Cheshire Accessible Trails
Welcome to the Countryside Trails page for Cheshire
The trails are categorised (according to ease of use for a wheelchair user) to assist you. The categories are as follows:-
Category 1
These are easy access routes suitable for wheelchair users (If able) without assistance.
Category 2
These are moderately easy routes and are suitable for wheelchair users with light assistance.
Category 3
These routes have fairly steep gradients or rougher surfaces and are suitable for wheelchair users with assistance from someone who is fit and able.
We have visited and assessed thirteen trails for Cheshire so far and on this page have divided them into the four areas of the county. All are worthwhile visiting and they each offer a unique view of the diversity of terrain and flora and fauna that is an integral part of the Cheshire countryside.
Chester
Riverside Promenade : Category 2
Ordnance Survey Explorer Map 266 (Wirral & Chester)
Chester Riverside
The Riverside Promenade is a linear trail in Chester which can be accessed from several points but we recommend parking in the Little Roodee car park where there are four designated parking spaces, a good sized accessible toilet (radar key operated and right hand transfer) and a cafe. This is the middle point of the trail and from here visitors can go westward around the perimeter of the racecourse or eastward following the line of the walls to the riverboat embarkation point.
Overlooking the River Dee
Access along the western section has been improved and there are excellent benches with views over the River Dee or the racecourse (N.B. This section is closed on race meeting days). Please note there is a camber inclined towards the river that might mean self propelling manual wheelchair users would require some assistance.
Wheeling along the eastern section
The eastern section also has plenty of seating and you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the resident cormorants fishing from rocks in the river. There are several accessible riverside restaurants and bars and visitors can also take a river trip from here please check out our Chester page for more details.
Stanney Woods : Category 1
Ordnance Survey Explorer Map 266 (Wirral & Chester)
Stanney Woods
The woods are situated at Whitby on the northern outskirts of Chester. There is a small car park just off the A5117. N.B. Access to the woods is via a metal barrier (used to prevent motor cycles from entering) which might also prohibit larger powered chairs.
Late evening sun at Stanney
Once inside there are 3 circular trails each varying in length but all with excellent hard surfaced paths. It is an ancient woodland of oak and silver birch, with some hazel and holly that was once part of the Mersey Forest.
This is a pleasant easily negotiated level trail.
Cheshire West
The Wirral Way : Category 3
Ordnance Survey Explorer Map 266 (Wirral & Chester)
Hadlow Road Station
The Wirral Way is based on the former Hooton to West Kirby Branch Line Railway which closed in 1956 and is situated within the Wirral Country Park which was the first country park in Britain. This linear trail extends for twelve miles many of which have level access. The whole trail however we have graded a category 3 as it involves negotiating some inclines, the steepest of which is at a former cutting near the Lees Lane car park. Please note that at present there are not many benches along the trail but more are scheduled.
It is possible to wheel for a long way on level sections e. g the trail is easily accessed from the car park at Hadlow Road Station (N.B. The station has toilets that are accessible for a wheelchair but that have no grab rails at present due to vandalism). From here it runs level for some distance towards Willaston making this section a category 1.
The Wirral Way
Entrance to the trail from the Lees Lane car park for wheelchairs and larger baby buggies is across an uneven path by the picnic area as the opening by the gate is too narrow. Visitors starting the trail here will encounter a long level section when heading back towards Hadlow Road (n.b. there is an awkward uneven surface by a bridge where the path has been narrowed to prevent use by horses). Heading right towards Neston you will encounter the previously mentioned cutting where the trail drops away quite steeply but then levels out.
A view across the fields on the section heading towards Parkgate from the car park
There is also a car park at the former Baths in Neston. Access from here to continue the trail towards Parkgate involves crossing the busy B5134, however there are good dropped kerbs positioned opposite each other and sufficient vision of the traffic by the bus stop near the entrance to the car park.
The trail passes through a variety of differing habitats on route from urban to rural environments and is an excellent wildlife corridor. Whether visitors have sufficient stamina to complete the whole 12 mile route (remember it is linear so you will need picking up at the end or have to return the same way) or a shorter section our researchers feel sure you will find it extremely enjoyable.
N.B. It would be possible to gain access to use an 'all terrain' scooter on this route.
For further information please phone 0151 327 5145 or e-mail: wcp@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
Delamare Forest : Category 3
Ordnance Survey Explorer Map 267 (Northwich & Delamare Forest)
A section on the circular easier access trail
Delamare Forest is managed by the Forestry Commission and is situated approximately 10 miles from Chester and covers an area of over 950 hectares of mixed deciduous and evergreen forest, open grassland and wetlands. It is the largest wooded area in Cheshire and also lies within the Mersey Forest.
Linmere Visitor Centre is situated near Delamare railway station and from here visitors can access a variety of trails.
The circular easier access trail that runs from the centre through Eddisbury Wood took our researchers 30 mins to complete. It does go up steepish gradients on the outward section which is why we graded it a category 3.
