The Belts

Three miles of woodland footpath cutting through the Cheshire countryside near Northwich - that's The Belts in a nutshell. It's a proper old-school forest walk, the sort where you actually feel like you've left town behind despite being minutes from civilization. The paths wind through mixed woodland with streams running alongside, and the whole thing sits in a loop that makes it easy navigation for families who don't fancy getting lost halfway through the afternoon.

The appeal is straightforward: decent walking without breaking a sweat. You'll spot the occasional bit of wildlife if you're quiet about it, and the tree coverage keeps things shaded on warmer days. It's not dramatic or particularly scenic in the postcard sense, but that's rather the point. This is proper Cheshire walking terrain - understated and unpretentious.

Allow a good hour to ninety minutes depending on pace and how often you stop to let the kids investigate woodland bits. The ground can get boggy after rain, so decent footwear matters. It works brilliantly as a morning excursion if you're based at Pickmere Leisure Park nearby, or as a leg-stretcher between other activities. Greenfields Campsite to the south also makes it an easy walk from there.

Worth doing? Yes, especially if you want something that doesn't require planning or entry fees. It won't blow your mind, but it'll clear your head properly.