Walking in the gardens at Quarry Bank, Cheshire | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Walking in Cheshire and Greater Manchester

Among the woods, hills, rivers and parkland, some of the walks around Cheshire and Greater Manchester will transport you to another age. Through the Southern Woods at Quarry Bank you’ll discover hidden gems from the cotton mill’s past, or head to Alderley Edge to encounter both a Bronze Age burial mound and a modern memorial to the Tudor Armada.

Dog walking in the Northern Woods at Quarry Bank, Cheshire

Trail

Quarry Bank Giant's Castle Walk

Discover the Western Woods at Quarry Bank. Explore ancient semi-natural woodland, following the twists and turns of the River Bollin as the trees are awash with colour.

View from the house to the Lantern in the woodland at Lyme, Cheshire

Trail

A walk to the Lantern at Lyme

Beautiful woodland and wonderful views await you on this self-led walk to Lantern Wood. On a clear day look out for Kinder Scout, the hills of Derbyshire and Yorkshire, Holme Moss and Winter Hill.

Carpet of bluebells in the Southern Woods at Quarry Bank

Trail

Southern Woods walk at Quarry Bank

Explore the Southern Woods at Quarry Bank to find the jaw dropping display of bluebells carpeting the bank next to the River Bollin. As the river twists and turns alongside this woodland walk, keep your eyes out for other hidden gems.

The Druids Circle at Alderley Edge and Cheshire Countryside, Cheshire

Trail

The Wizard's Wander at Alderley Edge

Enjoy an easy-access circular walk in the heart of the Cheshire countryside exploring mining remains and the popular legend of Alderley Edge.

A family walking towards the Garden at Quarry Bank

Trail

Kingfisher walk at Quarry Bank

Discover the wider estate at Quarry Bank and see the Apprentice House, Styal Village and the Northern Woods on this circular walk, with lush fields and woodland areas with huge redwoods, rare rhododendrons and folly bridges.

The sun is shining on a woodland path through trees on the top of Alderley Edge, Cheshire.

Trail

Woodland valley walk at Alderley Edge

Wander through this peaceful area of Alderley Edge filled with history and wildlife, where past generations have mined and farmed the landscape.

Wide image of the moorland at Lyme. A building called 'the cage' sits at the top of the hill with visitors walking to it.

Trail

A walk to The Cage

If you're looking for short walk with a big payoff, a walk to The Cage is essential on your visit to Lyme.

Enjoy the magnificent views towards Cheshire and Manchester

Trail

Paddock Cottage walk

Take in impressive views of Cheshire and Greater Manchester on this pleasant walk to Paddock Cottage, in a tranquil area of Lyme Park estate.

A view of a stag with large antlers in the deer sanctuary with a large fortress like folly in the background at Lyme, Cheshire

Trail

Step free cage and deer sanctuary view walk at Lyme

Take in impressive views of The Cage and Deer Sanctuary on this step-free walk to East Lodge in a tranquil area of Lyme Park in Cheshire.

Trail

Mow Cop trail

Discover the history of Mow Cop and explore the castle ruins along this short trail in the Cheshire countryside.

A view across the gritstone tors at Kinder Scout on a sunny day, with the moor visible in the foreground looking out over several tors.

Gritstone Trail at Lyme

Stride out along the Gritstone Trail and sample some of the finest walking in Cheshire. This hiking route begins at Lyme and is called the Gritstone Trail because of the local rock type which is millstone grit. This 35 miles route is a challenging walk stretching from Disley to Kidsgrove, and can be completed in one go, or there are options to break it up into smaller sections.

Nordic walking on the estate at Lyme, Cheshire

GM Ringway: Section 5 at Lyme

Lyme features as part of Stage 5 of the GM Ringway. The 8.2 mile route starts at Middlewood train station and finishes at Strines train station passing through colourful forest paths, sections of the Macclesfield and Peak Forest Canal and the old textile-printing settlement of Strines.

Combine your next walk with a visit to a National Trust place. Head inside an historic house, smell the flowers in bloom in a garden, or bring along your four-legged friend for a dog walk.

Visitors walking through the gardens in August at Little Moreton Hall, Cheshire

Gardens and parks in Cheshire and Greater Manchester

From the glorious garden at Dunham Massey to the industrial garden landscape at Quarry Bank, take a moment notice seasonal flowers and nature on your next walk.

A whippet-type dog sits on grass, with a stone building in the background, looking up at its owner

Dog-friendly places in Cheshire and Greater Manchester

Bring your four-legged friend on your next adventure. With dog-friendly gardens, countryside and ancient woodland to choose from, find a new favourite dog walk in Cheshire and Greater Manchester.

A group of runners at Lyme, jogging across the landscape with far-reaching views in the background beyond the brick-tower.

Outdoor activities in Cheshire and Greater Manchester

Take your walks to the next level with more outdoor activities in Cheshire. Find new places to run, cycle or horse ride at the places the National Trust cares for.

Two children and an adult walk past the lake at Lyme Park with the house in the background

Houses and buildings in Cheshire and Greater Manchester

There are lots of walks to, or from, National Trust houses in Cheshire. You can roam across moorland to Lyme or through woodlands to Quarry Bank. Head indoors on your next walk.

Visitor walking on Jack Scout's clifftop with sea views at Arnside and Silverdale, Lancashire

Walking in Liverpool and Lancashire

There's plenty to explore on foot in Liverpool and Lancashire. From countryside and woodland, to Liverpool city centre, find the perfect walk for all abilities.

View over Derwent Water looking towards Skiddaw in the Lake District in spring

Walking in the Lake District

From gentle ambles to more challenging hikes, these are some of the best walks to explore the heart of the Lake District.

Family with dog walk on Marsden Moor in the summer

Walking in Yorkshire

Discover some of the best walks in Yorkshire, from rugged Pennine beauty spots, views over the coast to parkland and meadows perfect for a family stroll. Most are dog friendly and many can be enjoyed as part of your day out to the nearest National Trust property.

Two women walking on a path through woodland on Southwood Estate, Pembrokeshire in Wales

Walking in Wales

Explore wide open landscapes, gentler coastal strolls or energetic hikes for something a little more challenging. We've rounded up some of the best places to walk in Wales.