Morning
Enjoy exploring Alderley Edge near Macclesfield in Cheshire – a sandstone escarpment with stunning views across the Peak District and Cheshire itself. Delightful walks are to be had amongst the oak and beech woodlands that throng the Edge, which has also been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its geology.

There is a long history of copper mining here going back to Roman times, and traces of the mines can still be seen. The Edge can also be enjoyed on horseback – there are several local riding schools in the vicinity.

Alderley Edge is also famous for its literary connections – Alan Garner based his children’s stories ‘The Weirdstone of Brisingamen’ and ‘The Moon of Gomrath’ on and around the Edge, and legend has it that King Arthur lies buried in its depths surrounded by his Knights of the Round Table, ready to rise again should England need his aid.

Lunch?
Lunch is available at Alderley Edge tea-room on weekends or the nearby Wizard Inn at other times.

Afternoon
Take a leisurely stroll through the woods to either:

Nether Alderley Mill (1.5 miles approx)
One of the Trust’s smallest properties, Nether Alderley is a fascinating and unusual watermill dating from the 15th century, with overshot tandem wheels. Powered by water from an adjacent lake, the mill was worked by a long line of country millers over several centuries, and a diminished business was still being conducted there in 1939. The Trust acquired the mill after the war and there then followed a considerable period of restoration. The present machinery is approximately 100 years old.

OR

Hare Hill Gardens (1.5 miles approx)
A delightful woodland garden with azaleas, rhododendrons and intimate walled garden at its heart containing a pergola and wire sculptures. The surrounding parkland has attractive walks, including a link path to Alderley Edge. Hare Hill Mansion is privately owned and not open to the public.

Extra day?
If staying in the Cheshire countryside for a few days, why not visit Britain’s most famous and arguably finest timber-framed moated manor house? Little Moreton Hall, near Congleton, with its drunkenly reeling south front, topped by a spectacular long gallery, opens onto a cobbled courtyard and the main body of the hall. Magnificent wall paintings and a notable knot garden are of special interest.

©NTPL/Rupert Truman

When can you go?
Before visiting a property, we strongly advise that you check its opening times, as properties open on different days and at different times. This information is detailed on the individual property pages, which you can search for by finding a place to visit.

• Alderley Edge
• Nether Alderley Mill
• Hare Hill Gardens
• Little Moreton Hall