Seasonal Highlights
Summer is definitely the time for exploring, taking your time to enjoy old haunts and discover new ones. You could pack a picnic or treat yourself to some fine Cheshire fare at a pub or teashop.
The old lime beds around Northwich Woodlands host fabulous displays of orchids in June while Tegg’s Nose Country Park is home to pretty mountain pansies. All around the countryside ponds teem with life above and below the water while colourful meadows hum with butterflies and other insects. Little Budworth, Brereton Heath and Bickerton Hill are all worth a visit in August to see heathland at its best.
A walk up Shutlingsloe is one of the must-do routes of Cheshire. This distinctive landmark is known locally as the Matterhorn of Cheshire. A well paved path climbs steadily from Macclesfield Forest to the summit of Shutlingsloe which at 506 metres is the second highest peak in the county. Views from the top are spectacular, with Cheshire to the west and the rolling hills of the Peak District National Park to the east. On the way down look out for delicate harebells as they nod in the breeze, framed by the solid gritstone walls.
Summer is the ideal time to get out for an evening stroll. Honeysuckle in the hedgerows smells fabulous and you may be lucky enough to see bats swooping along as they feed on moths and other insects. Don’t worry, they won’t get caught in your hair as they have a good radar system for finding their food.
If you’ve been going to get your bike out and not quite got around to it, do it now! Why not try a gentle ride along one of the disused railway lines which offer perfect cycling for all the family? If you’re feeling a little more adventurous you could explore further afield on one of the circular rides. Signals and Saltmarsh, starting in Willaston on the Wirral, is a fairly gentle ride with some lovely shady sections for sunny days. It also has the added advantage of passing some particularly good ice cream shops at Parkgate, an essential stop for a warm cyclist! Wherever you cycle you will work up a thirst and probably an appetite too, so don’t forget to take plenty to drink with you and also check out some places to stop for refreshments along the way.
