Green tunnel: The Sandstone Trail runs through Nettleford Wood on the edge of Delamere Forest
Originally created as a vast tract of hunting land by the Normans, Delamere Forest is now one of the most popular places for families and walkers in Cheshire.
The trees offer shelter, even in bad weather, and there’s plenty to do.
Today Delamere Forest is still the largest area of woodland in Cheshire. With more than 950 hectares of mixed broadleaved and coniferous woodland threaded by dry, surfaced paths and forestry access tracks, it’s one of the best places in Cheshire for families to walk, relax, picnic and let off steam.
Colour Coded Walks
Cheshire’s well waymarked Sandstone Trail runs through the forest.
In addition, there are six waymarked and colour coded routes in Delamere Forest to suit all abilities, as well as cycle tracks and well-made wheelchair accessible paths. A Cheshire walks leaflet detailing these routes is available form the Forestry Commission Visitor Centre alongside the main Linmere car park, off Station Road, Delamere.
A popular new walking destination is the summit of Pale Heights, just to the south of the main car park and Visitor Centre. The stone circle and viewpoint here look out over seven old counties. The panorama takes in a 270-degree view around the compass that spans the Pennines, Manchester, the Mersey estuary, Liverpool, Cheshire’s wooded sandstone ridge, Helsby Hill, the Wirral, the Dee Estuary and the Welsh hills.
More Visitor Attractions
Other popular attractions in Delamere Forest Park include two cafes, the Visitor Centre and shop, bike hire, horse riding, and the vast and inky Blakemere Lake with its vibrant bird life and summer dragonflies.
Look out, too, for the ever-popular Delamere Forest Go Ape! treetop high-wire adventure circuit, with its ladders, tarzan swings, tightropes and zip-wires.
Amazing fun!
