Skip to content
Cheshire & Greater Manchester

Step free cage and deer sanctuary view walk at Lyme

A view of a stag with large antlers in the deer sanctuary with a large fortress like folly in the background at Lyme, Cheshire
A view of the deer sanctuary with The Cage in the background at Lyme, Cheshire | © Victoria Baker

This enjoyable linear walk to East Lodge will reward you with memorable views of The Cage, deer sanctuary and surrounding area whatever the weather. This step free route is designed for people wanting a flat, gentle walk or travelling with a prams. This route is also suitable for cyclists (N.B the path after East Lodge outside of Lyme's estate is a footpath by Cheshire East, not designated for cycling).

Near to

Lyme 

Start point

The car park at Lyme

Trail information

Difficulty

Accessibility*

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 0.4 (km: 0.64)

Short trail

DistanceMiles: 0.3 (km: 0.48)
Duration0.3 hour 20 mins to 0.6 hour 40 mins
Dog friendly**
  1. *This walk is partially road and partially dirt path and has been tested and designed for prams and a tramper. The dirt path is compacted with gravel in areas which makes it unsuitable for standard wheelchairs. In poor conditions this path can be muddy.

  2. **All walks are dog friendly at Lyme. This route we ask that dogs are kept on lead due to the deer and grazing cattle. When walking at Lyme, look out for signs that indicate dog off-lead areas.

  • Total stages: 7

    Total stages: 7

    Start point

    The car park at Lyme

    Stage 1

    Facing the house with the car park behind you and the kiosk at your left follow the path up the hill towards the house.

    Stage 2

    At the top of the hill with the house to your back continue on the road that bends to the right hand side.

    A picture of a road, with a waymarker indicating to the right
    With the house to your back, continue on the road that curves to the right | © Victoria Baker

    Stage 3

    You will come to a fork in the road, take a left.

    A picture of a road with options to go left and right at Lyme, Cheshire. To the left is towards East Lodge, to the right is the stables, a stone stableblock which is closed to visitors.
    Take a left at the stables | © Victoria Baker

    Stage 4

    Carry on to the left for views of The Cage

    An image of the road to East Lodge, at Lyme Cheshire. The road forks and the sign reads: Staff and Volunteer cars only past this point.
    Keep left and continue on the road | © Victoria Baker

    Stage 5

    Continue on this road to see views of The Cage

    Continue for views of The Cage against the Manchester and Cheshire countryside
    Continue for views of The Cage against the Manchester and Cheshire countryside | © Victoria Baker

    Stage 6

    Look left on this path down in to the deer sanctuary. Arguably the best place to spot deer in the estate, this is where the deer go to retreat from visitor areas of the park. The deer are easily startled so please give them plenty of space and keep your dog on a close lead in this area.

    The deer sanctuary at Lyme, Cheshire
    Step 6 | © Victoria Baker

    Stage 7

    You are now at the eastern boundary of Lyme's estate. To return to the car park, follow the way you came for more views of The Cage and the Manchester and Cheshire countryside.

    You now find yourself at East Lodge and at the end of the linear trail. Turn around and head back for more views of The Cage, Deer and Cheshire and Manchester.
    You now find yourself at East Lodge and at the end of the linear trail. Turn around and head back for more views of The Cage, Deer and Cheshire and Manchester. | © Victora Baker

    End point

    As this route is linear where you end is up to you. Why not stop at the house to step back in time or see the changing seasons in the garden? Or, if you're looking for another gentle walk, why not try the mill pond loop and stop for a light refeshment at the Timber Yard Café?

    Trail map

    The Cage and Deer Sanctuary walk map
    Follow this map to help guide you on your walk | © National Trust / Countryscape

    You made it

    Share your experience

Get in touch

Disley, Stockport, Cheshire, SK12 2NR

Our partners

Cotswold Outdoor

We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

Visit website 

You might also be interested in

The South front of Lyme, Cheshire seen from across the reflecting lake on a sunny summer's day.
Place
Place

Lyme 

Glorious house, surrounded by gardens, moorland and deer park

Stockport, Cheshire

Fully open today
A family walk beside the lake on a sunny spring day with the South front of the house in the background
Article
Article

A family-friendly day out at Lyme 

From running, skipping and jumping around Crow Wood play area and dressing up in period costume inside the house, to spotting red deer in the park, there’s something for everyone at Lyme.

A couple are walking outdoors
Article
Article

Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner 

Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.

A visitor carrying a backpack and walking along a footpath at Divis and the Black Mountain with stone walls either side, the countryside visible in the background.
Article
Article

Follow the Countryside Code 

Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.