Sandstone Trail
A 32-mile long-distance path in Cheshire following the Cheshire Sandstone Ridge from Frodsham in the north to Whitchurch in the south. Highlights include Delamere Forest Park, King’s Chair (Hangingstone Hill), Wharton’s Lock (Shropshire Union Canal), Beeston Castle, Peckforton Hills, Llangollen Canal, Grindley Brook, and Whitchurch. With map, statistics, and GPX route file.
Statistics and Files
Grid Ref: SJ 517 779
Distance: 32 miles (52 km)
Time: 13–16 hours
Duration: 2–3 days
Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps (1:25,000):
257 Crewe, Nantwich, Whitchurch and Tattenhall
267 Northwich and Delamere Forest
Summary
The Sandstone Trail long-distance footpath follows sandstone ridges running north–south from Frodsham in central Cheshire to Whitchurch just over the Shropshire border. The path was created in 1974 and extended in the 1990s. Much of the route follows the Mid Cheshire Ridge, but in places the trail also passes through the Cheshire Plain, including farmland, woodland, and canal towpaths.
Significant places of interest and habitation on the route, starting with Frodsham, are Woodhouse Hill Fort, Alvanley Cliff, Simmond’s Hill, Delamere Forest Park, King’s Chair (Hangingstone Hill), Wharton’s Lock (Shropshire Union Canal), Beeston Castle, Peckforton Hills, Raw Head (Bickerton Hill), Maiden Castle Fort, Llangollen Canal, Grindley Brook, and Whitchurch.