Walk off the festive excess by tackling an adventure on one of these beautiful trails, perfect for all the family
Winter in Cheshire transforms its historic spaces into picturesque wonderlands, making it the perfect destination for families looking to enjoy outdoor adventures. Whether you’re wandering through historic estates, exploring woodland trails, or strolling along canal paths, Cheshire offers some of the best winter walks for all ages.
Here are ten fantastic winter walks to take with your family this month, complete with suggestions on what to do along the way to keep everyone entertained.
Winter Walks In and Around Cheshire
DELAMERE FOREST
Distance: Varies (up to 6 miles)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best For: Families with children, nature lovers
Delamere Forest is Cheshire’s largest woodland area, offering a range of walking routes perfect for a winter family outing. During winter, the forest is particularly magical, with frosty mornings transforming the trees into a sparkling, snow-dusted wonderland. There are various trails of differing lengths, so you can tailor the walk to suit your family’s pace.
Things to do in Delamere Forest
Forest adventure: Let the children explore the forest’s natural playground. The Gruffalo Trail is a fun way for young ones to get involved as they search for wooden sculptures of beloved characters.
Wildlife spotting: Delamere is home to a variety of wildlife, including red squirrels, birds, and deer. Keep an eye out for tracks in the snow, and enjoy a quiet, peaceful walk with the occasional sighting of local fauna.
Take a break: At the end of your walk, stop by the Delamere Forest Café for hot drinks and snacks. There’s also a picnic area if you prefer to bring your own winter feast.
TATTON PARK
Distance: 2 to 6 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Best For: History enthusiasts, families with small children
Tatton Park, a 1,000-acre estate in Knutsford, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and historic charm. The grand country house, deer park, and gardens are surrounded by scenic walking routes. The winter months add a touch of magic to the estate, with frost-covered grounds and beautiful vistas across the lake.
Things to do in Tatton Park
Deer Spotting: The park is home to a large herd of red deer. Winter is an ideal time for seeing these magnificent creatures as they roam the estate.
Visit the Mansion: After your walk, take the family to the Tatton Park Mansion, where you can explore its rooms and exhibits. The house is beautifully decorated for the season and often hosts winter-themed events.
Winter Trails: During winter, there are special themed trails for families, including a festive trail with clues and activities.
BEESTON CASTLE
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Best For: Active families, history lovers
Perched atop a rocky hill, Beeston Castle offers breathtaking views across Cheshire and beyond. The walk to and from the castle itself is a moderately challenging route, but the stunning panoramas at the summit make it well worth the effort.
Things to do in Beeston Castle
Explore Beeston Castle: After your walk, visit the ruins of Beeston Castle. While it may be a little cold in the winter, the castle’s history and strategic position are fascinating, and there are interactive exhibits for children.
Wildlife spotting: The surrounding woodland area is a great spot for spotting winter birds. Children will love identifying local wildlife and learning about the natural world.
Picnic with a view: The top of the hill provides a perfect spot for a family picnic (bring a thermos of hot chocolate) before heading back down
CHESTER CITY WALLS
Distance: 2 miles (around the entire circuit)
Difficulty: Easy
Best For: Families with small children, those interested in history
For families looking for a more urban winter walk, the Chester City Walls offer a historical journey through the heart of one of England’s most beautiful cities. The walk follows the Roman-era walls that once protected Chester, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the city’s landmarks, from the River Dee to the stunning Chester Cathedral.
Things to do in Chester City Walls
History hunts: Children can enjoy a mini scavenger hunt by looking for hidden symbols and learning about the walls’ history. Chester’s Visitor Centre often offers family-friendly activity sheets.
Winter Markets: If you’re visiting in January, Chester’s Winter Markets are a must-visit, located just outside the walls.
Explore the Rows: After completing the wall walk, head down to Chester’s medieval Rows, a unique series of two-tiered shopping galleries. It’s the perfect place to find gifts or grab a bite to eat.
JODRELL BANK OBSERVATORY
Distance: 2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Best For: Families with older children, science enthusiasts
For a winter walk with a difference, Jodrell Bank Observatory offers a fascinating combination of nature and science. Located near Macclesfield, Jodrell Bank is home to the iconic Lovell Telescope, one of the largest radio telescopes in the world. While the winter days can be cold, the grounds surrounding the observatory offer a lovely place to walk.
