Cheshire

The rivers Calder, Hodder and Ribble flow through the rich pastures, where sheep graze and along the riverbanks and where at one time the Romans once walked. The town’s limestone rock is dominated by Clitheroe’s Norman Castle and keep. Which forms an impressive background as life continues in the town below. Over the years in the little villages nothing much has changed. Downham, is quiet and untouched. Is a rural idyll. Lord of the Manor has even banned television aerials here. Slaidham on the river Hodder is solid and squat.

For treks into Bowland Fells this is a popular starting point. In a short space in time you are in peace and out of the everyday stress where extensive scenery is to stimulate your body and mind. Here Merlins and Hen Harriers roam free.

Walking through the streets of Ribchester you are treading in the footsteps of the Roman Centurions who once, were stationed here in a garrison. The most important, crossing point was between the major Northern garrison at Chester and Hadrians Wall. While at Whalley and Sawley take a walk around the Cistercian Abbeys which now are ruins. And you can’t leave without stopping to see the official heart of Britain. Where in 1991 as being at the centre of the United Kingdom Dunsop Bridge was officially recognised by the Ordnance Survey and BT marked it by placing its 100,000th telephone box on the village green.

The Valley has some perfect English villages. Chipping, Dunsop Bridge, Whitewell, Whalley, Bolton-by-Bowland, Waddington and there are more. But all are loved and remembered by all.

Cheshire is a special place. Situated on the border with Wales and a meeting point for the Midlands and England North Country has its fair share of history set in the landscapes. For the fans of the outdoors they have the great pleasure of looking at the beautiful English countryside, from magical woods and gentle lowlands to extensive views of purple moorland and wild hills.

Cheshire, not only known for its wonderful landscapes and fine walking, where the visitor can find out what is best about traditional England all set in an area of 2000 square kilometres but also has local crafts, world famous beautiful villages and historic towns.

For two contrasting walks and views in Cheshire’s fine countryside using the marked trails and circular routes of the Sandstone and Gritstone Trails.

Walking along the Sandstone Trail, a 32 mile/52km walk from Frodsham to Whitchurch following the ridge which rises sharply from the Cheshire plain. This walk can be enjoyed any time of the year and is very refreshing.

The Gritstone Trail, a 33 mile/53km walk from Disley to Kidsgrove along most rugged but has spectacular views of Cheshire. The new extend trail has the addition of Mow Top Cop Trail, that climbs up to the Cloud which then drops down to Congleton Edge to Mow Cop.

The Vale Royal Round is a 55km walk. That goes through the Heart of Cheshire which links the Sandstone Trail to Whitegate Way, The Weaver Parkway, Mersey Canal and the Trent. The walk can be taken over one or two days as a challenging walk or at a slower pace as there are transport links to Northwich, Frodsham, Winsford and Delamere.

The Extended Cheshire Cycleway that was launched in Spring 2002. That covers the Ellesmere Port and Neston area. That diverts the cyclists away from the road, which have become very busy over the years. The Cycleway has 176 miles round Cheshire route through some fine countryside. The Cyclists can complete the route in sections, and staying in farmhouse accommodation and visiting top rural attractions on the way. Full details of the Cycleway are available from Cheshire County Council, 01244 603107.

For excellent viewing points in England’s Garden Gateway, or Beeston and Peckforton with magnificent castles, have great retail outlets. Bidston, with the observatory Weeltrough Hall Dried Flowers, black and white farmhouse near Jodrell Bank, has nine rooms of flowers, fruits and Christmas decorations all year. At another Cheshire Dairy farm has a good range of hats for sale or hire.

On the Wirral, The Voirrey Emboidery Centre at Brimstage attracts visitors from all over the North West and beyond.

The Voirrey Centre at Brimsgate is established in the old stable block as a centre of excellence for needlecraft of all types. Rising from the lush Cheshire Plain on the top of the sandstone ridge, Cheshire Workshops candle- making factory has an Aladdins Cave of gifts and excellent views. Close by is Cheshire Ice Cream Farm.