Delamere Forest

Delamere Forest is a magnificent oasis of nature and the largest area of woodland in the county covering 2,400 acres with it's stunning Blakemere Moss lake at it's centre teaming with birds and wildlife.

The forest really does have something for everyone so depending on your mood and inclination, you can find your peace here and soak in the natural world or partake in a number of fantastic outdoor activities.

Only 10 miles outside of Chester you can reach Delamere Forest from Chester within 25 mins by car or alternatively you can save the cost of parking and get a train directly from Chester to Delamere Forest's very own train station just 5-10 minutes from the visitors centre and cafe! - The train takes approximately 16 minutes, starts at the crack of dawn till late in the evening and around 27 trains travel there each day (roughly one every hour).

The train station is actually on the access road to the forest visitors centre, from the front of the station you simply walk to the end of the short station approach lane then turn right and follow the road to the visitors centre, cafe and GoApe.

The forest has lots of great events and activities going on throughout the year and the Forest Live Festival is even bringing top live music acts into the forest for completely unique live music concerts throughout the summer!

Walking and Bike Trails and Bike Hire and Bike Tours

This great expanse managed by Forestry England has clearly marked walking and bike trails to suit all levels and abilities of adventurers.

The trails include Old Pale hill, the high point of the northern mass of the Mid Cheshire Ridge which provides the most spectacular views extending as far as Liverpool's famous skyline of cathedrals and harbour buildings and you can go Gruffalo Orienteering whereby using a simple map can you and the children find the twelve Gruffalo markers hidden deep in the wood!

Treetop Adventure Activities & Forest Segway 

Right next to the visitors centre and car park you'll also find GoApe who provide the more adrenaline fueled activities within Delamere forest.

Their treetop adventures are designed for all ages and abilities and create exhilarating journeys up high where you'll climb, clamber and zipwire your way through treetop assault / obstacle courses and get an amazing birds eye view of the forest and lake while you're at it!

GoApe also hire Segways which is the perfect way to zip around the forest!

Lakes & Wetlands

Delamere, actually means 'forest of the lakes' and is all that remains of the great forests of Mara and Mondrem which covered over 60 square miles (160 km²) of this part of Cheshire.

Blakemere Moss is the name given to the lake by the visitors centre, a flooded wetland formed during the Ice Age which is around 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) and creates a beautiful circular walk.

Black Lake, a rare example of what is known as a 'quaking bog' or 'schwingmoor,' and has been designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC) has been nationally designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and internationally as a Ramsar site for the fascinating wildlife it supports.

Wildlife

Delamere Forest is an incredible habitat for numerous woodland bird species, including nuthatches, treecreepers, crossbills, wrens, coal tit, blue tits, great tits, jays, siskins, tawny owls and greater spotted and green woodpeckers and be sure to look out for the white-faced darter, a species of dragonfly rare in the UK.

Forest Holidays

Forest Holidays have a selection of stunning forest cabins in the heart of Delamere Forest which are incredibly popular with those looking to really escape in nature!