Winter walks in Cheshire
Layer up, lace up your boots and head for the hills (or at least the endless countryside of rural Cheshire). Winter weekends were made for a crisp walk followed by a rich and warming meal in a cosy corner of a country pub. Start or finish in a well-known Cheshire town or village, or a quaint little hamlet that looks like something from a movie scene. There’s something in this selection of walks and country pubs for everyone.
Set off from the door or jump in the car:
RIVER BOLLIN
1 or 3 miles- Easy/Moderate
Allow 1–2 hours
Start: Prestbury Village
May be muddy in places and crosses a golf course and one stile. Village, riverside and woodland walking with a historic church and a dog-friendly short-cut.
WIZARD’S WELL & STORMY POINT
2¾ miles
Allow 2 hours
Start: Drum & Monkey
Includes a long-stepped climb to the Edge, some uneven or muddy paths, and a steep descent. Two stiles. Enjoy the views across to Manchester city centre from the top of the Edge.
The Drum & Monkey, Alderley Edge
THE CLOUD
2 ½ mile -challenging
Allow 1 ½ - 2 hours
Start: Timbersbrook picnic site
Sitting at 343 metres high, The Cloud is one of the highest hills in the area and one of the best places to see spectacular views of Cheshire. If you’re one for a scenic photograph, there are plenty of impressive photo opportunities on this walk.
BRERETON HEATH
3½ miles- easy
Allow 2 hours
Start: Swettenham Arms
Mostly surfaced throughout, with no stiles; suitable for all-terrain buggies. Some road walking, and much of the outward route is retraced on the return.
The Swettenham Arms, Congleton
LITTLE BUDWORTH / OULTON PARK CIRCULAR
6¼ miles- moderate
Allow 3–4 hours
Start: Various start points
Some paths may be muddy, under crops or overgrown. Several stiles, and some road walking.
