For those seeking a perfect winter escape that combines invigorating outdoor adventure with cosy comforts, a newly packaged walk along a prime section of Cheshire's Sandstone Trail offers an ideal solution. This 14-mile stretch, linking two historic country pubs, provides a manageable yet deeply rewarding journey through an ancient landscape of sandstone ridges, forests, and hill forts.
The Allure of the Sandstone Ridge
The route follows the storied Sandstone Ridge, an escarpment rising from the flat Cheshire Plain. On a crisp winter's day, the views can be breathtaking. From high points like Bickerton Hill, the panorama stretches across nine counties, with landmarks like the iconic white dish of the Jodrell Bank Observatory visible in the distance. The ridge itself is a geological wonder, its rocks formed around 250 million years ago during the Triassic period and banded in hues of red and ochre by iron oxide.
The area is steeped in history and legend. On the flanks of Bickerton Hill lies Mad Allen's Hole, a two-storey cave where, in the 18th century, a heartbroken man named John Harris of Handley is said to have lived as a hermit for decades. Further along the trail, the imposing ruins of Beeston Castle, a former royal fortress built in the 1220s, dominate the skyline. The walk also passes Maiden Castle, the remains of an Iron Age hillfort constructed between 500 and 600 BC.
The Seamless Pub-to-Pub Package
The genius of this winter walking idea lies in its simplicity and comfort. Recognising the challenges of shorter days and unpredictable weather, two pubs along the 34-mile Sandstone Trail have collaborated to create a streamlined 'Walk, Dine & Unwind' package. The concept was born after a successful charity fun run held between The Swan in Tarporley and The Lion in Malpas.
"We realised we could offer something much more streamlined for walkers," explained Woody Barlow, owner of The Swan. "At this time of year, the trail has a lovely stillness about it – the woods and ridgelines look magical in the winter light."
The package is designed for ease: walkers enjoy a comfortable room, dinner, and breakfast at both inns. A packed lunch is available, and the pubs arrange luggage transfer and a taxi back to the start point upon completion. The focus is on enjoying the walk without the logistical hassle.
A Journey Through History and Nature
Setting out from the 16th-century coaching inn, The Swan, the trail leads through quintessential Cheshire countryside. Walkers follow country lanes and muddy fields, passing the Shropshire Union Canal and ascending through the pine-topped Peckforton Hills. The landscape tells a story of human and natural history: sweet chestnut trees on Bulkeley Hill once provided rations for Roman legionnaires, while the area's lowland heath was historically used for grazing and foraging.
The trail's highest point is Raw Head on Bickerton Hill at 227 metres (745ft). It's not a towering peak, but the vantage point is superb. The final descent leads into Malpas, where the welcoming glow from the windows of the 300-year-old Lion pub marks a fitting end to the journey.
This walk proves that a winter adventure need not be a Spartan test of endurance. It can be a soul-nourishing blend of fresh air, fascinating history, stunning scenery, and the simple, profound pleasure of a warm pub, a hearty meal, and good company at the end of a rewarding day's hike.
