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

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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**

*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.
**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.

Address
Car park Lyme, Disley, SK122NR 382411
Directions via Google Maps
On foot
The main entrance is to Lyme is via the A6. The house and garden are 1 mile / 30 minute stroll from the entrance. A free shuttle bus runs most days from 10.30am - 4pm from the admissions hut at the entrance to the house and gardens. Please note this service is volunteer led and subject to availability on the day. To confirm whether the shuttle bus is running on the day please call Lyme on 01663 762023. Lyme is at the northern end of the Gritstone Trail and there are walking routes from the Macclesfield Canal.
Download the map
By train
The closest train station is Disley (0.5 mile / about a 20 minute walk) to the entrance and a further 1 mile / 30 minute stroll to the house and gardens. There is a map and waymarked route from Disley Station to Lyme. A free shuttle bus runs most days from 10.30am - 4pm from the admissions hut at the entrance to the house and gardens. Please note this service is volunteer led and subject to availability on the day. To confirm whether the shuttle bus is running on the day please call Lyme on 01663 762023. As a thank you for arriving car-free, enjoy 10% off in our cafés when you show a bus or train ticket with the day’s date on it, or a bike helmet. Find out more about exploring car-free
Click here to find train times
By bus
Travel to Lyme by bus for just £2 each way. Catch the 199 skyline to Burton Road West which is 0.1 miles / 5 minute walk from the entrance and a further 1 mile / 30 minute stroll to the house and gardens. The 199 bus runs twice an hour from Manchester Airport, Stockport, Heavily, Stepping Hill, Hazel Grove, Newtown, New Mills, Furnace Vale, Chapel en le Frith, Whaley Bridge and Buxton. A free shuttle bus runs most days from 10.30am - 4pm from the admissions hut at the entrance to the house and gardens. Please note this service is volunteer led and subject to availability on the day. To confirm whether the shuttle bus is running on the day please call Lyme on 01663 762023. As a thank you for arriving car-free, enjoy 10% off in our cafés when you show a bus or train ticket with the day’s date on it, or a bike helmet. Find out more about exploring car-free .
Click here for bus timetables
By road
Lyme can be accessed from the A6 in Disley. Please respect our local community by only parking at Lyme. If you can, please consider visiting Lyme by public transport. Parking: Please park in the marked bays only, limited parking is available for large vehicles. The house and gardens are a 0.2 mile / 5 minute walk from the car park up a steep incline. Alternative accessible parking is available near the orangery. Sat Nav: To reach Lyme's car park, use the postcode, SK12 2NR.
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.
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.
Take a left at the stables | © Victoria Baker
Stage 4
Carry on to the left for views of The Cage
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 | © 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.
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. | © 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
Follow this map to help guide you on your walk | © National Trust / Countryscape
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