Cheshire Accessible Countryside
Disabled Access, Wheelchair walks, Easy Access, Access for All, Mobility, Walks on Wheels, Miles without Stiles - whatever the term the following is all about accessibility to the countryside and green spaces of Cheshire.
Walks Greenspaces and Countryside
Anderton Nature Park - (Walks for All) - "Anderton Nature Park provides a haven for wildlife on restored industrial land adjacent to the historic Victorian boat lift and near to Northwich town centre" "There are several routes to explore but the route highlighted is fully accessible and takes you along a fabulous waterside walk with the option of visiting the bird hide at Haydns pool. There is one motorbike barrier along the canal towpath." "Accessible toilets are located at the Boat Lift Visitor Centre, where there is also a café." from the Your Northwich and Winsford website
- Download a leaflet from the Visit Chester and Cheshire website
Ashton's and Neumann's Flashes - Walks for all - 2 - 3 miles - "These reclaimed lime beds provide an excellent area for short walks and bird watching. The industrial past of the area creates unique conditions that allow many unusual species to thrive."
- Download a leaflet from the Visit Chester and Cheshire website
Astbury Mere Country Park – Walks for All - "Distance: 2 km /1 ¼ miles" "Astbury Mere is a green oasis developed on the site of a former sand quarry, less than a mile from Congleton town centre. Enjoy a stroll through wildflower meadows and admire the views across the mere towards Congleton Edge and Mow Cop. " "The car park is accessible for minibuses and there are two designated disabled bays by the start of the route." "Toilets: Toilets are provided at the visitor centre, including an accessible toilet with a RADAR lock" - from the Visit Chester and Cheshire website
- Download a leaflet from the Visit Chester and Cheshire website
Biddulph Valley Way - It is ideal for pushchairs and wheelchair users too. Download the Valleys and Pastures leaflet above to see which access points are suitable for wheelchairs - from the Cheshire East Council website
- Download the trail leaflet from the Cheshire East Council website
- also we have a leaflet in our archive
Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve - "The Local Nature Reserve has over 50 acres of mainly silver birch and oak woodland surrounding a 15 acre lake as well as areas of heathland, a wildflower meadow and wetland areas. There is a wealth of bird life, particularly in the woodland." "Wheelchair accessible route, Public toilets including disabled toilets (for RADAR key holders). from the Cheshire East Council website
- "The surfaced lakeside path provides an easy access route around the lake. The path is suitable for wheelchair users. The trail is 4/5 mile or 1.3 km long. Seating is provided at regular intervals." from the leaflet
- Download the leaflet from the Cheshire East Council website
Delamere Forest - "Delamere, south-west of Manchester, is a place to let off steam, escape the crowds and find peace in the heart of the forest. Accessible by its very own train station, you’ll find easy-going trails for all abilities, a hike to admire the view across to Liverpool’s famous skyline, orienteering courses for all abilities or a bit of peace and quiet to watch the wildlife by the lake." "...brand-new Visitor Centre. a large eco-friendly timber framed visitor welcome building, new café, bike hire and toilets including accessible facilities." "Some tables have space for wheelchair users. You can bring your own food to the picnic area. " "Delamere Forest provides many gentle forest roads and trails ideal for the less-able or for families with children. There are dry sandstone paths, lots of mature trees to shade or shelter under and Blakemere Moss is an ideal lake for bird watchers. In addition, Old Pale provides a superb walk with spectacular views extending as far as Liverpool's famous skyline of cathedrals and harbour buildings." - from the Forestry England website - we understand that there is now a Changing Places facility
- Download the trails leaflet from the Forestry England website
Lyme Park Miles Without Stiles - "Historic Lyme Park provides the setting for a deer park, a play park and long-distance views. Some local traffic" "550 m and 570 m for the loops and 1.3 km to East Lodge" - from the Peak District National Park Authority website
- Download the leaflet from the Peak District National Park Authority website
Lymm Dam - "Lymm Dam is a popular visitor attraction to the south of Lymm Village. There is parking nearby and several circular walks are available including routes that are less steep and pushchair and wheelchair friendly." - from the Lymm Parish Council website
- Download the circular wheelchair walk leaflet from the Lymm Parish Council website
Marbury Country Park - Walks for All - "A former residence of the Smith-Barry family, Marbury Country Park is at the heart of the Northwich Woodlands. The walks and trails take visitors through the historical landscape which includes the magnificent lime avenues and the arboretum. Whilst only the raised terraces and stone walls remain they serve to provide a window to the park's splendid history; from grandiose manor house through to the war years as prisoner of war camp, and finally its sad demolition in the 1970s." "The site contains access for all routes, alongside more challenging routes unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs." - from the Your Northwich and Winsford website
- Download a leaflet from the Visit Chester and Cheshire website
Middlewood Way - "Sensitively reclaimed from a former railway line to provide a natural attraction for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and nature lovers. An 11 mile (16km), traffic-free greenway from Macclesfield to Marple on the Peak Park fringe with car parking, toilets and information points, with fine views over the Cheshire Plain to the west. The Middlewood Way follows the line of the former Macclesfield, Bollington and Marple Railway through picturesque Cheshire countryside and between historic mill towns. For much of its length, the Middlewood Way runs close to the Macclesfield Canal, and there are many options for easy circular walks." "The Middlewood Way is mostly level and wheelchair-accessible. To help you plan your visit, we have attempted to show on the map (see below) see easy access points and areas of the Middlewood Way that may be difficult for wheelchairs. - from the Cheshire East Council website
- Download the trail leaflet .
Salt Line and Wheelock Rail Trail - "The Wheelock Rail Trail is a popular 2 km traffic free route for walkers and cyclists. It is located on the outskirts of Sandbach and runs from Ettiley Heath towards Malkins Bank. The well surfaced trail ends where the trail crosses the canal and from the canal bridge a public bridleway continues to Malkins Bank." "The trail is up to 3 metres wide and is a well surfaced flat trail, with local access points in Wheelock and Ettiley Heath. " - from the Cheshire East Council website
- Download the trail leaflet (Suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs with RADAR locks fitted to existing gates installed at main access points).
Stanney Woods - "Stanney Woods is an ancient woodland of oak and silver birch, with some hazel and holly. It is excellent for bird watching and also exceptionally good for fungi in the autumn." "Stanney Woods has excellent easy access for all, with a well surfaced network of level paths" - from the Your Ellesmere Port website
Weaver Parkway - Walks for All - "The Weaver Parkway is an extensive area of open green space alongside the River Weaver on the outskirts of Winsford. It was created on former industrial land of brine workings and salt mining, creating a unique habitat for unusual wildlife. " "Distance 2.5km (1.5 mile) Surface: Firm compacted grit surface, some gradients are slightly greater than 1:10 however there are several resting/passing points along the route." - from the Your West Cheshire website
- Download a leaflet from the Visit Chester and Cheshire website
Whitby Park - "There are three areas of the park which promote native flora and fauna. The main pond is located in front of Whitby Hall and fishing is permitted at this pond. Behind the bowling greens is a grassland habitat area with interpretation panels. On the far side of the park on Park Drive there is a small woodland copse. All of these areas have relaxed maintenance regimes to encourage the establishment of various insects, mammals and birds. There is also a Field of Hope, a commemorative feature which was established by the Friends group and Marie Curie Cancer Care." "There is an accessible circular route through the park which is suitable for buggies and wheelchairs. There are also drop curbs and disabled toilets and some of the play equipment is designed disabled children." - from the Your Ellesmere Port website