Discovering Hidden Gems in the Cheshire Hills: A Scenic Hike

Starting at Tegg’s Nose Country Park, a stunning hidden gem near Macclesfield in Cheshire East, you’ll find the luxury of a large pay & display car park, a cosy café for pre or post-hike refreshments, and WCs. We set off at 7 am, so unfortunately, the café and facilities weren’t open yet, but the peaceful early morning views made up for it.

This scenic circular route offers a mix of roads, open fields, woodland, and dirt tracks - so be sure to wear suitable footwear and get ready for a hike to remember. The trail largely follows the iconic Gritstone Trail, winding through farmland (where we spotted plenty of sheep!), so if you're bringing a dog, keep them on a lead.

After passing a handful of charming Cheshire villages, we began our descent to the first breathtaking photo spot of the walk - Kerridge Hill, a ridge with incredible panoramic views.

Kerridge Hill was a steady climb, taking around 10-15 minutes to reach the top - but the effort was well worth it. As we arrived, we were greeted by a breathtaking sunrise and spectacular 360-degree views stretching across the whole of Cheshire.

To the left, we could see Jodrell Bank and Macclesfield, while to the right, Rainow and the rolling landscapes of the Peak District came into view. Walking along this scenic ridge felt like being on top of the world, and of course, we couldn’t miss the chance to capture a photo at the iconic Trig Point.

Continuing along this scenic ridge, a striking white structure suddenly comes into view - The White Nancy. This Grade II-listed landmark was our second photo spot and the perfect place to pause for refreshments while soaking in the panoramic views. Overlooking the charming town of Bollington, it feels like it towers over the landscape below.

As we rested, we saw plenty of families making their way up for their must-have selfie with this iconic Cheshire landmark. If you're exploring the area, The White Nancy is an absolute must-see!

Heading down the steps from The White Nancy and following the signs for the Gritstone Trail, the distant sound of rushing water grows louder. Just as you reach the entrance to Waulkmill Woods, you're met with one of Cheshire’s most magnificent hidden gems - a stunning waterfall that even features on the UK Hidden Gems list!

With a small humpbacked bridge nearby and a few houses in the distance, the roar of the cascading water is truly mesmerising. After capturing the perfect waterfall selfie, it’s time to venture into the woods and follow the scenic trail along the foot of Kerridge Hill.

From here, the route winds through rolling fields and picturesque villages on the way back to Tegg’s Nose, offering ever-changing elevation and countryside views. We made a slight detour near Bull Hill Lane to avoid some curious cows close to an open gate, instead following the road (///establish.elite.indoor) to reach the A537 and rejoin the trail.

Finishing back at Tegg’s Nose Café, the place was now bustling with families and groups making the most of the country park. A well-earned coffee and cake were on the menu, the perfect reward after our four-hour hike - one we won’t forget anytime soon, thanks to the breathtaking scenery along the way.

Will I do this trail again? Absolutely! I can’t wait to experience these incredible views in the summertime. This peaceful, rewarding route is a great choice for beginner hikers, and I’ve been meaning to return with the kids to explore more of Tegg’s Nose Country Park and The White Nancy separately.

If you enjoyed this or found it helpful when choosing a route, let me know - I’d love for you to follow along on Instagram as I take on more hikes this year!

Sarah