The Ruff Guide

Kate Simon explores the best places to walk, eat and stay in Cheshire for both humans and dogs alike - and introduces some of Cheshire’s most popular four-legged social media stars.

- Kate Simon

7 DOG-FRIENDLY WALKS

BICKERTON HILL

Bickerton Hill on the Sandstone Trail is a great place to stretch your legs – whether you’ve got two or four. The ascent to the summit is swift and your efforts will be rewarded with superb views from Shropshire to Lancashire, Wales to the Peaks, while your companion has a good sniff in the undergrowth. Investigate the grass-covered remains of Maiden Castle, an Iron Age fort, before tramping across heathland and zig-zagging down the side of the hill through woods, then climbing again for another peep at those views. There are walk leaflets at entrance points to the hill or to download at sandstoneridge.org.uk.

THE GRITSTONE TRAIL

A trek along the Gritstone Trail at Cheshire’s eastern edge can be as long or short as you fancy. This waymarked linear route between Kidsgrove and Disley, 35 miles to the north-east, is a classic ridge walk with wonderful views and sights including Lyme Park, White Nancy and Mow Cop. The trail is split into three legs, detailed on a leaflet free to download at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk, each offering a good day’s walk. You’ll cover various terrain, including roads and farmland, so there will be moments when Rover will need to go on the lead. Pack the paw cleaner in wetter weather.

MARBURY COUNTRY PARK