AUTUMN days when the grass is jewelled, and there’s silk inside a chestnut shell – now is one of the loveliest seasons to pull on your walking boots, stomp your way through the crunchy, colourful leaves, and enjoy the many mental and physical benefits of immersing yourself in the countryside.

Please check websites linked below for COVID-19 restrictions before visiting sites.

Arley Hall and Gardens

Northwich Guardian:

The gardens at this magnificent stately home are renowned for their variety and historical interest, and are particularly celebrated for the magnificent double herbaceous border. While visiting why not venture further afield to the beautiful village of Great Budworth, with its historic estate cottages which will make you feel as if you’ve been transported back through time.

Delamere Forest

Northwich Guardian:

Cheshire’s largest woodland area, Delamere Forest is an ideal place to go for a walk or cycle, with its six waymarked paths. There are dry sandstone paths, lots of mature pines to shade or shelter under depending on the weather, and the flooded forest of Blakemere is popular with bird life. Be sure to keep an eye out for the Gruffalo while you’re exploring this shady oasis.

Marbury Country Park

Northwich Guardian:

Wander through the stunning woodlands, grand open spaces and gaze over the beautiful mere, before exploring the arboretum and community orchard. Features include the lime avenues and the arboretum, a legacy of the days when Marbury was a grand estate. Pay a visit to the stunning Marbury Lady chainsaw carving which stands proudly between the plant nursery and park entrance.

Marshalls Arm

Northwich Guardian:

Designated a Local Nature Reserve in 1998, for wildlife and people, this woodland lies close to the River Weaver and the arm refers to the shape of the river. The three fingers of woodland are full of wildlife and a wide variety of trees and paths follow the meandering streams up from the river.

The Sandstone Trail

Northwich Guardian:

A popular ramblers’ route, this wonderful day’s walk takes in some of the finest views in Cheshire. Follow the ridge of sandstone as it rises dramatically from the Cheshire plain. The trail links the towns of Frodsham and Whitchurch and has been split into three sections of 18 or 19km or about 11miles.

Tatton Park

Northwich Guardian:

Herds of red and fallow deer roam freely in 400 hectares (1,000 acres) of parkland while the meres, woodlands and rough grassland provide a perfect habitat for wildlife. The parkland is a stunning setting to see autumnal colours and fascinating wildlife.

Thorn Wood

Northwich Guardian:

This young community woodland was planted in 1999 and is located alongside the main road between the villages of Weaverham and Hartford. The site can be accessed via a kissing gate entrance off Northwich Road. There is a good network of unsurfaced footpaths and the wood is well used by local dog walkers. There are also areas of wildflower meadows and a pond, plus a fantastic memorial orchard run by members of the local community.

Owley Wood

Northwich Guardian:

This popular Weaverham beauty spot is an ancient, semi-natural woodland on the steep banks of the River Weaver. The canopy is dense and dominated by ash, English oak and sycamore, with occasional sweet chestnut and birch. A wonderful spot to take a deep breath and listen out for the plethora of woodland birds which inhabit this delightful space.

The Whitegate Way

Northwich Guardian:
Once the site of a historic rail link for Cheshire’s salt industry, the Whitegate Way is now a haven for wildlife which stretches for six miles from the heart of Winsford to Cuddington. The route offers easy walking for all ages and incorporates shady wooded cuttings and open embankments offering spectacular views across the Cheshire countryside.