Outdoor lovers can set up camp around Warrington for narrowboating and wooded walks near Cheshire.
At first glance, Warrington may not appear like a compelling outdoorsy destination. But this town on the River Mersey between Liverpool and Manchester is well situated for reaching some attractive nature nearby. The Mersey Way offers a pleasant walking route to Liverpool, while Sankey Valley Park and Walton Hall have leafy parklands to explore. Meanwhile the Cheshire Ring Canal, together with its towpath, provide one of England’s best narrowboating routes, alongside gentle countryside rambling and pedalling. Further afield, the Delamere Forest, one-time hunting ground of the Earls of Chester, sequesters lots of woodsy walking, cycling, and horse-riding routes. Head south to Marbury Country Park or choose a private campsite for the nearest scenic camping.
The Cheshire Ring of six interconnecting canals, all navigable by narrowboat, prove this part of Northwest England is not all big, built-up areas. Skirting the southern edge of Warrington (and linking up with big cities like Manchester and Macclesfield), it features lots of lovely countryside in between. Campers can boat the 97-mile route (allow a week) or walk and cycle along the towpath.
Gradually reclaiming former industrial land in a woodsy green between Marbury and Northwich are the Northwich Community Woodlands, at the heart of which is the former country estate of Marbury Country Park. Walking and cycling trails here retain a genteel feel, as two long-distance footpaths, the Cheshire Ring Canal Walk and the North Cheshire Way, pass through. Pitch at a family-run campsite nearby for an intimate experience with amenities like toilets and caravan hookups.
Cheshire’s largest woodland, 2,400 acres in extent, lies southwest across the River Mersey, 14 miles from Warrington. It’s among the most popular green escapes within easy reach of Merseyside’s urban sprawl. Three long-distance paths traverse this former hunting ground, including the Sandstone Way, tracing Cheshire’s and Shropshire’s undulating sandstone ridges. Cycling, horse-riding, and one of Britain’s biggest treetop rope courses also await.
July and August (the school holiday season) is when the countryside around Warrington gets busiest with campers—but March, April and May boast the lowest rainfall. Neighbourhood Weekender, a music festival held in May, is one of the most famous events in Warrington. May is also a good month to visit nearby Manchester for the Manchester Jazz Festival, and Delamere Forest also hosts its own regular music events.