As the weather turns colder and Christmas approaches, winter is almost upon us. But before autumn fully fades, there is still time to enjoy the vibrant foliage of the season. One of the best ways to experience autumn's colours is with a walk through the woods, and Macclesfield Forest, just an hour's drive from Greater Manchester, offers a magical escape.
Located three miles south of Macclesfield on the edge of the Peak District National Park, the forest is home to two reservoirs, Trentabank and Ridgegate. The area around Trentabank is a nature reserve managed by the Cheshire Wildlife Trust, featuring Cheshire's largest heronry. The forest also hosts a small herd of Red Deer, which you may spot roaming among the trees.
The woodland you see today is a remnant of the Royal Forest of Macclesfield, a vast ancient hunting preserve. With towering pines and twisting broadleaf branches, entering the forest feels like stepping back in time. Several walking routes are available, from a half-mile nature reserve trail to a challenging 5.6-mile route. A popular three-mile circular walk from Ridgegate Reservoir takes you through the woods and up Nessit Hill, where on a clear day you can see as far as Manchester.
After your walk, head to the Leather's Smithy, a cosy, 18th-century stone inn overlooking Ridgegate Reservoir. Named after William Leather, a local farrier who obtained the first ale and port licence in 1821, the pub offers a traditional interior with stunning views. Using locally sourced ingredients, it serves seasonal daily specials and pub classics – the perfect reward after a bracing winter walk.
