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End: Whitchurch train station, OS Grid: SJ549414 Elevation Profile (x: waypoint number, y: metres)
Gain (+/- 10%): 760m (2494ft)
Total (+/- 10%): 1437m (4715ft)
Loss (+/- 10%): 677m (2221ft)
Max. Elevation: 220m (721ft)
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From the station, head up Church Street. After 400m, follow the sign to Howey Lane. Follow the path heading uphill through the woods to the War Memorial. Then continue through the woods heading south.
The trail continues to head south, going past Alvanley Cliff and up Simmond's Hill. The route heads east at Manley towards the Delamere Forest.
The Trail passes through the beautiful Delamere Forest for 3-4 kms. A great spot for seeing birds - I saw woodpeckers, nuthatches and a host of others in this section.
After leaving Delamere, the Trail heads south again towards Nettleford Wood and past the King's Chair, an old quarry. Cross the A54 and follow the path through Primrosehill Wood (a woody day!). This wood is managed for its wild flowers, so look out for an array of flora and fungi in autumn.
The village of Willington is the end of the first day. There are various accomodation options around here, but you may need to walk a little further to get there (or take a bus). Nearby Tarporley has the best range of options, so you may want to extend the first day's walk to here.
The Cheshire Council website has a list of options:
http://www.cheshire.gov.uk/countryside/Walking/linear_trails/sandstone/SandstoneTrailAccommodation.htm
The second day starts with a walk across the undulating Cheshire countryside. Follow the Trail heading South past Utkinton and on to Fishersgreen Farm.
The Trail continues across open countryside, crossing the A51 and past Tarporley towards Beeston Castle. Climb to the top for incredible views over eight counties, from the Pennines to the Welsh mountains. On this site there was a Bronze Age settlement and Iron Age fort before the castle was built.
The Trail starts to climb again, heading into the Peckforton Hills. The route will pass Peckforton Castle, modelled on a Norman castle, and Bulkeley Hill, where there is a viewpoint looking east towards the Peak District.
The Trail starts to head west and onto Raw Head, the highest point on the route. These stunning red cliffs are a great place for a rest with a cup of tea, taking in the views across Wales.
Cross the A534 and head to Bickerton. There is an old church here. The track continues up Bickerton Hill and onto Maiden Castle, another iron age fort. Continue along through Hether Wood on Larkton Hill. Here the path starts to drop again, heading towards Larkton Hall.
From Larkton, the trail heads south to Hampton Green. From here, make a short diversion to Hampton Heath, where there is accomodation available, and you can also get a bus to Malpas for more options.
Pick up the Trail on the third day back at Hampton Green, and head across Bickley Brook towards Bickley Wood.
The Trail heads past the fascinating St Chad's Chapel, built in 1689. Look out for the impressive yew and cedar trees in the churchyard.
Continue past Pearl Farm to Willemoor Lock, on the Llangollen Canal. There is a pub here if you need a pick-me-up for the final stretch! The path then follows the canal for two kilometres.
This is the point where several long distance paths cross - the Maelor Way, the South Cheshire Way and the Shropshire Way. Obviously prime walking country! Carry on past here along the canal, heading towards Whitchurch.
The end of a classic three days's walking! The Trail continues along the canal from Grindley Brook into the heart of Whitchurch. The actual end of the Sandstone Trail is the Jubilee Park in the centre of the town. There are buses and trains home from Whitchurch.
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