Wrap up warm and explore the county this January with a selection of our fabulous walks
Kelsall
A walk around this pretty village will be the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Christmas. In addition to the great network of local footpaths, there are two well-maintained Cheshire trails, the Sandstone Trail and the Eddisbury Way that run in great proximity to the village, making Kelsall an ideal destination for walkers.
A popular place to start from is the car park of the Lord Binning Pub and walk uphill away from the village as far as the parish church of St Philips. After a series of roads you'll bypass Winsors Farm Shop, where you'll discover more varieties of apple than initially thought possible! Continue towards and then along Willington Road, after a series of kissing gates and paths it will lead you back across a playing field returning to the car park.
Distance: Four miles
Map: OS Explorer 267 Northwich and Delamere Forest
Refreshments: The Lord Binning Pub and Kitchen at Kelsall, The Boot Inn at Boothsdale
www.cheshirelife.co.uk/out-about/walks/cheshire_walks_kelsall_1_1568461
Prestbury and the River Bollin
Taking in a section of the desirable Golden Triangle, this walk around Prestbury and the River Bollin will see you strolling past the hand-loom weavers' cottages along to the picturesque riverside path.
Your walk will see you taking in mixed woodland and the perimeter of a golf course, where you'll have to watch out for stray balls flying through the air. You'll probably spot the 18th century Legh Hall as you head up towards Mottram before you make your return through the pretty farms back to the village. An ideal place to start the walk is through the church yard and along to the high street.
Distance: Five miles
Map: OS Explorer 268 Wilmslow, Macclesfield and Congleton
Refreshments: The Legh Arms and many more around the village
www.cheshirelife.co.uk/out-about/walks/cheshire_walk_prestbury_and_the_river_bollin_1_2332276
Marbury
Our resident walking expert, Keith Carter, said that Marbury is 'a perfect example of rural England at its best.' Lying south-east of Nantwich, this picturesque village is set alongside the Llangollen branch of the Shropshire Union Canal and the Big Mere is one of many lakes to draw in fisherman.
This medium level walk is best starting off from the Swan Inn and walking towards Wirswall Road, keeping the canal on your left once you join the tow path. Come down below the A49 and leave the canal at Willeymoor Lock to walk back up through the village of Wirswall taking in Wickstead Hall. Upon your return to Marbury, make sure to take a stroll past the 17th century Marbury Hall and its grade II listed gatelodge on Hollins Lane.
Distance: Five miles
Map: OS Explorer 257 Crewe and Nantwich
Refreshments: Swan Inn at Marbury, Willeymoor Lock
www.cheshirelife.co.uk/out-about/walks/cheshire_walks_marbury_1_1784164
Thurstaston and Royden Park Country Park
One for dog lovers, because even our furry friends need some exercise after eating our leftover turkey. Owned by the National Trust, Roydon Park and Thurstaston Common cover almost 250 acres - so you're sure to burn off those Christmas calories walking here.
If you start at the clock tower, you can walk to historical Thor's stone, a huge sandstone outcrop, before making your way up to Thurstaston Hill and its summit column for spectacular views of the Dee Estuary, the Clwydian Hills of Wales and the Wirral Peninsula. At the foot of the hill, walk past the primary school and into Thurstaston village where you then have to option to return to Royden Park through Thurstaston Common via Wirral Way or a walk along the beach.
Distance: six miles
Map: OS Explorer 266 Wirral and Chester
Refreshments: Barking Mad Café at Royden Park, GJ's Café Station Road by the shore.
www.cheshirelife.co.uk/out-about/walks/wirral_walk_royden_park_country_park_thurstaston_1_3424076
Anderton Boat Lift and Great Budworth
A great place to visit in Cheshire, the Anderton Boat Lift dates from 1875 and was designed by Edwin Clark. In 2000, the lift was restored with the aid of Lottery money to the cost of £7 million. This walk sees you stroll to the right past the extensive marina where you can look at the cluster of pretty narrow boats.
Skirting Marbury Country Park you'll reach bridge number 193 at Marston. Leave the canal here by the remains of the old Lion Salt Works and walk along a series of paths with kissing gates before reaching the main street of Great Budworth village. On return to the boat lift, you'll want to bypass the entrance to Marbury Nurseries and walk back through Marbury Country Park.
Distance: six miles
Map: OS Explorer 267 Northwich and Delamere Forest.
Refreshments: George and Dragon at Great Budworth, cafe at the Boat Lift Visitor Centre
