Chester: Guilden Sutton - Mickle Trafford - Plemstall - Gt. Barrow - Guilden Sutton

Derek Smith

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Save Our Footpaths - get off the beaten track, this circular walk is along footpaths close to Chester which are used enough for you to just spot the route - for most of the way. At the start you have to endure a long walk along a rural lane, and then wind through part of a village estate, before passing the very ancient St. Plegmunds Well - dating back to A.D. 890. After that your route is entirely rural as you cross the Gowy valley, and looking back from the Gt. Barrow Hill, having climbed to the top, enjoy excellent panoramic views across it. Walking along an enclosed path along the ridge you continue to get occasional good views over the valley before descending back into it to cross the sometimes, waterlogged Gowy flood plain back to cross the river again. From the next bridge a downwards ramp on the riverbed creates the impression of rapids (photo on the right) and gives you an idea of the force of the river. Having powered numerous mills on its journey from Wales it will soon be joining the great river Mersey.

The walk is suitable for older children, teenagers, senior citizens and anyone in-between. Excellent for dogs, but hopeless for wheelchairs and buggies. Suitable footwear will be anything flat soled in summer, but in winter or if there has recently been heavy rain the route could be muddy with numerous puddles so boots would be recommended. All of the stiles, gates and bridges are in good order and there should be no problems for anyone wearing shorts. There are refreshments and toilets at the café near the start, and the pub near the end. The pub also has picnic tables, but there are no other bench seats or picnic tables on this walk. If you book in advance, you should be able to get a good meal with a drink at the pub, an excellent finish to a good walk. See Additional Info for details.

England - North England - Cheshire - Countryside