Itinerary Planner

Grade: Moderate Distance: 6kms/ 3.75 miles Time: 2 hours Start: Ackers Crossing GR SJ847589 | what3words: ///apple.transit.tend Map: Explorer 258 Terrain: Field paths, tracks and stony paths. Muddy patches in winter. Some steep gradients Barriers: 12 stiles, steep slopes An energetic short loop climbing onto the ridge leading to Mow Cop. The path leads through beautiful woodlands and there are fabulous views from the ridge. Interesting industrial history – coal mining and Primitive Methodism. The route leads through Roe Park Woods which are a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The woodlands consist of three separate woods called Hanging, Limekiln and Grotto Woods. The circular walk passes between Hanging and Limekiln woods on the north-west facing slope of Mow Cop ridge. This woodland is Cheshire’s most extensive area of semi-natural ancient woodland and contains woodland community types rare to the county. The soils, which are derived from the underlying Millstone Grit, are predominantly acidic and free draining, but are influenced by the Carboniferous Limestone strata just below the surface. The woods consist mainly of oak, both sessile and pedunculate. Many of the mature trees were felled during the Second World War but a significant number remain. Downy birch, rowan and holly can also be seen in these woodlands. Near to the path you may see wavy hair-grass, bilberry and heather in the dryer open areas. Flowers include the opposite-leaved golden-saxifrage, wild angelica, common valerian and marsh hawk’s-beard, an uncommon species in Cheshire. The folly of Mow Cop was built as a summerhouse in 1754 for Randle Wilbraham I of Rode Hall. It is believed that he built it to enhance the view of the newly constructed Rode Hall, about 3 miles away on the edge of the Cheshire plain. Mow Cop is often referred to as the home of primitive Methodism. The two founders of the movement were Hugh Bourne 1772-1852, and William Clowes 1780-1851. The first open air prayer meeting took place on 31st May 1807 and attracted over 2,000 people. In 1862 a Memorial church was built on the site of this open air meeting. On leaving Mow Cop the route follows a footpath downhill past the Methodist chapel. Across the fields to the left, the Brake can be identified - this was once part of an old tramway which carried coal from the collieries east of Mow Cop down to the Macclesfield Canal at Hardings Wood. At one time a tunnel ran through the hill to join the collieries on the east side to the tramway on the west side.

Grade: Easy walking Distance: 300 metres / ¼ mile, circular walk, signposted from the car park Time: 15 – 30 minutes, plus time to enjoy the views over the reservoir Start: Trentabank Visitor Centre near Langley | what3words: ///damp.subsets.pursue Map: OS Explorer 268. Postcode for satnav: SK11 0NS Terrain: Generally level yet uneven paths with some loose material Macclesfield Forest is the last remnant of the Royal Forest of Macclesfield and is now a working forest managed by United Utilities. Situated within the Peak District National Park, the forest is mainly pine with a native broad leaf tree planting programme. The forest is home to a herd of red deer and the Trentabank Reservoir is host to a number of wildfowl species and the largest heronry in the Peak District. Access: Macclesfield Forest is situated to the east of Macclesfield. The Trentabank car park is accessed from the A523 via Langley. Postcode for satnav: SK11 0NS. A minibus-accessible pay and display car park is available. 3 designated bays are available for disabled parking and blue badge holders can park free of charge. The nearest public transport is by bus to Langley 2.5km /1½ miles from the visitor centre. Toilets: Toilets are available including an accessible toilet with a RADAR lock.

Grade: Long distance Distance: 18km/11 ¼ miles Time: 5-6 hours Map: OS Explorer 267 What 3 Words: ///rafters.transmits.school

Check out this fab blog from Hiker Hero detailing his hike along the Sandstone Trail and all the places to visit along the way - https://hikerhero.com/sandstone-trail/

Stride out along the Sandstone Trail (AKA the sandstone ridge) and sample some of the finest walking in Cheshire. Follow the ridge of sandstone that rises dramatically from the Cheshire plain and enjoy this invigorating walk at any time of year. The original Sandstone Trail officially opened in 1974. It has recently been extended so it now links the towns of Frodsham and Whitchurch. This not only makes it more accessible by public transport but also means you can enjoy some of the excellent facilities available in each town.

The Trail has been split into three sections of 18 or 19km or about 11miles which most people should find an enjoyable day’s walk.

The Sandstone Cafe

Refuel after your walk at The Sandstone Café. Perfect for visitors to Beeston castle, or walkers on the Sandstone trail. 

Serving a delicious range of hot and cold drinks and snacks it is the perfect place to recharge your batteries. Not to be missed are the delicious cream teas, and cakes. Whether you are looking for a morning pastry, a warming soup or jacket potato, we can cater for a range of dietary and lifestyle choices. 

The Sandstone Cafe is open to the public, and you won't need to pay admission to the castle to visit.

Grade: Easy walking Distance: 2.75km / 1 mile circular walk Time: 30 minutes – 1 hour, plus stops to admire the views Start: Tegg's Nose Country Park to the east of Macclesfield. | what3words: ///instilled.hopefully.restored Map: OS Explorer 268. Postcode for satnavs: SK11 0AP Terrain: Uneven paths with loose material Barriers: Kissing gates, hand gates and steps. Discover Tegg’s Nose Country Park and experience Cheshire East’s wild hill country where rock dominates the landscape. From this walk you will be able to enjoy exhilarating views over the Cheshire plain and, on a clear day, you might even see the cathedrals of Liverpool or the Welsh Hills on the horizon. Access: The Country Park is located on the Buxton Old Road and is signposted off the Macclesfield to Buxton road, the A537, to the east of Macclesfield. A minibus-accessible pay and display car park is available on site. Permits are available. There are 2 designated disabled parking bays and blue badge holders can park free of charge. No public transport runs to the Country Park. Public bus services operate to Langley and along the A537 New Buxton Road.