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Peckforton Circular
May 18
Walk leaders : Cliff B & Colin P
Grading of walk : Easy
Walk details : This is a delightful 6.5 mile walk which is part of the Sandstone Trail. It begins at Beeston Castle by passing through some ancient woodland. This slopes down to two fields with the dramatic tower of Peckforton Castle looming up ahead. We continue along a quiet estate trackway which circles the castle before climbing a moderately steep wooded hill. We eventually pass under the Victorian ‘Haunted Bridge’ before emerging onto a delightful hillside with a fantastic view over almost the whole of the Cheshire Plain – bring your binoculars. Here we will stop for our refreshments and we advise you to bring something to sit on. We will then pass by an ancient oak tree, under which Wesley is said to have preached, before entering the very quaint village of Peckforton. From there we head across Peckforton Meer Wildlife sanctuary before heading back to Beeston Castle along more quiet country roads with more terrific views for your phone cameras.
Risk assessment : A risk assessment was carried out 10/05/2025. A summary of identified risks is below:
This easy walk passes along estate tracks, low-lying fields and quiet country roads. There is a moderate hill climb close to the start of the walk which passes through woodland. Care most be taken when stepping over protruding roots on the ascent of the hill. Whilst kissing gates are most common on the walk, there is a number of styles which need to be climbed in order to pass from field to field. The country roads are generally traffic free but they are narrow and the leaders ask that walkers face on-coming traffic and walk in single file when requested.
Start time and meeting point : The walk will begin at 12:00 pm prompt from the car park at Beeston Castle. CW6 9TX. This car park is free to English Heritage members and £4 per car for non-members. The fee is payable at the castle entrance as the machine is currently not working. The car park is likely to fill quickly and it is therefore in walkers’ interests to arrive well before the start time. We suggest you arrive around 11 am if possible so that you can park without stress and avail yourself of refreshments at the Castle’s very good open-air cafe.
Directions to the start : From Manchester travel west on the M56. Leave the motorway at junction 10 and join the A49 going south towards Whitchurch. Stay on the A49 for 17 miles and then follow the brown signs for Beeston Castle. CW6 9TX.
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Public transport : Regrettably it is not possible to journey to this walk by public transport. Please consider car sharing and offering lifts to other walkers.
Contact number on the day : If you need to cancel your place on this walk then please use this number to send a message to the walk leader.
Booking : Book your walk here
Changes and cancellation : Very occasionally, due to severe weather or another serious event, a walk may be cancelled. In these instances, a note will be added to the website at least TWO HOURS before the start time. So, do check the website before you set out, and if in doubt use the walk leader’s mobile contact number. Every effort will be made to contact you should a walk be cancelled.