The picnic area on the easier access trail
There is an accessible toilet, a cafe and maps available at the visitor centre.
For more detailed accessibility information about the visitor centre please click here.
The main circular trail around Blakemere might be also possible for some wheelchair users or 'all terrain' scooters if you keep to the paths nearest to the lake (entrance over the bridge and by the 'go ape' lodge). However it does involve steep gradients at the start and although fairly level around the mere it has got very rough and uneven surfaces in places.
Farndon Boardwalk : Category 2
Ordnance Survey Explorer Map 257 (Crewe & Nantwich)
Accessible Board Walk at Farndon
Farndon is approximately 7 miles south of Chester near the A534 and there is a picnic area by the 14th century bridge just outside the village. If you park at the end of the track you can wheel along a boardwalk trail alongside the river. The trail was constructed for the millennium and sadly is now in need of some repair although our researchers still found it accessible if somewhat overgrown in places.
Section of the trail showing the river Dee
As well as providing good views over the river visitors can get also close to the sandstone cliff an important geological feature of the Cheshire countryside. Anglers with limited mobility may be interested to know that there are two accessible fishing platforms down a short sloping path by the edge of the car park (N.B. However these were silted up with mud on our visit).
Marbury Country Park : Category 1
Ordnance Survey Explorer Map 267 (Northwich & Delamare Forest)
Marbury Country Park Entrance
Marbury Country Park is situated at Northwich near the Anderton Boatlift and is at the heart of the Northwich Woodlands project which has created 350 hectares of parkland from what was once largely derelict land. There are designated parking spaces at the entrance and a designated toilet (right hand transfer and ramped entrance) near the information point (not wheelchair accessible but there are information leaflet dispensers outside).
There is a network of paths through the park many of which have easy access on compacted surfaces. Our researchers completed a 30 minute circular route from the entrance around the perimeter of the Lime Avenue, down towards the wood. across a field passing through two accessible gates and back up to the entrance past the childrens play area.
There are accessible picnic benches set on grass near the park entrance and level access across grass to the children's play area adjacent to the car park. A short circular level pathway also takes you from the information point past the ruins of the old house and the walled garden nursery with a view towards the lake.
Our researchers did not have time to explore this large park fully on this occasion but will be adding more information from future visits.
Cheshire East
Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve : Category 3
Ordnance Survey Explorer Map 268 (Wilmslow, Macclesfield & Congleton)
The Brimstone Trail at Brereton Heath
Brereton Heath Nature Reserve is situated at Davenport near Congleton. There is a good sized designated toilet (left hand transfer) and a visitor information centre adjacent to the 2 designated spaces in the car park. At weekends and school holidays a mobile refreshment bar is sited adjacent to the car park.
Also on site are male and female accessible changing rooms each with a level access shower which are available for visitors taking part in canoeing on the lake. Clubs and schools wishing to use the lake can contact the rangers on
01477 534115 for further details.
The woodland section of the trail
The easy access 'Brimstone Trail' follows the perimeter of the lake and is almost level with a good surface throughout. On the far side of the lake there is a spur which goes through woodland and is marked on the map as unsurfaced (shown in the photograph above). Our researchers also found this section easy going and dry despite the previous wet weather.
One of the tactile way markers
The trail is named after the bright yellow Brimstone butterflies that can be seen at the reserve and has excellent tactile way markers at regular intervals along the route. There are also a good number of benches around the trail. Our researchers completed the trail in 45 minutes and found it one of the best easy access circular routes they had visited throughout the UK.
Macclesfield Forest : Category 1
Ordnance Survey Explorer Map 268 (Wilmslow, Macclesfield & Congleton)
Overlooking Trentabank Reservoir in the Macclesfield Forest
Trentabank Visitor Centre in the Macclesfield Forest is situated across the road from Trentabank Reservoir and has a designated toilet (right hand transfer) and picnic area. The Nice Nosh refreshment van is parked adjacent to the centre each weekend and bank holiday throughout the year.
The accessible table near the Visitor Centre in the forest
From here visitors can cross the road to a short circular easy access trail with a viewing point over the reservoir where in spring visitors can watch the largest heronry in the Peak District. Although the trail is very short, the view across the reservoir is worth seeing and the area is beautiful to drive through.
N.B. There is another trail in the area around Ridgegate Reservoir but our researchers found that the loose surface on steep gradients made it unsuitable for wheelchair users.
The Salt Line : Category 3
Ordnance Survey Explorer Map 268 (Wilmslow, Macclesfield & Congleton)
The Salt Line
The Salt Line Trail follows a section of the old Sandbach Line of the North Staffordshire Railway Company which was closed to passengers in July 1930 but still ran as a goods line until 1970. Extensive improvement work was carried in 2003 and it is fairly level but there are steepish inclines where the line went through the cutting.
