For many of us, dogs are not just pets, they are much-loved members of the family. We take them on holiday, they travel with us when we visit friends, and they just love to take us for a walk at least once a day. Dog owners are always on the lookout for places where they can take their dog for a gentle, enjoyable stroll or perhaps a more strenuous trek.
If you find yourself in Chester with your four-legged friend, you are in luck, because Chester and its surroundings has some great dog-friendly places for getting a bit of quality time with your canine chum. Here, then, are six of the best places for you and your dog to burn of some of that excess energy.
Delamere Forest
This beautiful and well-maintained woodland, located about 10 miles from Chester, is an ideal place for family walks. There are several walking trails within the forest, with dry sandstone paths, picnic areas, car parks and other visitor facilities. The Linmere Trail is ideal for families and dog walkers. At 1.7 miles long, and with well-tended pathways, it is a gentle, relaxing forest walk, where you can exercise in one of Cheshire’s most treasured natural beauty spots.
Stanney Woods
Located just off the A5117, Stanney Woods is a great place to walk amid the refreshing peace and beauty of ancient woodland. Mainly comprised of silver birch and oak trees, Stanney Woods is popular with bird watchers, walkers and nature lovers. Approximately five miles from Chester, this 54-acre wood has a circular walking trail with several crossways. The paths are level and undemanding, making them ideal for exercising with your dog. The walking trails within the wood range from 1 to 2 miles in length. There are ample car parking facilities nearby, and while the wood itself does not have toilet or eating facilities, it is located close to shops and cafes in nearby Ellesmere Port.
Millenium Greenway
The old railway line from Mickle Trafford to the wharf at Connah’s Quay hasn’t heard the rumble of trains for many a year, and you are much more likely to hear the singing of birds and the gentle whizz of cycle wheels.
Now converted to a cycle track and walkway, the Greenway passes through Chester and has become a very popular destination for walkers and bicycle riders alike. You and your dog may not be up for the full 7.5 miles, so just do as much or as little as you want. The flat and traffic-free route is undemanding and passes through some of Cheshire’s many attractive locations.
The Countess of Chester Country Park
Located near the hospital of the same name, this beautifully laid-out park contains a mixture of meadowland, wetland and woodland habitats. The many paths across the park are ideal for a short walk with your dog. The park is known for its wildlife, including heron, red admiral butterflies and kingfishers, and a dazzling array of wildflowers. This pocket of natural beauty in the heart of the city has the potential to become one of your favourite haunts.
Duke’s Drive
This 53-acre mixed woodland used to form part of the driveway to Eaton Hall, the Duke of Westminster’s home. A perfect place for walking and relaxing amid the varied trees and shrubs, there is a level and easy path across the area, with many other side paths to explore. Duke’s Drive is easily accessible from the Overleigh roundabout off the A483, or from Eaton Drive.
Chester Meadows
Close to the city centre, on the banks of the River Dee, the Chester Meadows area is a great place to stroll with your dog. You will be enjoying the countryside without leaving the city. Located near the Queen’s Park Campus of the University of Chester, it is a great location for dog walkers and wildlife lovers alike. A mixed area of wetland and grassland, it is a perfect place to enjoy the view of the river with its colourful boats on regatta days, or to admire the beauty of the many species of birds feeding in the meadows.
And after your walk…
If the walk has made both of you pleasantly exhausted, you may need a cuppa and slice of cake, so you will need to know some good restaurants and cafes in Chester where the four-legged are welcome. Luckily, Chester has quite a few of these, and you can take a look at some for yourself here. We hope you and your trusted friend enjoy your day in the city!
