Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Sandstone Trail?
The Sandstone Trail is in northwest England, in the UK, and runs roughly north to south across the counties of Cheshire and northern Shropshire, between the picturesque, historic market towns of Frodsham and Whitchurch.
It's probably the best walk in Cheshire and Shropshire.
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| Looking down from the Sandstone Trail on Bickerton Hill on a hot summer's day |
How long is the Sandstone Trail?
The Sandstone Trail was extended in the 1990s and now stretches for 55 kilometres/34 miles, between Frodsham and Whitchurch.
What is the Sandstone Trail like?
Lovely. The Sandstone Trail is a constantly varied, elevated walk with amazing panoramic views across the Cheshire Plain and the Dee Valley to the Welsh mountains to the west, and the Pennines and Peak Distirct to the east. The landscape along the Sandstone Trail includes the wooded sandstone ridge, open woodland and ancient forest, streams and meres, green lanes, lowland heath, undulating farmland, canal towpaths and quiet paths and bridleways.
What are the best features along the Trail?
The most popular section of the Trail is probably the central section between Beeston and Bickerton. Medieval Beeston Castle on its lofty crag has arguably the best views from any ancient monument in Britain. Nearby is Victorian Peckforton Castle and the wooded hills that culminate in the National Trust managed lowland heath on the Bickerton Hills.
Other favourite spots include Overton Hill at Frodsham, sun-dappled Delamere Forest, wooded Bulkeley Hill and the Llangollen arm of the Shropshire union Canal to Whitchurch.
Is the Sandstone Trail clearly marked?
Yes. The Sandstone Trail is fully waymarked and signposted along the whole route. The distinctive yellow Sandstone Trail waymarker disk features a black bootprint stamped with the letter 'S'.
What other information is available along the Sandstone Trail?
More than twenty distinctive, blue metal framed Information Boards appear at intervals along the Sandstone Trail. Each contains a route description, map, photographs of the key points of interest, transport information, and the latest news about the Sandstone Trail.
There are also occasional 'interpretation panels' at intervals that explain or highlight particular places or themes. Some look at sandstone geology along the Trail; some explain hillforts, industrial heritage, and wildlife; another explores 'Whitchurch Waterways Park'.
How accessible is the Sandstone Trail?
Mostly pretty good. The Sandstone Trail varies in difficulty from easy to moderate, depending on the terrain. Short, steep sections include those at Frodsham, Beeston Castle, Higher Burwardsley, Rawhead and Bickerton. Timber and stone steps climb the steeper parts.
The easiest, flattest sections are those in Delamere Forest Park and alongside the Llangollen arm of the Shropshire Union canal between Willeymoor Lock and Whitchurch.
Stiles along the Trail are gradually being replaced with kissing gates.
The Trail and a series of circular routes off the Trail are all clearly way marked, well maintained, and strimmed regularly.
What is the best way to walk the Sandstone Trail?
The Sandstone Trail offers unbroken walking over some of the finest countryside in Cheshire and northern Shropshire.
Most people choose to walk the Trail in sections to suit their individual style and pace. The route can be joined at numerous places along the way, and the well managed and waymarked side paths give easy access to towns, villages, pubs, cafes and other amenities.
What maps do you need to walk the Sandstone Trail?
The best maps for exploring the Sandstone Trail are those published by the Ordnance Survey.
Although the Trail is shown on the silver and magenta covered Landranger 1:50,000 series, the larger scale, extra detail, and field boundaries of the orange covered Explorer 1:25,000 series make them every serious walker's map of choice. Two Explorer maps cover the Trail: 267 Northwich and Delamere Forest [North] and 257 Crewe and Nantwich [South].
However, if you buy the official guide, Walking Cheshire's Sandstone Trail, you'll find it contains large scale Ordnance Survey mapping of the whole Trail. In fact, the book contains the only maps you'll need.
Can I cycle or ride a horse along the Sandstone Trail?
Not really. Mountain bikes are actively discouraged on the Sandstone Trail, while horses are only allowed on short sections of official bridleway.
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| Walkers relaxing in the Pheasant Inn, at Higher Burwardsley on the Sandstone Trail |
What about accommodation on the Sandstone Trail?
There is plenty of accommodation either along or within easy walking distance to the Sandstone Trail. An updated list is prepared each year by Cheshire County Council's Countryside Management team and copies are distributed to relevant Tourist Information Centres (TICs).
You can download the Sandstone Trail accommodation list here.
What about pubs, cafes and shops along the Sandstone Trail?
Because the Sandstone Trail hugs the sandstone ridge, there are few facilities on the route itself. Most cafes, shops and pubs are a short distance away; so it makes sense to carry with you lunch or refreshments and plenty to drink.
Nonetheless, the family-run Summertrees Cafe at Willington, and the delightful Pheasant Inn at Higher Burwardsley are just two of the popular refreshment stops on the actual Trail. There are plenty of great pubs along the Sandstone Trail.
Is there a Ranger covering the Sandstone Trail?
Yes, the Trail has its own dedicated countryside ranger. His role embraces everything from management and path maintenance to assisting and advising walkers. If you see the ranger in his distinctive blue uniform or liveried vehicle, please don't hesitate to say hello; he'll gladly help and answer any questions you may have.
What's your favourite part of the Sandstone Trail?
Well, I love it all. But if forced to choose, I'd say either the Iron Age hillfort and surrounding heathland at Bickerton (owned and managed by the National Trust) or the dramatic sandstone cliffs, overhangs and caves around Rawhead (which is also the highest point on the Trail). See for yourself.
For recent news about the Sandstone Trail, download Cheshire County Council's latest 'Sandstone Trail Newsletter' here.
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