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A man and woman walking a dog on the snowy moorland at Lyme with woodland views in the distance
Find a winter walk at Lyme, Cheshire | © ©National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Walking in Cheshire and Greater Manchester

Among the woods, hills, rivers and parkland, some of the winter 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.

Top walks in Cheshire and Greater Manchester

Visitor walking in the woods near Giant's Castle Bridge at Quarry Bank, Cheshire
Trail
Trail

Quarry Bank Giant's Castle Walk 

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

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3.4 (km: 5.44) to miles: 3.8 (km: 6.08)
The Druids Circle at Alderley Edge and Cheshire Countryside, Cheshire
Trail
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.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)
View from the house to the Lantern in the woodland at Lyme, Cheshire
Trail
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.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.7 (km: 2.72)
View of the River Bollin in autumn at Quarry Bank, Cheshire
Trail
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.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.5 (km: 2.4)
Image depicts the castle folly along the trail at Mow Cop, Cheshire
Trail
Trail

Mow Cop trail 

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

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)
Enjoy the magnificent views towards Cheshire and Manchester
Trail
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.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.25 (km: 2)
The sun is shining on a woodland path through trees on the top of Alderley Edge, Cheshire.
Trail
Trail

Woodland valley walk 

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

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2)
Buzzard in Southern Wood at Quarry Bank Mill, Cheshire
Trail
Trail

Southern Woods walk at Quarry Bank 

Explore the Southern Woods at Quarry Bank. Meander along the River Bollin and surround yourself with the sights of autumn colour and the sound of crunching leaves.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6) to miles: 1.5 (km: 2.4)

Explore walks further away from home

A man and woman walking through the woodland at Rufford Old Hall in winter. There is a low sun behind them.

Walking in Liverpool and Lancashire 

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

Four people in winter clothing walk along a snow covered path through the village of Watendlath in the Lake District

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.

A man and a woman walk in the foreground walk alongside a channel of water. In the background is a statue, a temple and the trees have an orange hue.

Walking in Yorkshire 

Discover some of the best walks in Yorkshire, from rugged Pennine beauty spots to parkland and meadows perfect for a family stroll.

Walkers enjoying the views from the top of Dinas Emrys, Snowdonia, 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.

Sunlight shining through the trees in Beeches woodland at Alderley Edge and Cheshire Countryside

Discover more in Cheshire and Greater Manchester

Great houses and glorious gardens, moorland landscapes and medieval deer parks around Cheshire and Greater Manchester.