After getting my puppy two years back I made it my mission to discover some of the best walks in and around the city. With Spring around the corner, which means clearer skies and longer days (finally), its about the time I can start walking my much-loved routes again. Below are some of my personal favourite places to walk in and around Chester. These are local routes, that will take you though farmland and out of the city centre – but never too far from a coffee shop or pub!
Close to Home
The Walls
This walk is included in every walking and city break guide about Chester – and so it should be! The Chester walls are 2000 years old in some parts and are the only intact ancient defensive walls in Britain. It usually takes us around an hour to walk round the walls in their entirety, which is roughly 3.5km. From the walls you can get great views of the whole city, including the historic cathedral, amphitheatre and racecourse
The Meadows and Grosvenor Park
The Meadows are situated on the side of the River Dee and are the perfect place for a short walk or a picnic on a summer’s day. You can walk around the edges of the path in a circular route or venture into the neighbouring fields and go all the way to Eccleston. On the other side of the river sits Grosvenor Park. The park has lots of different paths to take that wind around the well-kept lawns. The park also has a children’s play area, miniature railway and duck pond.
Chester to Wales Cycle Path
This route officially starts along the back of the racecourse, but I find the best place to start is just behind The Cop park (on Sealand Road). The route is a long path that runs alongside the River Dee, right up to the Welsh boarder. Once you pass through the border you can continue along the path and venture into Wales, or you can loop back down one of the tracks into Chester. As part of the path is a cycle route it is also enjoyed by cyclists and skateboarders.
Millennium Greenway
The Greenway is an old railway line that has been converted into a walkway, it runs from Mickle Trafford to Connah’s Quay. You can decide the length of this one; sauntering along the section the runs through Chester or exploring the surrounding areas the Greenway passes through.
Further Afield
Frodsham and The Sandstone Trail
Just a 20 min drive or train journey away, sits the idyllic market town of Frodsham. The bustling main street boasts independent coffee shops, an ice cream parlour and multiple traditional pubs – great for a fresh pint at the end of your walk! You can start the walk by jumping on the sandstone trail, climbing up through the town to the top of Overton Hill. Once you’ve caught your breath at the summit of the hill, you can head back down to the village, or carry on along the trail towards Helsby to get even more steps in.
West Kirby Marine Lake
The 52-acre, 5 ft deep marine lake has a purpose-built path right round it’s perimeter. Whilst strolling around the lake you will have views of the wind surfers on one side and the adjoining beaches on the other. Once you’ve walked around the lake you can head to the high street and sample one of the local chippys. This one is best saved for a sunny day in my opinion, as the winds can make it quite chilly when you’re walking round the water.
Tarvin Community Woodland
Just a stones throw from Chester, this is one of my go to walks for a quick weekend wander. This quick and easy walk will help you get some steps in without breaking a sweat. You can end the walk in the little village, where you an get a coffee, a pint or a cone of chips.
So now the days are lighter and brighter (and hopefully slightly warmer) make sure you get out and see what Cheshire has to offer. Maybe grab the waterproof though – just in case.
Written by Emma Barry
