Explore Lyme's great outdoors

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.

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 / 2.7451171875MB) 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 / 1.703125MB) 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

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.

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 8am-6pm.

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 - Take a walk through Elmerhurst Wood or down to West Park Drive, and see what different kinds of tree grow at Lyme.
• 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.

Dogwalking at Lyme