Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Login or Signup

Routes
Hikes
United Kingdom
England
North West England
Cheshire West and Chester

Backford

Easy hikes and walks around Backford

4.3

(550)

6,727

hikers

236

hikes

Easy hiking trails around Backford are characterized by the gently rolling Cheshire landscape, offering access to diverse natural features. The area is directly connected to the Shropshire Union Canal, providing serene towpath walks. Backford's location also allows for access to the Mid-Cheshire Ridge, a sandstone escarpment with elevated views, and the extensive Delamere Forest, known for its woodland trails and tranquil lakes.

Best easy hiking trails around Backford

  • The most popular easy hiking route is Chester Zoo loop from Moston…

Last updated: May 3, 2026

4.8

(8)

415

hikers

#1.

Chester Zoo loop from Moston

6.14km

01:33

10m

10m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate with device

Send to Phone

Save

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
guide_signup
Let us show you the way with the komoot mobile app
With aΒ free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

Sign up for free

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

5.0

(2)

5

hikers

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
Sign up for free to see 232 more hikes around Backford.

Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Tips from the Community

Peter from Yorkshire
February 12, 2026, Waymarker on the Shropshire Union Canal

Look for the birds who regularly feed here

0

0

There are many choices to be made here . It's a pleasant spot to drop onto the Shropshire Union Canal Towpath to go to either Chester or Ellesmere Port Basin & the National Waterways Museum. Or continue up the hill to Chester Zoo . In the opposite direction is either Chorlton up the badly resurfaced Chorlton Lane on the left (from the bridge) or straight on (again in the opposite direction to the Zoo) to Crowton & Stoak. Stoak has the Bunbury Arms at its heart, well worth stopping for a bite to eatπŸ˜‹πŸ‘

0

0

A great place for a peaceful ride. It’s mostly paved, but there is a section of gravel, that could be managed with a road bike.

0

0

a place to spot the Kingfisher flying through the Viaduct

1

0

Great place very quite in the morning beautiful canal and boats

0

0

Ian
April 11, 2024, Capenhurst Pinfold

Handy if you spot a stray animal and need to put it somewhere safe

0

0

Watch out door dogs, and swanns on the path.

0

0

Good tow path ... gravel and tarmac suitable for either road bike or gravel bike. Quiet in early morning gets busier with dog walkers and runners later. trees and bushes do narrow the route at height of Summer (but still passable)

0

0

Frequently Asked Questions

How many easy hiking trails are there around Backford?

Backford offers a wide selection of easy hiking trails, with over 150 routes specifically categorized as easy. In total, the area features more than 240 hiking routes suitable for various skill levels.

What do other hikers enjoy about easy trails in Backford?

The easy trails around Backford are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.4 stars from over 500 reviews. Hikers often praise the tranquil canal-side paths, the gently rolling Cheshire landscape, and the accessibility to diverse natural features like Delamere Forest.

What kind of terrain can I expect on easy hikes around Backford?

Easy hikes in Backford typically feature gentle, mostly flat terrain. You'll find well-maintained towpaths along the Shropshire Union Canal, rural paths that may include sections over fields, and forest tracks within areas like Delamere Forest. Elevation gains are minimal, making these routes accessible for most.

Are there any short, easy circular walks in the Backford area?

Yes, there are several short, easy circular walks. For example, the Capenhurst Pinfold loop from Capenhurst is an easy 3.5-mile (5.7 km) path that winds through rural areas. Another option is the Chester Zoo Nature Reserve loop from Upton-by-Chester, which is just over 2 miles (3.7 km) and offers a pleasant, easy stroll.

When is the best time of year for easy walks around Backford?

The easy walks around Backford are enjoyable year-round. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and fresh greenery, while summer offers longer daylight hours for leisurely strolls. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, and even in winter, the generally flat terrain and well-defined paths make for pleasant, crisp walks, especially along the canal towpaths.

Are the easy hiking trails around Backford suitable for families?

Absolutely. Many easy trails in Backford are ideal for families, offering gentle gradients and interesting sights. The canal-side walks, in particular, are popular for their flat surfaces and opportunities to spot wildlife. Routes like the Chester Zoo loop from Moston offer a blend of natural scenery and proximity to local attractions that can appeal to all ages.

Can I bring my dog on easy hikes in Backford?

Many easy hiking trails around Backford are dog-friendly, especially the canal towpaths and routes through Delamere Forest. Always keep dogs under control, particularly near livestock or wildlife, and be mindful of local signage regarding lead requirements. Remember to carry waste bags and clean up after your pet.

