Explore Lyme's great outdoors

A women with her back to the camera stands with raised arms looking out over Lyme's parkland — What a view!

Visitors running in the grounds of Lyme Park, House and Garden, Cheshire — Running locations don't get much better than this

Whether you fancy heading out for a walk or taking part in many of the activities and events that take place throughout the year, you will be sure to have a wonderful time in the glorious 1400 acre deer park.

Head out in to the wider estate for walks through woodland and across moor that take in spectactular vistas; walk to Paddock Cottage for views across Manchester and the Cheshire Plain or if you are feeling adventurous, head to Bowstones where you can see seven counties!

For those looking for a gentler stroll, head in to the garden which is open everyday.

Walking at Lyme

Set your own pace at Lyme

There are over 1400 acres to explore at Lyme from moor to meadow, and landscaped gardens too. Climb up to The Cage to take in the impressive views, explore the Lyme Avenue Ponds or set out on a longer trail for the full Lyme experience.

Lead Ranger Chris leads a walk at Lyme, Cheshire

Explore Lyme and learn something new on a guided walk

With 1,400 acres to explore at Lyme, why not join a guided walk led by our knowledgeable volunteers and staff and discover more of Lyme's secrets.

New at Lyme this Summer

A row of people do Tai Chi on a gravel path, in front of the lawn and trees

Tai Chi at Lyme

Join Tai Chi Master Xianglin (Joe) Li for these relaxing outdoor classes throughout the summer at Lyme. Get back to nature with sessions out in the deer park or in the gardens.

Get Active

Running routes

Marked trails have been installed so that you can explore different areas of the estate. You can run or walk the 1.4 miles to Darcy’s Pond or enjoy the two-mile loop that takes in the stunning views from Paddock Cottage.

If you're feeling a little more adventurous, there's a three-mile route that navigates some challenging hills, beautiful woods and moorland, and passes the Lantern Folly and The Cage hunting lodge.

Come along and join our Lyme Runners every Tuesday and Thursday at 10:00am outside the Timberyard or check out the What’s On page for more running activities, events and training on offer at Lyme.

Trust10

Lyme’s Trust 10 is a 10km waymarked route covering a large part of the Park – from the Timberyard, the route takes you through Crow & Elmerhurst Woods, up past the Cage and the Lantern, across the bottom of the Moor, along Cluse Hey, past Paddock Cottage and back past the Knott.
On the fourth Sunday of each month the route has additional markings and marshals and informal timing is provided. Registration from 08:30am, run starting at 09:00am.

/Trust10 (PDF / 2.7MB) download

Parkrun

The Lyme Parkrun is a 5km timed route held every Saturday at 9am. It is open to everyone and is safe and easy to take part in.

The route is a lovely trail run with lots of ups, downs and big views! Visitors can walk, jog or run the event. The event is free (including parking).

Cycling at Lyme

Lyme is gearing up to welcome visitors arriving by bike! We have installed cycle racks at the Timber Yard and in the car park near the information kiosk which are prime locations.

Take a look at the paths you can cycle on at Lyme (PDF / 1.7MB) download

We also have balance bikes available for tiny legs to use, available from the Information Centre for a £5 deposit. Sponsored by HSBC and British Cycling

In partnership with

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Orienteering

Looking for a bit more of a challenge? We’ve recently been working with Manchester District Orienteering Club to update our Orienteering offer.

We have seven suggested routes to try. We’ve also created two new smaller scale maps for our white and yellow courses, perfect for beginners and families.

Maps are available to buy from the Information Centre in the car park.

Mums, Tums and Buggies

We've teamed up with Sarah Parker Fitness to offer an outdoor postnatal fitness class for mums and babies every Tuesday at 1.30pm-2.30pm. Improve your health and fitness in a fun and supportive environment all in the beautiful outdoors at Lyme.

Open to all new mums whether you're a beginner or looking to get back into exercise. Suitable for babies over 6 weeks old. After the class why not have a coffee and a chat in the Timber Yard Café. £6/class, normal admission charges apply. Admission is free on the first session each month.

For more information and to book onto a session please visit sarahparkerfitness.com

Family fun

Crow Wood

The kids can let off steam in Crow Wood playscape with its giant slide, badger den and rope walks for children aged five to 12. There is also a high-level walkway, sandpit and a tree house with a fireman’s pole. Crow Wood is open from 08:00am (during spring/summer opening times) until 6pm each day.

50 Things fun

50 Things leaflets and lists are available from the Ticket Office and Information Centre. Pop in to get some suggestions on where to start on your 50 Things journey around Lyme, or get inspired with the list below.

1) Get to know a tree - As part of The Lost Words, discover the symbols and historic importance of oaks at our acorn seat in the garden
44) Watch a bird - Keep a eye on the birdfeeders out in the garden, and find out which birds make their homes here.
28) Climb a huge hill - Go for a walk up Cage Hill - what can you see from the top?
11) Explore on wheels - Borrow one of our balance bikes from the Information Centre to speed your adventures along!
4) Build a den - Head to Knightslow Wood or the path through Drinkwater Madow and you'll find plenty of fallen branches to build your own den. All we ask is that you don't break any branches off the trees and you take your den down again before you leave.