White Nancy, Bollington

A short, steep jaunt delivers maximum reward: White Nancy, perched atop Bollington, is a winter’s dream. Expect frosted heather and stark silhouettes as you climb to this iconic white beacon away from the supremely pretty town of Bollington – which doesn’t take long at all. And it’s from here you can gaze, breathlessly, across to the wilds of Cheshire. Pop back into town for a coffee afterward, and you’ll feel like you’ve conquered a landmark with minimal fuss — the ultimate micro-adventure for those short on time (or energy).

The Cloud, Congleton

Rising elegantly above Congleton, a stroll up The Cloud, on the border of Staffordshire and Cheshire, is deceptively easy, yet the vistas are anything but pedestrian. Winter light cuts crisply across fields and woodland, highlighting every fold in the landscape. At the summit, killer views open generously across the Cheshire Plain and the Peak District. Sunsets are extra special at this 300-metre-high peak, too.

Shuttlingsloe

Boots on, hood up, and prepare for Cheshire at its wildest. Over near the wild sprawl of Macclesfield Forest, Shuttlingsloe juts out of the earth like a clenched fist, and it’s this distinctive shape that has earned the hill its name, the Matterhorn of Cheshire. Start out in the gnarfled woodland with its tangle of conifers, rising gradually along the well-worn route through upland meadows to the tip of Shuttlingsloe. The Peak District, the sweeping Cheshire Plain, and even the haze of Manchester can be spotted on a clear day.

Ram’s Head to Lyme Park (part of the Gritstone Trail)

I recently discovered this walk and can’t stop raving about it. Begin at The Ram’s Head in Disley – a carvernous pub with huge stone fireplaces – leaving the car park behind and up a flight of stone steps. You’ll loop past vast country houses and through frost-dusted woodlands before arriving at the gates of Lyme Park and The Cage (a historic sandstone tower) looming in the distance. Gentle slopes make it accessible, yet the scenery feels far from pedestrian: the urban mass of Manchester far beyond, sweeping golden parkland, and wide open skies. Refuel on hot chocs by the fire at Lyme Park’s cafe, before looping round and heading back to the pub.

Sandstone Trail

Shining a light on the ridge of sandstone that juts out of the Cheshire Plain, the Sandstone Trail (32 miles from Frodsham to Whitchurch) weaves through farmland and forest and along towpaths, with pockets of snowdrops beginning to emerge along the way. Don’t fancy tackling the entire thing? You’ll be looking at around three days, but like any long-distance trail, the beauty of it is you can complete short sections of it. A Sandstone Trail Walking Package has launched, letting you bed down at The Swan, Tarporley, before walking 13 miles to The Lion at Malpas. The deal includes one dinner, B&B and two nights’ accommodation from £199 per person.

ENJOYED THIS? Get more just like it sent directly to your inbox every Thursday and Sunday – join the list!

White Nancy, Bollington

The Cloud, Congleton

Shuttlingsloe

Ram’s Head to Lyme Park (part of the Gritstone Trail)

Sandstone Trail

IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?

5 gorgeous winter walks in Cheshire

You may also like