritstone hills of The Peak district. Macclesfield forest, 6km east, is a wild moorland which was once part of a royal hunting park. There are a herd of red deer who share the forest with foxes, badgers and other wildlife. Further east lies the remotely sited Cat and Fiddle Inn. Situated three miles south of Macclesfield is Gawsworth Hall, an attractive 15th century half-timbered manor house.