Two Cheshire pubs launch winter walking package on Sandstone Trail

Two Cheshire pubs — The Swan in Tarporley and The Lion in Malpas — are offering a winter walking package along a prime 14-mile section of the 34-mile (55km) Sandstone Trail between Tarporley and Malpas. The package, called Walk, Dine & Unwind on Cheshire’s Sandstone Trail, combines accommodation, meals and transfers for walkers.

The route follows the Sandstone Ridge and passes landmarks such as Mad Allen’s Hole on Bickerton Hill, which offers a panorama said to reach nine counties and views including Jodrell Bank. Walkers also pass Beeston Castle, the tor-like sandstone of Peckforton Hills, Raw Head (the trail’s highest point at 227 metres/745ft) and the remains of Maiden Castle. The inns provide two nights’ dinner and bed-and-breakfast, an optional packed lunch, luggage transfer and a taxi back to the start.

The idea grew out of a summer charity fun run between the two pubs held in memory of the late owner Si Lees-Jones, owner Woody Barlow said, and was developed to give a more streamlined option for sectional walkers. The trip was provided by The Swan and The Lion, with travel from visitengland.com, and the package is advertised from £199pp; one dog stays free.

Key Topics

Culture, Sandstone Trail, The Swan, The Lion, Bickerton Hill, Beeston Castle