The gradient on the cutting section of the Salt Line
Our researchers parked in the small car park, south of Hassall Green, off the A533 where the trail passes under the M6 motorway. Access on to the trail is via wooden barriers (see photo) which have extremely narrow dimensions making it unsuitable for larger powered chairs with supported seating and 'all terrain' scooters.
The trail has good surfaced paths and is well used. Because of its open aspect it is particular rich in more unusual plant species and butterflies. There are also accessible picnic tables at points along the route.
For more information please contact the Rangers on
01270 768835 or e-mail countryside@cheshire.gov.uk.
The Wizard Trail : Category 3
Ordnance Survey Explorer Map 118 ( Stoke - on -Trent & Macclesfield)
On the way up to the viewing point on the Wizard Trail
The start to the accessible section of the trail which is situated at Alderley Edge is from the Wizard Tearooms car park and is on National Trust land. It winds fairly gently uphill (for approximately 1km) on a soft surfaced path through woodland to a viewing point from the sandstone escarpment that is 'the edge'. From here there are magnificent views across the Cheshire and Staffordshire countryside.
Looking out over the countryside from the viewing point on Alderley Edge
For wheelchair users who can cope with some jarring, if you retrace your way back to the path and carry on, the trail can be circular. After following a woodland path downhill the trail meets a farm track that has a very uneven stony surface on several sections before reaching the car park again. Alternatively it is possible to retrace your route back down through the woodland to the start point.
Enjoying some refreshment at the excellent tea rooms
The Wizard Tearooms are adjacent to the car park and there is a designated toilet in the car park but it was closed on our visit. Local legend has it that a Wizard guards the gates to a cavern on the Edge where lay sleeping knights who will one day wake and save the land.
For further information please contact the National Trust Countryside Rangers on
01625 584412 or
e - mail: alderleyedge@nationaltrust.org.uk
Astbury Mere Country Park : Category 3
Ordnance Survey Explorer Map 268 (Wilmslow, Macclesfield & Congleton)
The start of the 'easy access' trail at Astbury Mere
Astbury Mere Country Park is in Sandy Lane off the A34 on the outskirts of Congleton. There is a small visitor centre, designated parking and an accessible toilet (right hand transfer) with a ramped entrance. Leaflets detailing the accessible circular trail are available from the centre.
The view point over the Mere
The trail goes down a slope and alongside the mere for a short way and then takes you up a steep slope to a good elevated viewing point over the mere. Visitors with limited mobility may prefer to rest here and enjoy the beautiful view then retrace their route back to the car park.
The second section of the trail
From this point on the way marked accessible trail leaves the mere passes through a housing estate and then there is a long section on a soft surfaced path with high back garden fences on one side and a steep bank on the other. This path which has a steep slope down in one place is used by local dog walkers, some of whom had not used the bins provided on our researchers visit. The accessible route then crosses a small road and returns to the main car park.
Warrington
Sankey Valley Country Park : Category 1
Ordnance Survey Explorer Map 276 ( Bolton, Wigan & Warrington)
A section along the canal in Sankey Valley Country Park
The Sankey Valley Country Park follows the course of the oldest canal in England linking St Helens with Warrington. Our researchers parked at the Ledyard Close car park off of Old Hall Road accessed off of A574. The car park had a studded surface but led on to a well maintained path alongside the canal. As well as being well used for recreation, the park is an important wildlife haven running through an essentially urban area and there is a surprisingly wide diversity of flora and fauna within it.
Sankey Valley Country Park
The central section of the park widens into a more family orientated area with sweeping lawns and plenty of seating.
For more information on the park please phone 01925 571836 or e-mail
rangers@warrington.gov.uk
Risley Moss Nature Reserve : Category 2
Ordnance Survey Explorer Map 276 ( Bolton, Wigan & Warrington)
Risley Moss from the viewing point by the look out tower
Risley Moss covers 220 acres and is the last remnant of the boggy wasteland that once made up a large part of the Mersey Valley. The mossland has undergone a long term restoration project which was completed in 2002. It is situated near junction 11 off of the M62. There is a short inclined path from the car park to the visitor centre which has a good sized accessible toilet (right hand transfer) and a small display of information panels.
One of the accessible hides at Risley
From here visitors can take take one of 3 waymarked routes. The red trail is the shortest and easily accessed along level well surfaced paths. There is an accessible woodland bird hide on route. With some assistance manual wheelchair users can also take a short spur up to the picnic tables (below the look out tower) with excellent views over the moss.
The path on the longer blue trail
Our researchers also completed the longer blue trail and found that this was reasonably well surfaced and accessible although manual wheelchair users may need some fit assistance to negotiate some small inclines. The nature reserve is both an SSSI and a special area for conservation and offers visitors a chance to explore the woodland and to view this rare example of mossland.
To download a leaflet about Risley Moss please click here
For more information on Risley Moss please e-mail rangers@warrington.gov.uk or phone 01925 824339