Knutsford Rail TrailGrade: Easy
Distance: 8km/ 5 miles
Time: 3 - 4 hours
Map: OS Explorer 268
Terrain: Flat and accessible, though may be muddy in wet weather
Barriers: None
Toilets: Available at refreshment stopsWP1Coming from the Chester direction, leave the station at the ticket office and turn right, down through the carpark and turn left into King Street. Coming from the Manchester direction, leave the station on the level, through a small car park and turn left into Adams Hill and left again under the railway bridge into King Street. This delightful route passes numerous attractive shops, cafes and restaurants.DotWaypointsWP2As you leave the town head towards the gate ahead, as this is the pedestrian entrance into Tatton Park.DotWaypointsWP3There are several tracks through the park which head towards the Mansion and the one to the right of the main drive affords beautiful views of Tatton Mere. Keep parallel to the main drive as it bears left and you pass Melchett Mere on your left hand side.DotWaypointsWP4Take the footpath on your left towards the Mansion which can be seen in the distance.DotWaypointsWP5Proceed past the Mansion and enter the courtyard, where there are excellent café and toilet facilities, as well as a chance to buy tickets to visit the Mansion and gardens.DotWaypointsWP6At this point, a number of optional extensions can be added to the walk and maps showing the routes can be picked up from the shop or Stables Restaurant or downloaded at www.tattonpark.org.uk. There is a nature trail which starts in the Stableyard and then follows numbered wooden posts (2–19) painted with an orange band, and if you chose this route you can leave the trail at point 17, where it joins your original route towards the Knutsford Gate.DotWaypointsWP7Rejoin the route signed Knutsford Gate and exit the park. Turn left into Drury Lane and then bear right down the hill. You will pass the Ruskin Rooms. There is an inscription on the building which commemorates General Patton’s use of the building during a stay in Cheshire, which reads ‘Welcome Club’ for officers of the Third Army opened by General George Patton on 25th April 1944 prior to participation in the Liberation of Europe.DotWaypointsWP8Carry on past the attractive pastel cottages and admire the name plates which include ‘Linen House’ and ‘Tower House’.DotWaypointsWP9Bear right at the bottom of the hill and follow the road with a brook to your right and glimpses of the Mere on your left. The road opens out as it passes the Moor, a popular site for families with a large children’s play area.DotWaypointsWP10At the end of the road you will meet the junction with King Street and the Railway Station is in front of you.DotWaypoints