What could be better than a crisp winter walk around Cheshire? Come January when we’re in the throes of winter, the leaves have fallen from the trees, there’s a refreshing in the air and the winter frost has begun to coat our surroundings. Truly beautiful!
When it comes to the best walking routes in Cheshire, there is one path that tops them all! The Sandstone Trail is at the heart of Cheshire’s walking routes, and the 34-mile-long trek truly captures the beauty of central Cheshire and beyond. Don’t be put off by that number though, you don’t have to hike it all.
Exploring the Sandstone Trail in the winter months opens the trail to an all-new beauty that you might not have experienced before. The elevated trail lets you look upon the Welsh mountains that are capped with snow, and maybe even spot a few red breasted robins sat amongst frozen branches and sparkling frost layered across the paths. Sounds pretty perfect, doesn’t it?
If walking the Sandstone Trail sounds like a plan this winter, we have some tips to better prepare you for your winter walk! Just don’t forget to pop into The Swan (which is along the route) to warm the cockles afterwards with a hearty meal, or even stay the night if you’re visiting from afar.
Winter Clothing
Before setting off on your ramble, deciding on appropriate clothing and footwear is very important. The Sandstone Trail runs across uneven country roads which can be wet and muddy any time of year, so grabbing yourself some comfortable but durable footwear is a priority.
When out on winters walk, it’s all about keeping yourself warm too! Make sure to layer up with jumpers and coats, preferably waterproof as this is the UK… And rain is inevitable! We also recommend a thick pair of woolly socks, that will not only keep your feet warm but will prevent blisters. You can warm up your toes next to our log fires when you pop over afterwards for a drink and food.
Hiking Essentials
If you’re an avid hiker, you may not think these items essential, but if you’re battling the Sandstone Trail for the first time or want to make the journey a little easier, we recommend these items…
Grab yourself a hiking stick, this could be bought from a shop or even just make use of a large branch found on your way. Having a stick to stabilise yourself over rocky roads and Icey terrain can ease your experience and keep you trekking for longer.
A backpack filled with essentials is also something you ought to take with you. Not only is the bag an essential item but the contents you carry can also help you on your journey. We recommend filling your backpack with lots of water, a replenishing snack and even some extra clothing. It’s always good to be prepared encase of emergency! You can always bring a hot flask of tea too and enjoy a warm drink along your cool walk.
Planning Your Route
Now that you’re fully equipped to tackle the Sandstone Trail, the next step is planning the path you’re going to take. There are several ways in which you can plan your route with the official guidebook, ‘Walking Cheshire’s Sandstone Trail’, breaking the walk up into seven stunning sections that have convenient start and finish points. The Sandstone Trail is perfect for winter walking, and as we mentioned before we can’t always depend on a dry day, so luckily there are sheltered sections in Delamere Forest, Bulkeley Hill, or in Hether Wood (near Bickerton).
What’s more, the trail is so popular and so well waymarked that even in deep snow or poor visibility, there’s little chance of getting lost. One of the routes we recommend runs through our home in Tarporley. The route takes you across Raw Head and Bickerton Hills and is one of the most beautiful with far reaching views, where the transformed winter world is spread out below you.
Stop Off At The Swan
If you’re thinking of braving the cold and starting your journey through the Sandstone Trail, make a sensible choice in calling in to see us at The Swan! As many of the routes pass our pub, we welcome visitors to take a rest with us. We will have our fires blazing to melt away the frost, and staff on hand to replenish your needs with food and drinks.
Or, if you’re planning your route over two days, or would like to start off from Tarporley, then why not stay in one of our sixteen uniquely designed en-suite bedrooms? You can check out the selection of bedrooms on our website.
We hope to see you on your winter Sandstone Trail journey soon!
To enquire about availability, call 01829 733838, email info@theswantarporley.co.uk, or fill in the contact form on our home page.
