Countryside sites in Cheshire East

Astbury Mere Country Park

Astbury Mere Country Park occupies the site of a former sand quarry. The site encompasses 14ha of open space, just ten minutes walk from the town centre, with paths linking into the local countryside.

Biddulph Valley Way

For over 100 years trains travelled along the Biddulph Valley Way carrying coal from the Potteries to Congleton. Today walkers, cyclists and horse riders enjoy this tranquil route away from the roads.

Brereton Heath 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.

Croxton Park

Croxton Park is situated on the site of the former Croxton Landfill site and is a fifteen minute walk from Middlewich Town centre.

Dane-In-Shaw Pasture SSSI

Dane-in-Shaw Pasture is a Site of Special Scientific Interest ( SSSI ) due to it being a grassland of national importance. Take a walk through the Pasture in the summer and it is easy to see why this site is so important.

The Gritstone Trail

Stride out along the Gritstone Trail and sample some of the finest walking in Cheshire. A more challenging route stretching from Disley to Kidsgrove, with some fine ridge walks and stunning views.

Jacksons' Brickworks LNR

Jacksons’ Brickworks in Higher Poynton is a special place, reclaimed by nature after its industrial interlude. It is now so valuable for wildlife that it has been designated a Local Nature Reserve (LNR).

Lindow Common - Wilmslow

Lindow Common is one of only a few small areas of lowland heath in Cheshire and consequently it is an extremely rare and important habitat and is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

Macclesfield Riverside Park

This 70 acre linear park, owned by Cheshire East Council and managed by the Bollin Valley Partnership, occupies the flood plain and gently sloping sides of the River Bollin between Macclesfield and Prestbury.

Merelake Way

The Merelake Way is an approximately 1 mile (1.5km) long trail for walkers located on the southern edge of Alsager.

Middlewood Way

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.

Nelson Pit Visitor Centre

Nelson Pit Visitor Centre in Higher Poynton provides an excellent rest point for those of you keen to explore the Middlewood Way and the surrounding countryside via the extensive Public Rights of Way network.

Poynton Coppice Local Nature Reserve

Poynton Coppice Local Nature Reserve is an attractive woodland shaped by human activity and rich in wildlife. It is thought to have been continuously wooded for thousands of years, so is classed as an ancient woodland.

Poynton Park

Poynton Park is situated just a few minutes walk from the centre of Poynton village. It is a valuable amenity with its pool, ancient trees and wildlife.  The Park covers 21 hectares including the pool.

Rode Heath Rise

A former salt works, an industry prevalent in the area during the 19th century. The site is now 4 ½ hectares of tranquil open space, freely accessible to all.

Salt Line and Borrow Pit Meadows

A well surfaced trail following the line of a disused railway cutting through farmland and woodland as it runs towards Alsager. The Borrow Pit Meadows, adjacent to the Salt Line, are a mosaic of rich habitats.

Tegg's Nose Country Park

Experience wild hill country, where rock dominates the landscape, at this country park on the site of an old stone quarry. Explore the heathland, meadows and woodland while marvelling at the fantastic views.

Timbersbrook Picnic Area

A peaceful spot where families can picnic on the edge of young woodland. Water from Timbers Brook was once used to power the silk mill and the old Mill Pool is now a locally important breeding pond for toads.

Wheelock Rail Trail

The Wheelock Rail Trail is a popular well surfaced 2km traffic free route for walkers and cyclists on the outskirts of Sandbach.