Alderley Edge Countryside Walks

In Brief.

This post refers to the National Trust managed Alderley Edge site, which is a mile to the east of the Cheshire town with the same name.  The site consists of a carpark that can be busy on sunny weekends, a series of short but varied walks, and a welcoming cafe to reward or prepare for exertions. 

A portion of The Miner's Ramble.

What's Here?

The site consists of largely wooded countryside and some adjoining farmland, which has enough elevation to provide good views of the Cheshire plain. There are also periodic glimpses of mine workings, either open cast or entrances to tunnels.

The National Trust has laid out five walks, which vary a bit in length, each of which can be done in a fairly leisurely manner in under an hour.  The walks are colour coded and signed, and I have done several in recent times without missing a signpost, which indicates that the signing must be pretty clear!

A view from The Edge.

A map in the carpark can be photographed to support navigation, then it's just a question of choosing a route and going for it.  The Wizard's Wander walk takes in the most famous (and busy) viewing point from the top of a sandstone escarpment, but there are enough walks to make it easy to escape from the crowds.

This is a short drive from another National Trust property at Hare Hill.

Practicalities.

Distance from Manchester Town Hall: 16 miles

Drive Time: 40 minutes.

Price: $ (for parking - free for National Trust members)

Parking: There is paid parking in the National Trust carpark, and a much smaller free parking area nearby on the way to Alderley Edge town.

Food and Drink: There is a pleasant rustic cafe, popular with dog owners.  Decent pre/post walk muffins and coffee. 

Retail therapy: No - you come here to get away from that sort of thing!

Child Friendly: Plenty of exploring and some scrambling is on hand.

Toilets: Yes - in the carpark.

Do it justice in: 2 hours - two walks and a cake.

Inside-Outside: 0:100

Location: National Trust - Alderley Edge and Cheshire Countryside, Macclesfield Rd, Nether Alderley, Macclesfield SK10 4UB, UK

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