Field to Fork Walking Trail

Cheshire & Greater Manchester

Walkers on the Field to Fork Trail, Tatton Park, Cheshire | © Tatton Park

This walking trail promises memorable views as it meanders past the Airborne Forces Memorial, the historic Old Hall and both Tatton and Melchett Meres. Whilst walking you’ll follow interpretation boards which act as waymarkers and tell of how the parkland has been (and still is) an important food source and about its value as an ecosystem with a sustainable future.

Near to

Tatton Park

Start point

From the main car park, walk towards the Mansion (signposted). After walking through the gate adjacent to the cattle grid, with the Neoclassical Mansion ahead on the right, the Field to Fork trail board can be seen on the left. The board directs towards point 1. Walk straight ahead and with the Mansion on the right and keeping the pond on the left, head diagonally left alongside the fence and the board will come into view.

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Total stages: 11
Total stages: 11
Start point
From the main car park, walk towards the Mansion (signposted). After walking through the gate adjacent to the cattle grid, with the Neoclassical Mansion ahead on the right, the Field to Fork trail board can be seen on the left. The board directs towards point 1. Walk straight ahead and with the Mansion on the right and keeping the pond on the left, head diagonally left alongside the fence and the board will come into view.
Stage 1
Walk towards Rostherne Drive where a track heads through the trees and cross over safely. Then walk ahead on a track taking a right turn to head to the next board. A short detour to the right takes you to the memorial. Return to the board which points the way to go.
Rare breed sheep
Lord Egerton was a farming enthusiast and bought the Hebridean flock in 1887; it is one of the oldest surviving flocks in the UK. The Soay flock were introduced much later during the 1930’s. Hebrideans are a hardy multi-horned breed of livestock which became a fashionable accessory for land owners and a feature of aristocratic parks. The meat produced from Tatton’s flocks is sold in the Housekeeper’s store today.
Stage 2
Follow the grass path straight ahead which then curves to the right and keep the fence on your left heading up to the next board in the corner of the field.
Walker on the Field to Fork Trail, Heading to Board 3, Tatton Park, Cheshire | © Tatton Park
Stage 3
The board directs you ahead along the undulating grass path.
Stage 4
Follow the path to the right, past the woodland, and turn left once you reach the main track.
Stage 5
From here you can see where the Water Mill is situated. Return to the board and follow the directions straight to the Old Hall.
Stage 6
Follow the track past the car park and head to Tatton Mere. At the T- junction before the Mere, turn left and walk up the incline with the mere on the right. You will see the next board, from which you can view the length of the mile-long mere with St John’s Church in Knutsford in the distance.
Stage 7
Head back downhill retracing your steps, passing the road on your right, to the T-junction at the bottom. Turn right towards the Allen Bird Hide overlooking Melchett Mere.
Pike and perch
Pike and perch taken from Tatton Mere were highly prized and considered a delicacy. These fish are descendants of those that originally populated Tatton Mere centuries ago. These fish contribute to nutrient cycling within the mere. Their feeding habits help to redistribute nutrients throughout the water column and sediment, supporting the growth of aquatic plants and other organisms.
Stage 8
With the Bird Hide on the left, walk ahead and follow the grass track which curves to the left around the edge of the mere.
Stage 9
Continue along the path next to the mere until you come to a gate on the left. Go through the gate and follow the middle track towards Beech Avenue. Enjoy spectacular views across the park.
Stage 10
After finding the well-hidden Ice House, retrace your steps back downhill to the gate. The Choragic monument in Tatton’s gardens can be seen on your left as well as beautiful views of the mansion.
The Ice House
The Ice House in the clump of trees behind this board was built in 1856. The site was chosen in the shade to help keep temperatures low. The ice from the pond in front of the mansion was taken to the Ice House by horse and cart. It was packed in layers with straw for use in the kitchens and for the storage of food. Ice stored in this way could last a full twelve months. The Ice House is now closed to the public for safety but can still be viewed from the stairs.
Stage 11
Walk up the hill towards the drive with the mansion on your left and you’ll have completed the Field to Fork trail.
Site of Special Scientific Interest
The meres and Dog Wood are dedicated SSSI and RAMSAR (an intergovernmental convention for the conservation of wetlands) sites. They are recognised as nationally important habitats, providing nest sites and winter refuge for large numbers of water birds as well as an abundance of wildflowers and plant life. In spring and summer, swallows and martins hunt insects over the water and ospreys have been recorded passing through.
End point
Back to the Mansion
Trail map
Map of the Field to Fork trail, Tatton Park, Cheshire | © Simon Roulstone
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Share your experience

Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6QN

01625374435

tatton@cheshireeast.gov.uk

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Boy throwing leaves in the gardens, Tatton Park, Cheshire

Near to

Start point

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Trail information

Difficulty

Accessibility*

Full trail

Getting here

Facilities

Trail route

Total stages: 11

Total stages: 11

Start point

Stage 1

Point of interest

Stage 2

Point of interest

Stage 3

Point of interest

Stage 4

Point of interest

Stage 5

Point of interest

Stage 6

Point of interest

Stage 7

Point of interest

Stage 8

Point of interest

Stage 9

Point of interest

Stage 10

Point of interest

Stage 11

Point of interest

End point

Trail map

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