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Visitors enjoying the garden at Dunham Massey, Cheshire
Visitors enjoying the garden at Dunham Massey, Cheshire | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Walking in Cheshire and Greater Manchester

Among the woods, hills, rivers and parkland, some of the walks and hikes around Cheshire and Greater Manchester will transport you to another age. Through the Southern Woods at Quarry Bank you’ll discover hidden gems from the cotton mill’s past, or head to Alderley Edge to encounter both a Bronze Age burial mound and a modern memorial to the Tudor Armada.

Best woodland walks in Cheshire and Greater Manchester

Visitor walking in the woods near Giant's Castle Bridge at Quarry Bank, Cheshire
Trail
Trail

A walk through Giant's Castle at Quarry Bank 

Discover the Western Woods at Quarry Bank. Explore ancient semi-natural woodland, following the twists and turns of the River Bollin as the trees are awash with colour.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3.4 (km: 5.44) to miles: 3.8 (km: 6.08)
Visitors on the Lantern walk at Lyme Park, Cheshire with trees and a tower in the background
Trail
Trail

A walk to the Lantern at Lyme 

Beautiful woodland and wonderful views await you on this self-led walk to Lantern Wood. On a clear day look out for Kinder Scout, the hills of Derbyshire and Yorkshire, Holme Moss and Winter Hill.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.7 (km: 2.72)
Fly agaric fungi with a bright red cap, white spots and white gills
Trail
Trail

A walk through the Southern Woods at Quarry Bank 

Explore the Southern Woods at Quarry Bank to find the jaw dropping display of bluebells carpeting the bank next to the River Bollin. As the river twists and turns alongside this woodland walk, keep your eyes out for other hidden gems.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6) to miles: 1.5 (km: 2.4)
The Druids Circle at Alderley Edge and Cheshire Countryside, Cheshire
Trail
Trail

The Wizard's Wander at Alderley Edge 

Enjoy an easy-access circular walk in the heart of the Cheshire countryside exploring mining remains and the popular legend of Alderley Edge.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)
Visitors walking in Chapel Woods in autumn at Quarry Bank, Cheshire
Trail
Trail

Kingfisher walk at Quarry Bank 

Discover the wider estate at Quarry Bank and see the Apprentice House, Styal Village and the Northern Woods on this circular walk, with lush fields and woodland areas with huge redwoods, rare rhododendrons and folly bridges.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.5 (km: 2.4)
The sun is shining on a woodland path through trees on the top of Alderley Edge, Cheshire.
Trail
Trail

Woodland valley walk at Alderley Edge 

Wander through this peaceful area of Alderley Edge filled with history and wildlife, where past generations have mined and farmed the landscape.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2)
n/a
Trail
Trail

Dunham Massey’s mini park loop 

This looped walk around the Dunham Massey deer park offers views of historic buildings and roaming fallow deer.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.8 (km: 2.88)

Best countryside walks in Cheshire

Wide image of the moorland at Lyme. A building called 'the cage' sits at the top of the hill with visitors walking to it.
Trail
Trail

A walk to The Cage 

If you're looking for short walk with a big payoff, a walk to The Cage is essential on your visit to Lyme.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.2 miles (km: NaN)
Enjoy the magnificent views towards Cheshire and Manchester
Trail
Trail

Paddock Cottage walk 

Take in impressive views of Cheshire and Greater Manchester on this pleasant walk to Paddock Cottage, in a tranquil area of Lyme Park estate.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.25 (km: 2)
A view of a stag with large antlers in the deer sanctuary with a large fortress like folly in the background at Lyme, Cheshire
Trail
Trail

Step free cage and deer sanctuary view walk at Lyme 

Take in impressive views of The Cage and Deer Sanctuary on this step-free walk to East Lodge in a tranquil area of Lyme Park in Cheshire.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 0.3 (km: 0.48) to miles: 0.4 (km: 0.64)
Image depicts the castle folly along the trail at Mow Cop, Cheshire
Trail
Trail

Mow Cop trail 

Discover the history of Mow Cop and explore the castle ruins along this short trail in the Cheshire countryside.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)
A view across the gritstone tors at Kinder Scout on a sunny day, with the moor visible in the foreground looking out over several tors.

Gritstone Trail at Lyme 

Stride out along the Gritstone Trail and sample some of the finest walking in Cheshire. This hiking route begins at Lyme and is called the Gritstone Trail because of the local rock type which is millstone grit. This 35 miles route is a challenging walk stretching from Disley to Kidsgrove, and can be completed in one go, or there are options to break it up into smaller sections.

Nordic walking on the estate at Lyme, Cheshire

GM Ringway: Section 5 at Lyme 

Lyme features as part of Stage 5 of the GM Ringway. The 8.2 mile route starts at Middlewood train station and finishes at Strines train station passing through colourful forest paths, sections of the Macclesfield and Peak Forest Canal and the old textile-printing settlement of Strines.

Explore more in Cheshire and Greater Manchester

Combine your next walk with a visit to a National Trust place. Head inside an historic house, smell the flowers in bloom in a garden, or bring along your four-legged friend for a dog walk.

Visitors walking through the gardens in August at Little Moreton Hall, Cheshire

Gardens and parks in Cheshire and Greater Manchester 

From the glorious garden at Dunham Massey to the industrial garden landscape at Quarry Bank, take a moment notice seasonal flowers and nature on your next walk.

A whippet-type dog sits on grass, with a stone building in the background, looking up at its owner

Dog-friendly places in Cheshire and Greater Manchester 

Bring your four-legged friend on your next adventure. With dog-friendly gardens, countryside and ancient woodland to choose from, find a new favourite dog walk in Cheshire and Greater Manchester.

A group of runners at Lyme, jogging across the landscape with far-reaching views in the background beyond a stone tower.

Outdoor activities in Cheshire and Greater Manchester 

Take your walks to the next level with more outdoor activities in Cheshire. Find new places to run, cycle or horse ride at the places the National Trust cares for.

Two children and an adult walk past the lake at Lyme Park with the house in the background

Houses and buildings in Cheshire and Greater Manchester 

There are lots of walks to, or from, National Trust houses in Cheshire. You can roam across moorland to Lyme or through woodlands to Quarry Bank. Head indoors on your next walk.

Explore walks further away from home

Two men in red coats stood on top of moorland. One is pointing into the distance.

Walking in Liverpool and Lancashire 

There's plenty to explore on foot in Liverpool and Lancashire. From countryside and woodland, to Liverpool city centre, find the perfect walk for all abilities.

A group of three visitors walking at Borrowdale and Derwent Water, Cumbria

Walking in the Lake District 

From gentle ambles to more challenging hikes, these are some of the best walks to explore the heart of the Lake District.

Two people walking uphill on the Marsden Moor Estate, West Yorkshire.

Walking in Yorkshire 

Discover some of the best walks in Yorkshire, from rugged Pennine beauty spots, views over the coast, to parkland and meadows perfect for a family stroll. Most are dog friendly and many can be enjoyed as part of your day out to the nearest National Trust property.

View from Mynydd Sygun, Snowdonia

Walking in Wales 

Explore wide open landscapes, gentler coastal strolls or energetic hikes for something a little more challenging. We've rounded up some of the best places to walk in Wales.

Visitors sitting on a bench under a tree in the garden at Dunham Massey, Cheshire.

Discover more in Cheshire and Greater Manchester

Great houses and glorious gardens, moorland landscapes and medieval deer parks around Cheshire and Greater Manchester.