Macclesfield Forest

Once part of a vast Norman royal hunting forest, today’s Macclesfield Forest is a place of peace and beauty offering both walking paths and dedicated mountain bike trails.

There are paid car parks at Trentabank, one of the Forest’s four reservoirs (snack van, loos and visitor centre) and Standing Stone (no facilities). There’s also free parking on the roadside (make sure you stick to the marked parking bays). And for well-deserved refreshments and relaxation after your explorations, head for the historic Leather’s Smithy pub (car park and garden). Note though that the Forest is extremely popular at busy times – to be sure of somewhere to park, come when it’s likely to be quieter!

You can also walk from Tegg’s Nose car park (cafe, loos) via the footpath down to Tegg’s Nose reservoir or by following the road up to Walker Barn, from where a right of way route takes you to Hacked Way Lane and into the forest.

Marked trails through the forest range from easy access strolls to more challenging climbs. There’s plenty to see whatever you choose, from the Peak District’s largest heronry (short stroll, no ascent) to the spectacular views from the top of Nessit Hill and Shutlingsloe (the ‘Cheshire Matterhorn’!). St Stephens, also known as Forest Chapel, is a remote Anglican Church famous both for its isolation and its annual rush-bearing ceremony held every August.