Itinerary

Up on the high ridges of the Peak District the lush dairy fields of the Cheshire Plains seems a world away.

This tour of East Cheshire takes you to these high peaks, but not before introducing you to some of the county's most lush and leafy lowland landscapes, and passing by many of its most popular attractions.

  1. Entering Cheshire off the M56 close to Altrincham, follow signs to historic Arley Hall and Gardens and Stockley Farm, a modern working dairy farm open to the public.
  2. For examples of Cheshire's fine stately heritage, visit Tabley House, home to a fine collection of English paintings and nearby Tatton Park, a Georgian stately home and world-class gardens set in 1,000 acres of parkland.
  3. You could stop for lunch at Knutsford, a charming town with excellent shopping, bars and restaurants. The journey on to the world famous Jodrell Bank Radio Telescope, with its vistor centre and arboretum.
  4. Leaving here you could visit nearby Capesthorne Hall, one of Cheshire's premier stately homes and Gawsworth Hall, a beautiful black & white Tudor house, set in peaceful gardens.
  5. From here you start a steady climb up to the Cheshire Peaks. Along the road from Wildboarclough, you can join the Gritstone Trail - a 56km/35mile walking route, which takes you north past Macclesfield Forest and into Teggs Nose Country Park.
  6. Dropping down from the ridges passing by Dunge Valley Hidden Gardens, the trail takes you close to Adlington Hall, near Pott Shrigley, set in attractive landscaped and wooded gardens. A short distance away is the stately home of Lyme Park at Disley, famed as the location for Pemberley, the ancestral home of Darcy in the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.
  7. Your route now takes you down into exclusive Prestbury and then past the peaceful woodland gardens at Hare Hill. From here the road climbs up to the wooded escarpment of Alderley Edge, with fantastic views across the Cheshire Plain. There are also many walking and cycling opportunities in this area. A great night out can be enjoyed in Aldrley Edge to complete the day, with its many bars and restaurants and chic atmosphere.