Narrowboats moored on the Llangollen Canal at Wrenbury, Cheshire, with autumn trees reflected in the water

Cheshire – Sandstone Ridge, Canal Towpaths, and Rural Plain Walking

Rolling countryside, wooded escarpments, and quiet waterways between the Mersey, the Dee, and the Peak District

Farmland, river valleys, and low sandstone hills shape Cheshire, where walking routes cross the Peak District National Park on the eastern edge and follow the Sandstone Trail, Gritstone Trail, the Cheshire Ring canal towpaths, and the Weaver Way between Chester, Macclesfield, Northwich, Nantwich, Congleton, and Knutsford.

Much of the terrain is firm and gently varied underfoot. Field paths, canal towpaths, woodland tracks, and riverside routes allow steady progress across the plain, with short climbs onto ridges and escarpments rather than sustained ascent.

The landscape changes across the county. Central Cheshire is largely flat with pasture and arable farmland divided by hedgerows and lanes, while the Sandstone Ridge rises in the west with wooded hills and viewpoints. To the east, the ground climbs toward the Pennine foothills and the Peak District with rougher paths, reservoirs, and open moorland.

Towns and villages are spaced regularly across the countryside, creating frequent access points for both short circular walks and longer point-to-point routes.

Trails and Routes Through Cheshire

Sandstone Trail

A long-distance route along the Sandstone Ridge between Frodsham and Whitchurch, crossing woodland, heath, and open hilltops with wide views.

Gritstone Trail

Runs north–south along the county’s eastern edge through higher ground between Disley and Kidsgrove, linking Cheshire with the Peak District.

Cheshire Ring canal towpaths

A network of level waterside paths following the Bridgewater, Trent and Mersey, Rochdale, and Ashton canals through rural and urban sections.

Weaver Way

Follows the River Weaver between Frodsham and Nantwich through meadowland, woodland, and riverside farmland.

Delamere Forest paths

Waymarked woodland trails and bridleways through one of the county’s largest forest areas.

Walking Character

• Flat pasture and hedged farmland
• Canal and riverside towpaths
• Wooded sandstone ridges
• Low hills and escarpments
• Frequent towns and villages
• Mostly gentle terrain with moderate ridge climbs

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Cheshire located?

Cheshire lies in North West England between Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Staffordshire, Shropshire, and North Wales.

Are there National Parks or National Landscapes here?

Yes. The eastern edge of Cheshire includes part of the Peak District National Park.

What defines walking here?

Level farmland routes, canal towpaths, wooded ridges, and moderate hill walking toward the Peak District.

Are there long-distance routes here?

Yes. The Sandstone Trail, Gritstone Trail, Weaver Way, and Cheshire Ring canal network all provide extended walking routes.

Is the terrain steep?

Most routes are gentle or flat, with steeper ground mainly on the Sandstone Ridge and the Peak District edge.