Walks in Macclesfield Forest and the Cheshire Peaks

Macclesfield Forest is a vast space to explore the great outdoors. What remains today are the remnants of the Royal Forest of Macclesfield, a once-extensive ancient hunting reserve. The roughly 400-hectare forest, bordered by two of Cheshire’s highest peaks, Teggs Nose to the Northeast and Shutlingsloe to the Southwest, is set around the Ridgegate and Trentabank reservoirs, the latter being a much-loved wildlife reserve. Once a hunting ground, now Macclesfield Forest is home to the largest heronry in the Peak District and a host of wildlife including mandarin ducks, red deer and stoats.

Macclesfield Forest lies on the very edge of the Cheshire Peak District. Cheshire’s Peak District  covers nearly 100 square miles of inspiring scenery that includes the world-renowned Peak District National Park. The area also includes the Gritstone Trail, a 35 mile walking route taking in wild moorland, rocky outcrops, impressive peaks and breath-taking vistas. There’s an abundance of natural beauty to explore, from the crested views of Mow Cop and Kerridge Hill, to the epic Gritstone Trail and vistas surrounding Rainow, making the Cheshire Peaks a must to explore.