Things to do in Jodrell Bank Observatory
Space adventures: Take a tour of the observatory’s visitor centre, which includes interactive exhibits about space exploration and the telescope’s history. This is a great way to engage older children in science and astronomy.
Stargazing: If the weather is clear, stargazing can be a magical winter activity. Jodrell Bank hosts occasional public viewing events, which could be a memorable experience for the whole family.
Explore the gardens: The grounds of the observatory are lovely for a winter walk, with a mix of open spaces and wooded areas.
MOULTON AND WEAVER WAY
Distance: 5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Best For: Families with younger children, birdwatchers
Moulton, a village near Winsford, is home to the scenic Weaver Way, which runs alongside the River Weaver. The trail is particularly lovely in the winter, as the river and surrounding fields create a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a winter stroll. The walk is mostly flat, making it ideal for families with children in tow.
Things to do in Moulton and Weaver Way
Birdwatching: The area is well known for its birdlife, so bring binoculars for a chance to spot winter birds such as swans and ducks on the river.
Winter photography: The riverbank and fields are picturesque, especially when coated in a light dusting of frost or snow. It’s a great opportunity for family photos.
Village walk: After your walk, explore Moulton village, which has quaint local shops and places to warm up with hot drinks.
THE SANDSTONE TRAIL
Distance: 34 miles (can be done in sections)
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Best For: Active families, adventurous explorers
The Sandstone Trail is one of Cheshire’s most famous long-distance paths, and while it can be a challenge, it is worth considering if you’re looking for an adventure. The trail runs from Frodsham to Whitchurch and offers dramatic views over the Cheshire Plain, especially when the surrounding countryside is covered in frost.
Things to do in Sandstone Trail
Split the walk: You don’t need to tackle the entire 34 miles. The trail can be completed in sections, making it suitable for families with older children who are up for a bit of a challenge.
Enjoy the views: The high sandstone ridges offer panoramic views that are particularly striking in the winter. Stop for a rest and enjoy the scenery, which can be even more magical with mist or snow.
Historic sites: Along the way, you’ll pass historic sites such as the medieval castle ruins at Beeston, which provide a fun exploration spot for kids.
MARBURY COUNTRY PARK
Distance: 1.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Best For: Families with young children, nature lovers
Marbury Country Park, located near Northwich, is a peaceful spot perfect for a short winter walk. The park has a variety of easy trails that wind through woodlands and around Budworth Mere, a picturesque lake that is especially beautiful when surrounded by winter frost.
Things to do in Marbury Country Park
Wildlife watching: Marbury Park is a fantastic place to spot winter wildlife, including birds like kingfishers and waterfowl. Kids will love the excitement of seeing animals in their natural habitat.
Café bites: After your walk, head to the park’s café for a hot drink or snack.
Scavenger hunt: Bring along a winter-themed scavenger hunt or activity sheet to keep younger children entertained as they explore the park.
BOLLIN VALLEY WAY
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Best For: Families with young children, nature lovers
The Bollin Valley Way is a scenic walking route that follows the River Bollin, offering a peaceful, rural setting for a winter walk. Harpers’ Green is a particularly nice starting point, with easy access to the valley trail.
Things to do in Bollin Valley Way
Explore the riverbank: The walk along the river is serene and picturesque, with plenty of opportunities for families to enjoy a relaxing stroll.
Winter picnic: If the weather is clear, enjoy a picnic by the river, complete with thermos drinks to keep everyone warm.
Wildlife watching: Keep an eye out for river birds and animals along the way.
LYMM DAM
Distance: 2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Best For: Families with small children, those seeking a leisurely walk
Lymm Dam, located near the village of Lymm, is a lovely place to visit during winter. The walk around the dam is short and suitable for families with younger children. The area’s wintery beauty, with the lake often reflecting the bare trees and frosty landscape, is peaceful and perfect for an easy winter outing.
Things to do in Lymm Dam
Feed the ducks: Children will love feeding the ducks and geese around the dam. Just be sure to bring appropriate food for them, such as birdseed or vegetables.
Explore Lymm Village: After your walk, explore the charming village of Lymm, with its local shops and cafés to warm up in.
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