Cheshire’s Sandstone trail is one of the earliest middle- distance routes in Britain, and the first true ‘Cheshire Way. The trail was carefully planned to show of the very best of Mid-Cheshire, and was officially opened in 1974. It has been popular ever since and continue to grow in popularity, and is becoming one of the most popular paths in North-west England.
Distance changes
At the opening it was ‘only’ 26 kilometres/ 16 miles long, and run between Delamere & Duckington, in Central Cheshire. Soon it became 50 km/ 32 miles between Beacon Hill, just outside Frodsham, in the North, to Grindley Brook locks, on the Cheshire/ Shropshire border. Late 1990 it was further extended to link Frodsham with the market town of Whitchurch in North Shropshire.
Wooded hills
The Cheshire’s Sandstone trail is so popular with its well-kept paths, which does not surprise us. In a generally flat county, the steep slopes through woods, with fantastic view points, dramatic panoramas, and Cheshire’s central sandstone ridges, it draws walkers to the area, a bit like bees to honey.
The trail passes remarkable medieval and Victorian castles, like Kelsborrow, Beeston and Peckforton Castles, prehistoric hillforts and hidden caves. You will come across half-timbered and sandstone farmhouses and manor houses, old churches and chapels. Travelling aling a Roman road and medieval packhorse routes and saltways.
Top 10 walks: Sandstone trail
Over the coming weeks we will and cover each of the 10 walks, maybe an idea to pick some and use The Hive at 52 as your base? #Bookdirect here for the truly best available rates. We will cover some of the following ‘local’ walks.
Hillforts above the Mersey
Around Blakemere
Over the Old Pale
Cheshire’s twin castles
To just name a few. Can’t wait to read about these walks and wanted to check them out yourself? Check out the following websites:
http://www.sandstonetrail.co.uk
http://www.northerneyebooks.co.uk
