Cheshire's 'top rated' walking trail with 'sweeping views' that's perfect for autumn
It's just over 4km in length and takes around 90 minutes to complete
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Autumn is the perfect time to get yourself outside and experience the great outdoors. Going for a hike can offer an excellent boost for your mental health, as well as helping physical fitness.
But according to new research conducted by website AllTrails, younger people are spending less time outdoors than older generations. In order to combat this, AllTrails has partnered with UK-based content creators Soft Girls Who Hike to share places to explore - and their top walking trail is right here in the county.
Out of the 2,000 people surveyed, Gen Z and Millennials report spending 26 per cent less time in nature than older generations - around 3.5 hours a week compared to nearly five hours for Baby Boomers. Yet both Gen Z and Millennials said that being outside made them feel happier.
However they feel held back by walking the same routes, reports the Manchester Evening News. Lucy and Emily, the team behind Soft Girls Who Hike, recommend the Castle Rock, Clock House Wood and Stormy Point route in Alderley Edge as an accessible yet rewarding hike.
The circular route offers sweeping views on a clear day. Beginning at Castle Rock, it passes the Armada Beacon, meanders through forest and climbs to Clock House Wood. It's a walk that feels miles away from city life.
It's just over 4km in length and takes around 90 minutes to complete. The mission of Soft Girls Who Hike is to get people outdoors and feeling confident while hiking, rather than under pressure to do it under a certain time or tackle the longest distance.
(Image: Getty Images)
Lucy said: "People often tell me they want to get outside more, but they're stuck doing the same walk every weekend, or they just don't know where to go. In the past, I've definitely felt that too, until I learned how to look. I love filtering on AllTrails for nearby hikes that I can quickly get away to.
"There are so many places to get outside in the UK- including on your doorstep, in cities and towns. You don't have to go to a national park for a great walk, although we're spoiled for them." Emily added: "AllTrails makes it easy to find new spots that actually feel exciting to explore. And when you see how much better you feel after even a short walk, it's a game changer for your mood and headspace. It's the boost so many of us need right now."
The pair have shared their favourite hikes across the UK to inspire others to get outside, including several other routes which are in or around Greater Manchester, all of which are available on AllTrails.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Here are their top hikes across the country
Castle Rock, Clock House Wood & Stormy Point, Alderley Edge, Cheshire
Dovestones Reservoir & Yeoman Hey Reservoir Circular, Peak District
Peel Park & Kersal Wetlands, Salford
Sherwood Pines Green Route, Nottinghamshire
Loch Ness from Dores Inn, Inverness
Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh
Orrest Head Circular, Lake District
The Switzerland of Yorkshire Circular, Yorkshire
Malham Landscape Trail: Janet’s Foss, Gordale Scar and Malham Cove, Yorkshire
Richmond Park to Wimbledon Common Circular, London
Sugar Loaf & Mynydd Llanwenarth Circular, Bannau Brycheiniog National Park/Brecon Beacons, South Wales
Historical Bath City Walking Tour, Bath, Somerset
Hunter’s and Fisherman Path to Castle Drogo, Dartmoor National Park
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