The best walks and hikes around Ashton Hayes and Horton-cum-Peel

There are over 420 hiking routes in the Ashton Hayes and Horton-cum-Peel area. These include a wide range of options, from easy strolls to more challenging moderate hikes, primarily within and around Delamere Forest.

The terrain around Ashton Hayes and Horton-cum-Peel is diverse, featuring a 'rural corridor' with agricultural land, hedgerows, scattered woodlands, and ponds. You'll find extensive dry, surfaced paths and forestry tracks within Delamere Forest, as well as steeper sections leading up Old Pale Hill. The area also sits at the foot of Cheshire's distinctive Sandstone Ridge, offering varied landscapes.

Yes, the area offers many easy and family-friendly walks. The Fox Inn – The Boot Inn loop from Kelsall is an easy 2.1-mile path through the local countryside. Within Delamere Forest, paths around Blakemere Moss are well-maintained and suitable for families, offering a mix of waterside and woodland scenery. The forest also features specific family-friendly options like the Gruffalo trail.

For more experienced walkers, the area offers challenging sections, particularly along the Old Pale Hill Monument – Sandstone Trail Railway Bridge loop from Kelsall, which includes ascents to Old Pale Hill. The long-distance Sandstone Trail also cuts through Delamere Forest, providing a more strenuous experience with varied terrain.

Hikers can explore several notable features. Blakemere Moss is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, ideal for birdwatching. Old Pale Hill, the region's highest point, offers panoramic views across up to twelve counties on a clear day. You might also encounter sections of the historic Sandstone Trail and the diverse woodlands of Delamere Forest. Nearby, Beeston Castle is another significant landmark.

Yes, Blakemere Moss within Delamere Forest is a prime spot for birdwatching. This flooded area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and hosts a diverse range of bird species, including greylags, Canada geese, black-headed gulls, coots, mallards, and lapwings.

Yes, many routes in the area are circular. For example, the Hiking loop from Kelsall is a 3.3-mile trail through varied landscapes. Delamere Forest itself boasts numerous marked and circular trails for various fitness levels, ensuring you can start and finish your hike in the same location.

Many trails in the Ashton Hayes and Horton-cum-Peel area are dog-friendly, particularly within Delamere Forest. The well-maintained paths around Blakemere Moss are popular with dog walkers. Always ensure dogs are kept under control, especially near wildlife or livestock, and check specific trail regulations.

The area is enjoyable year-round. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and fresh greenery, while autumn offers stunning foliage in Delamere Forest. Summer provides longer daylight hours for extended hikes. Even in winter, the dry, surfaced paths of Delamere Forest make for pleasant walks, though views from Old Pale Hill are best on clear days.

Yes, there are amenities available. The The Fox Inn – The Boot Inn loop from Kelsall is an example of a route that connects local establishments. Delamere Forest also has visitor facilities, including cafes, and you'll find pubs and other amenities in the surrounding villages like Kelsall and Ashton Hayes.

Parking is available at various points, especially around Delamere Forest, which serves as a primary access point for many trails. Specific routes like the Sandstone Trail Car Park – Woodland Path with Sheep loop from Kelsall indicate parking availability. It's advisable to check specific starting points for designated parking areas.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 1,000 reviews. Reviewers often praise the varied landscapes, from the dense woodlands of Delamere Forest to the panoramic views from Old Pale Hill, and the well-maintained paths suitable for different abilities.