GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

Farndon Walks

11 miles (18 km)

This pretty village is located on the banks of the River Dee right on the England-Wales Border. Historic features in the settlement include the medieval stone bridge and St Chad's church which dates from the 14th century.
This route uses sections of The Marches Way and the Bishop Bennet Way to create a circular walk around the village. On the way you'll enjoy fine views of the River Dee and visit the neighbouring settlements of Shocklach and Churton.
The walk starts in the village and follows the waymarked Marches Way south along the River Dee, passing the village of Holt and the remains of its historic castle. You continue south, passing Crewe-by-Farndon and Caldecott Green before coming to Shocklach. You could stop off here for refreshment at what is roughly the half way point on the walk.
The route then picks up the Bishop Bennet Way and follows it north to Castletown, Wetreins Green and Rowleyhill. The trail will eventually lead you into the village of Churton where you can pick up the Marches Way again, and follow it south back to Farndon.

Postcode

CH3 6PU - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Farndon OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Farndon Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Walks near Farndon

  • Peckforton Castle and Peckforton Hills - Explore the Peckforton Castle Estate and the Peckforton Hills on this walk in Cheshire
  • Beeston Castle - Climb to the ruins of this 13th century castle and enjoy wonderful views over the Cheshire Plain on this short circular walk in the Peckforton Hills
  • Bickerton Hill and Maiden Castle - This walk uses part of the Sandstone Trail to visit Maiden Castle Iron Age hill fort and Bickerton Hill
  • Shropshire Union Canal - Travel from the ourskirts of Wolverhampton to Ellesmere Port on this long distance waterside walk along the Shropshire Union Canal.
    The route starts at Autherley Junction in the Oxley area of Wolverhampton
  • Bulkeley Hill - Enjoy a walk through these peaceful woods to the Bulkeley Hill viewpoint on this walk in Cheshire
  • Burwardsley - This Cheshire based village is crossed by two signficant long distance trails
  • Tarporley - Tarporley is a very pretty Cheshire village with some nice country trails and waterside walks along the nearby canal towpath.
  • Kelsall - This Cheshire based village makes a great base for exploring the surrounding countryside and woodland of the expansive Delamere Forest and the Sandstone Hills.
  • Malpas - This Cheshire based market town is a fine place for a stroll with a number of historic buildings including a significant 14th century church and several picturesque timber framed properties
  • Sandstone Trail - This is a popular walk that runs through Cheshire and Shropshire from Frodsham to Whitchurch.
    The path starts in Frodsham and heads south to Frodsham Hill with lovely views over the Cheshire Plain and the Mersey Estuary
  • Tattenhall - This Cheshire village is in a great location for exploring the Shropshire Union Canal and the woodland and countryside of the Cheshire Plain.
  • Wrexham - This circular walk explores the countryside to the south of Wrexham
  • Alyn Waters Country Park - Enjoy peaceful walking and cycling in this lovely country park in the Alyn Valley, Wrexham
  • Holt Wrexham - This village in North East Wales is located in the Welsh Marches, close to the border with England.
  • Eccleston - This Cheshire based village lies just to the south of the city of Chester.

Pubs/Cafes

The Hare is a nice village pub for some post walk refreshment. They serve good quality food and have a fine choice of real ales. Outside there's a pleasant terrace area where you can relax on warmer days. The pub is located on the High Street at postcode CH3 6PU for your sat navs.

Dog Walking

The countryside trails make for a fine dog walk and the Hare mentioned above is also dog friendly.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Head east and you can explore the Sandstone Hills around Peckforton Castle and Peckforton Hills, Beeston Castle and Bickerton Hill and Maiden Castle. The popular Sandstone Trail can also be picked up here.
Just to the south east of Bickerton you'll find Cholmondeley where you can explore the 19th century Cholmondeley Castle. The castle is surrounded by 70 acres of beautiful parkland and gardens with an arboretum, herbaceous borders, lakes and a fine viewpoint to enjoy.
Head east and you will cross the border into Wales where you can visit Alyn Waters Country Park near Wrexham.
Just to the north is the neighbouring village of Eccleston. In this area you can enjoy pleasant walks along the River Dee and views of Eaton Hall, country house of the Duke of Westminster.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Cheshire Walks page.

Photos

Farndon Village - geograph.org.uk - 58487

Farndon Village. Birthplace of the 17th century map maker John Speed. Although born here, he left at the age of 18 to work as a tailor in London and only in his fifties did he take up map making.

Pasture alongside the River Dee - geograph.org.uk - 1349038

Pasture alongside the River Dee south of Farndon.

The River Dee near Holt Castle - geograph.org.uk - 980945

The River Dee near Holt Castle

Remains of Holt Castle - geograph.org.uk - 352189

Remains of Holt Castle. This was built in the 13th century following the conquest of North Wales by King Edward I. After playing a crucial part in the Civil war in the 17th c. it was partly demolished and the stones from the site were used to build Eaton Hall. The remains of the castle, shown above, are believed to be the inner courtyard. The building was also called Castle Lyons originally.

Farndon Bridge - geograph.org.uk - 1842921

Farndon Bridge. This noteworthy structure crosses the River Dee and the England-Wales border between Farndon on the English side and Holt, Wrexham on the Welsh. The 14th century bridge is Grade I listed.

River Dee meander below Dogkennel Farm, Shocklach - geograph.org.uk - 548378

River Dee meander below Dogkennel Farm, Shocklach. The Dee has cut low cliffs in the glacial clay as it meanders down its flood plain. This area is frequently completely inundated.

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Farndon.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Share>Save to Files')

Memory Map Route

Farndon.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Share>Save to Files)