Alderley Edge walks for families

Alderley Edge is a great place for family walks. In fact, it was one of our favourite pram-friendly walks in Cheshire when our children were younger. Now we still enjoy Alderley Edge walks but we’re enjoying exploring the numerous footpaths that run through these beautiful woodlands.

Where is Alderley Edge?

The National Trust woodland, Alderley edge is a short drive from Alderley edge village. The parking options are detailed below. It’s a beautiful woodland in the Cheshire countryside with lots of historic interest and impressive views.

The area is perfect for a short walk with kids. There are several way-marked routes that are great if you want an easy walk as well as options to head off the main paths and explore further. There is a small natural play area that my kids love and many paths are suitable for pushchairs (expect some mud and puddles though if the weather has been bad).

You’ll also have the convenience of toilet facilities in the parking area and a popular pub. There are a few caves too which kids love! Find full details of the facilities and walks below.

Where do you park for Alderley edge walks?

If you’re planning any Alderly edge walks, you first need to know where to park.

There are two options:

• The first is the pay and display, National Trust car park. The car park is off Macclesfield road. The postcode is SK10 4UB. This car park is free for National Trust members (so don’t forget your membership card) and chargeable for everyone else. It’s essential to be aware that the car park soon fills up. It’s a very popular walking area for families and dog walkers.
• The second option is to park in one of the free laybys on Macclesfield road. These fill up very quickly though.

Facilities at Alderley Edge woodland walk

You will find toilets in the car park as well as the picnic area. The picnic area is fenced off so it’s a great place for a picnic without worrying about the kids running out into the car park.

There is sometimes an ice cream van in the car park.

You’ll also find the Wizards, a pub serving good food on site. It’s always very busy when we pass. A great place to finish your walk with a pint or meal.

Natural play area

There is a small natural play area that my kids love. It has recently been improved and now includes loads of logs for balancing and climbing as well as a lovely den.

This area does get muddy but it is well worth letting the kids explore this area as it is the nearest thing to a playground here and most kids love balancing on the logs with support.

There are also some upright logs with foot and hand holds carved out of them which are surrounded by a woodchipped ground covering. These are great for young climbers.

If you want to head straight to this area, as you walk out of the car park turn right and follow the main path past the foresters house with the woodlands on your left and fields on your right. You’ll find the play area on your left not far from the gate that signposts you to stormy point.

Alderley Edge walks

There are 5 way-marked routes to choose from:

• Castle rock stroll
• The wizards wander
• Donkey track trail
• Woodland valley walk
• Miner’s ramble

The Wizards wander is the best option for young families as it is 1 mile long, circular walk with paths that are suitable for a pushchair and it takes you past the nature play area and stormy point which is the dramatic sandstone ridge with spectacular views across the Cheshire plain to the peak district and Manchester.

The Wizard walk is a really pleasant walk with kids with lots to keep them interested along the way like the play area, the Armada Beacon and lots of fallen trees for balancing on.

The Armada Beacon was built on top of a Bronze Age burial mound and is almost the highest point of the Edge. The spot is now marked with a memorial stone at the summit. My kids love running to the top of this hill which they have always called a castle.

Castle rock stroll is a very short linear walk but you can tag it onto the wizard walk as the path is just a short path from the Armada beacon out to castle rock where you get lovely views over to Manchester.

We haven’t done any of the other 3 trails in their entirety yet. From the descriptions, I very much doubt they are ideal for prams or little legs but there are lots to explore in the main woods, not far from the marked wizard walk. We often just take one of the smaller, unmarked paths and see where it takes us. We know the way well enough to not get lost are enjoying finding things that can’t be seen from the pram-friendly paths like the mines.

There are a few caves around too including one that you can go inside (not very deep). This one is easy to find if you head straight up into the woods, taking the path to the left around the edge of the wizard tearoom/pub.

Find full details from the National Trust about the area here – Alderley Edge.

You can also walk from Alderley edge to the nearby Hare Hill gardens. Again I wouldn’t recommend the walk for prams or young children. If you have plenty of time it’s worth driving the short distance to the car park at Hare Hill.

Hare hill is another great walk for families and the walled garden is the ideal location for a picnic and letting little kids run around. Hare Hill does shut for the winter so do check before your travel. Alderley Edge doesn’t close for the winter.

Find out more about Hare Hill here – Hare Hill National Trust

More Cheshire family walks

There are loads of great family walks in Cheshire. Here are some nearby ones to enjoy:

• Teggs nose is another great place for family walks. It isn’t pushchair-friendly though. Find out everything you need to know here – Teggs nose walk.
• The cloud Congleton walk – This is another of our favourite family walks in East Cheshire. There aren’t any pram-friendly options though but it is great for young kids who like hill climbing.
• You’re not too far from a fantastic National Trust property – Quarry bank mill, National Trust. We love visiting here and walking around the area a lot.
• Another great National Trust in Cheshire to visit is Lyme park. Find a lovely circular walk here – Lyme park circular walk
• Find more Child-friendly walks in Cheshire
• Find all my favourite family walks in the North West here.

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