Delamere forest walks

We love going for Delamere forest walks. It’s a large forest with walks for all abilities. The main areas are pram friendly and children will love the Gruffalo and friends sculptures. We’ve been walking here for almost a decade now and have seen the forest evolve to be more and more family-friendly. Find more Family walks North West here.

There are longer and more steep trails too so that as your child gets older there are more challenging walks to enjoy. Read on to find out where to park, the different walks around Delamere forest and the other things you can do in Delamere forest.

Where is Delamere forest?

Delamere Forest is a large woodland in Cheshire managed by Forestry England. The address of the main Delamere forest car park by the visitors centre is located at Linmere, Delamere, Northwich and the Sat Nav Postcode is CW8 2HZ.

Want to get to Delamere forest car-free? good news, it has its own train station: Delamere train station. Even better news, if you arrive car-free is that your visit to the forest will be free.

Delamere forest parking

There are several car parks that you can park at and pay by cash or card. Forestry England members park for free.

The main forest centre car park is adjacent to the visitor centre and the facilities. There are some accessible parking spaces and is close to the start point for all the trails. This is a pay on exit car park and your registration plate is ready on arrival. Sat Nav CW8 2JE.

Current parking charges are as follows (August 2025)

Up to 1 hour – £3.80

Up to 2 hours – £7.30

up to 3 hours – £10.50

All day – £12

Close to Delamere train station is the treetops car park. It is only 5 minute walk from the visitor centre.

The Whitefield car park is located off the B5152. It has picnic facilities and is close to the trails. Again it is pay and display.

There is also plenty of free parking roadside on Ashton road.

Find parking fees, opening times and more over on Forestry England.

Delamere forest walking routes

There are 5 different walking routes in Delamere which are all circular routes of different lengths and difficulties. Please note that these routes are also shared with bikes.

I have to be honest and say every time we visit Delamere forest it is busy so something to consider if you prefer quiet walks. That said, the paths are very wide so it’s not really an issue.

We haven’t done walks into the quieter areas though so it might be worth trying the whitemoor trail (6.5 miles).

Here are the 5 different trails:

• Old Pale trail – 1.9 miles, this is a trail with steep areas but stunning views from the viewpoint, standing stones across 7 counties. This isn’t a trail I’d recommend with a pram but it is great with kids. We love it. Find out why here and get the full route details – Old Pale Hill.
• Blakemere trail – 3.6 miles, a slightly extended walk than simply walking around Blakemere moss (lake).
• Linmere trail – 2.1 miles, perfect if you don’t want to venture too far but still takes in lovely areas of the forest and of course, the Gruffalo sculpture.
• Whitemoor trail, 6.5 miles. This is a longer route that takes in quieter areas of the forest.
• Hunger Hill trail, 3.7 miles. Another route that includes steep gradients but rewards you with stunning views.

Find a Delamere forest map pdf of all these walks around Delamere forest here.

Is Delamere forest pram friendly?

Yes, Delamere forest is a popular pram-friendly walk in Cheshire. Blakemere and Linmere trails are both suitable with wide, smooth paths.

We often walk around Blakemere moss which is a natural 8m mere. This isn’t a specific trail but it’s a good walk and we always make a short detour to see the Gruffalo sculpture.

Gruffalo trail Delamere forest

All trails except the old pale trail pass the Gruffalo sculpture which is at the heart of the forest. The Gruffalo sculpture was replaced in 2023 and he has been joined by sculptures of all his friends.

There is now a Delamere forest Gruffalo trail to take you past all of the gorgeous sculptures. This walking route isn’t on the map above or any of the boards in the forest as it is recently added.

The route is 1 mile long and circular. It’s suitable for prams and bikes etc. It’s my favourite Delamere forest for young kids. You’ll see plenty of forest and all of the sculptures which keeps them excited for the next one. The route is clearly marked with Gruffalo trail laminated signs.

There is also a Gruffalo orienteering trail which you can do by buying a Gruffalo orienteering leaflet with a certificate and map for just £1.50 from the visitors centre. The map guides you to find 12 Gruffalo markers. We haven’t done this but I’m fairly certain it follows the Gruffalo sculpture trail too.

Delamere forest Room on the Broom trail

The new Julia Donaldson trail for 2026 is Room on the Broom and it is open from late January! Brightly illustrated panels along the trail are packed with activities. The trail is 1 mile long and it is an accessible trail for all.

Special Stick Man trail packs are available to buy from the visitors centre for £4. Find out more here – Forestry England Room on the Broom trails North West England.

Delamere forest visitor centre

Right next to the forest centre car park is the large wood clad visitor centre. There is a large cafe with indoor and outdoor seating, there was also a street food van selling wood fired pizza on our last visit.

You’ll also find large and clean toilet facilities including several family rooms, baby changing and changing places facilities too.

There is also an information area and desk where you can buy the Gruffalo trail packs.

Other things to do Delamere forest

As well as the walking and cycling routes in Delamere forest, there are other things to do like running (there is a parkrun every Saturday at 9 am, check their website to ensure it is on), disc golf, Go ape and Go Ape segway rides. Find out more about * Go Ape Delamere here.

Kids will love spotting the Gruffalo sculpture or the Gruffalo orienteering activity discussed above. You might also like to check out my blog post on things to do on a walk with kids for some fun ideas for things to do.

Delamere forest children’s activities

There is some green space near the visitors centre where kids can play while you have a picnic.

There is also Go Ape treetop adventure for children over 1m tall. Find out more and book here – * Treetop adventure.

Delamere forest play area

Earlier in 2025, a new children’s play area opened! This is the icing on the cake of an already great place for family walks.

More local walks

Have you walked from Marbury park to Anderton boat lift walk?

Find more stick man trails here – Forestry England Stick Man Trails.

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