Easy Circular Cheshire Walk & Lunch

A 4.5 mile circular trail taking in two beautiful castles set within the sandstone hills of Cheshire. The walk starts from Beeston Castle, the ruins of a 13th Century castle which is managed by English Heritage and sits high upon a sandstone crag. The route heads out across farmland to circle Peckforton Castle, a 19th Century country house built in the style of a medieval castle and now operating as a hotel. The journey takes you along one section of the Sandstone Trail, a famous long-distance-path, and along the quiet woodland paths through the Peckforton Estate. Both castles are visible for much of the route sitting high on their respective hills giving a real sense of their imposing presence on the area.

The walk has a few climbs and descents most of which are fairly gentle, but there is one set of fairly steep and deep-treaded woodland steps which are a bit of a challenge to negotiate. There are several kissing gates and 3 stiles (but these are all quite low and open making them fairly easy for both humans and dogs!). The paths are a combination of stone and woodland/field paths which can be quite muddy after wet weather. Some of the fields may be holding cattle.

The walk starts from the pay and display car park opposite the entrance to Beeston Castle, on Church Lane in Beeston, near Taporley. The parking fee is £3 per day (correct May 2018). Optional entry to enjoy the views from the top of Beeston Castle is £7.50. 

After the walk we will head to the Forester's Arms for a well deserevd sunday lunch.