The Sandstone Trail offers unbroken walking over some of the finest countryside in Cheshire.

For good reasons, high ground has always been a magnet to walkers; and for most of the way the route follows the dramatic, wooded sandstone ridge that runs roughly from top to bottom across the Cheshire Plain.

With its beautiful scenery and wide and ever-changing panoramic views, it’s an invigorating walk at any time of year.

Section by Section

Most people choose to walk the Trail in sections to suit their individual style and pace.

The route can be joined at countless places along the way, and the well managed and waymarked side paths give easy access to towns, villages, pubs, cafes and other amenities. They also provide a wealth of potential circular routes

Others choose to spread the journey across two days, staying overnight at a suitable halfway stop in Higher Burwardsley, close to Beeston Castle and Beeston Market, or in Tarporley.

Alternatively, a few of the central inns, hotels and bed and breakfasts cater specifically for walkers and will transport you to the start of your day’s walk in the morning and collect you again in the evening, just in time for a welcome hot bath and dinner. Ask individual accommodation providers for details.

All in One!

Seasoned walkers can complete the Sandstone Trail in one go; this is best achieved during the long summer days and takes around twelve hours. But be warned: it’s a long way. As one weary walker remarked ‘for the last few miles the stiles were ten feet high’.