Discover more in Cheshire and Greater Manchester
Great houses and glorious gardens, moorland landscapes and medieval deer parks around Cheshire and Greater Manchester.
Walking in Cheshire and Greater Manchester
Among the woods, hills, rivers and parkland, some of the walks and hikes 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.
Best woodland walks in Cheshire and Greater Manchester
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A walk through Giant's Castle at Quarry Bank
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.
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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.
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A walk through the Southern Woods 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Dunham Massey’s mini park loop
This looped walk around the Dunham Massey deer park offers views of historic buildings and roaming fallow deer.
Walks with a view in Cheshire
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Mow Cop trail
Discover the history of Mow Cop and explore the castle ruins along this short trail in the Cheshire countryside.
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.
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.
Accessible walks in Cheshire and Greater Manchester
Find walks that are pushchair-friendly and perfect for wheelchair users and those with mobility aids. We’ve got wheelchairs and trampers available to borrow for free at many of our places too. Please check in advance with our staff who'll be happy to help.
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Dunham Massey’s mini park loop
Looping around a small section of the park, this flat walk will give you a flavour of the nature that Dunham Massey has to offer all year round.
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Dunham Massey wellbeing walk
A wellbeing walk for the senses, soak in the sights, sounds and smells of nature on this flat, circular route around the Dunham Massey deer park.
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Step free cage and deer sanctuary view walk at Lyme
Enjoy a flat, gentle walk to discover far-reaching views of The Cage and deer sanctuary. The road and dirt path has been designed for prams and trampers, but can be muddy after periods of heavy rainfall.
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A walk through the Southern Woods at Quarry Bank
Watch the river Bollin twist and turn as it makes its way to the huge industrial mill. This walk is partially accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs up to step four at Heron’s Pool Bridge.
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Historic Castlefield Walk
Wander through 2000 years of history on this step-free walk. From Manchester's Roman origins to becoming the first Industrial Revolution powerhouse through the contemporary developments making the city what it is today. Find out more about the stories of people, place and nature on this short but varied urban walk.
Explore more in Cheshire and Greater Manchester
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Explore walks further away from home
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.
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.
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.
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.