Are there easy walks with scenic viewpoints near Backford?

While Backford itself is characterized by gentle landscapes, the wider region offers easy walks with scenic viewpoints. The Mid-Cheshire Ridge, accessible from Backford, provides elevated routes with panoramic views across the Cheshire Plain. Within Delamere Forest, Old Pale Hill offers expansive vistas stretching to the Liverpool skyline and Welsh hills.

What natural features can I see on easy hikes around Backford?

Easy hikes around Backford allow you to explore diverse natural features. The Shropshire Union Canal offers serene towpath walks where you might spot herons and kingfishers. The area also provides access to the extensive Delamere Forest, with its tranquil lakes like Blakemere Moss, and the gently rolling countryside of the Cheshire Plain.

Are there any interesting landmarks or attractions along easy trails?

Yes, several easy trails pass by or lead to interesting landmarks. For instance, the Stone Viaduct Over Canal – Shropshire Union Canal Towpath loop from Moston features the picturesque viaduct itself. You can also find highlights like the Eastgate Clock and the Chester Greenway on routes leading towards Chester.

Are there easy walks accessible by public transport in Backford?

Backford itself has limited public transport options directly to trailheads. However, its proximity to Chester is key. From Chester, you can easily access destinations like Delamere Forest via hourly train services, which then offer extensive easy trail networks. For specific routes, check local bus services for stops near your chosen starting point.

Where can I find parking for easy walks around Backford?

Parking for easy walks around Backford is generally available at various points along the Shropshire Union Canal, often near villages or pubs. For routes closer to Chester, designated parking areas for attractions like Chester Zoo or local parks can be utilized. Always check for local parking restrictions and fees.

Are there easy walks that include a pub or cafe stop?

Yes, many easy walks in the Backford area, particularly those along the Shropshire Union Canal, pass through or near villages that offer pubs and cafes. These provide convenient spots for refreshments or a meal, allowing you to combine your hike with a relaxing break.

Most popular routes around Backford

Running Trails around Backford

Most popular attractions around Backford

Places to see

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With aΒ free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

Browse the best Hikes in other regions.

DelamereAntrobusLach DennisMarstonBickleyCrowtonRudheathHoole VillageHandleyMacefenCity Of ChesterNestonWoodbankEdgerleyShotwick ParkGreat BoughtonSutton WeaverDuttonFrodshamCapenhurstLittletonFarndonOakmereNorthwichGuilden SuttonEatonStocktonCrewe-By-FarndonCoddingtonComberbachWhitegate And MartonClavertonEllesmere PortUpton-By-ChesterSaughall and Shotwick ParkWervinLostock GralamLittle LeighActon BridgePuddingtonHartfordEaton and EcclestonChowleyBroxtonShocklach OviattWimbolds TraffordCuddingtonAlderseyBurtonGreat BudworthMalpasMouldsworthWinchamBruen StaplefordLedshamChurch ShocklachStrettonCaldecottGraftonShotwickChorlton-By-BackfordOldcastleHockenhullBostockHarthillUtkinton and CotebrookBurwardsleyWeaverhamBartonSaightonTarvinGolborne BellowFoulk StaplefordPictonTattenhall and DistrictPrior'S HeysHattonAnderton With MarburyBuertonLittle BudworthCaughallLea NewboldChristletonKelsallChurton HeathGolborne DavidWhitleyCuddingtonNewton By MalpasAlvanleyManleyChurton By AldfordHorton-By-MalpasTilstonCluttonCardenHamptonEdgeAllostockNorleyHorton-Cum-PeelAshton Hayes and Horton-cum-PeelTushingham Cum GrindleyBradleyWillingtonClotton HoofieldLower KinnertonPulfordWavertonHuntingtonPoulton and PulfordDavenhamMollingtonCroughtonTilstone FearnallBacheMoultonDuckingtonLarktonBarrowKingsleyTiverton and Tilstone FearnallRowtonDuddonCotton AbbottsOvertonChorltonDunham-on-the-Hill and HapsfordLea-By-BackfordMostonAldfordHelsbyAgdenWychoughMickle TraffordHuxleyStanthorneHapsfordEltonInceCotton EdmundsMarlston-Cum-LacheWiglandChidlowAstonChurton By FarndonKings MarshByleyBeestonBridge TraffordIddinshallWinsfordStanthorne and WimboldsleyNewton-By-TattenhallLittle StanneyNether PeoverStoakDodlestonDarnhallSprostonThornton-Le-MoorsRushtonBarntonTarporleyThreapwood

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Chorlton-By-Backford

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

Β© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy