Wilmslow Walk
This walk from Wilmslow visits the popular Carrs Park before following the River Bollin to the nearby Styal Country Park and Woods. It's a pretty area with riverside footpaths, woodland trails and old mills to see on the way. The walk to Styal Park is about 2 miles so it's a 4 mile round trip, taking place on a fairly flat trail.
The walk starts just to the west of the train station where you can pick up paths leading into Carrs Park. This public park was opened in 1935 and covers 70 acres with nice riverside footpaths. After passing through the park the footpaths bend round to the north to take you to Styal Country Park and the National Trust's Quarry Bank Mill. This industrial heritage site is a wonderful place for a stroll with a fascinating history stretching back hundreds of years. It's the home to Samuel Greg's 18th century cotton mill which was powered by the water of the river Bollin. You can tour the mill and find out how it operated and the global cotton trade of the time. Also nearby is Styal village where you can see the old worker cottages and find out about how they lived and worked. The estate includes woodland and picturesque gardens too it is a great place for an easy stroll.
After exploring the site you return to the town centre on the same paths.
The waymarked North Cheshire Way and the Bollin Valley Way pass through the town. These long distance footpaths are both fine ways of further exploring the area. Also nearby is the historic town of Knutsford which includes the splendid Tatton Park.
Postcode
SK9 4AA - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsWilmslow Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Wilmslow Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Wilmslow OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Wilmslow Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
The Coach and Four is a good choice for some post walk refreshments. The friendly pub is set in an 18th century coaching house and has a very good menu. There's also a lovely garden area to sit out in if the weather is good. You can find it on Alderley Rd, witha postcode of SK9 1PA for your sat navs.
Dog Walking
The river paths and woodland make for a fine dog walk and the Coach and Four pub mentioned above is also dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
A short train ride south will take you to the village of Alderley Edge. Here you can try the Alderley Edge Walk and visit a lovely National Trust owned woodland. There's fine views to the Pennine Hills from the elevated position of the wood. The woods are a very popular place for dog walkers too.
To the south east the worthy village of Prestbury is well worth a visit.
The village includes several listed timber framed buildings, a 17th century pub, a picturesque churchyard and views of the River Bollin. Look out for famous faces too as it is one of the most desirable places to live in the north with many celebrities and footballers purchasing expensive properties in the area. Just north of the village you'll also find the Grade II listed Mottram Hall. The estate includes 270 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens surrounding a fine 18th century hall which now operates as a hotel.
On the western side of the town you will find Lindow Common Nature Reserve. The small common is a nice place for a stroll with pleasant footpaths taking you around birch woodland and heathland. There's also lots of wildlife to see on the common's pretty lake.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Cheshire Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
River Bollin at the north end of The Carrs Wilmslow
River Bollin near the east end of The Carrs
Mill Works Houses in Styal. Part of the housing for Quarry Bank Mill workers
Photograph of Quarry Bank House, the home of Samuel Greg, founder of Quarry Bank Mill
Packhorse bridge over the River Bollin at Quarry Bank Mill, Styal
Quarry Bank Mill
Cottage on Styal Estate Village. Picture postcard cottage and English country garden.
Thatched Cottages at Styal. Beautiful kept cottages and courtyards at Styal Estate Village