4.6
(4416)
31,569
hikers
13
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around Gawsworth traverse a diverse landscape of open fields, quiet woodlands, and pleasant waterside paths. The region, situated in rural Cheshire, features generally gentle terrain, making it accessible for various ability levels. Notable natural features include the Danes Moss Nature Reserve with its boardwalks and the scenic Thornycroft Pools. Historical landmarks such as Gawsworth Hall and St James' Church are often integrated into the walking routes.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
4.6
(16)
69
hikers
10.9km
02:51
90m
90m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
17
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(2)
9
hikers
5.25km
01:22
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
13
hikers
4.76km
01:15
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
7
hikers
4.63km
01:13
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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James the Greater (the Latin 'major' is not translated as 'great' in English), to whom this church in Gawsworth was dedicated, was, together with his brother, part of the inner circle of Jesus' disciples. In his version of the "Good News" (this is the meaning of the word "gospel"), the Evangelist Mark enumerates a list of the apostles: "James, the son of Zebedee, and John, the brother of James—them he surnamed Boanerges, which means Sons of Thunder" (Mark 3:17). They were said to have had strong tempers, but were faithful followers of Jesus Christ, in whom they recognized the promised Messiah. According to the Acts of the Apostles, James was executed for his faith. His tomb in Santiago de Compostela, Galicia (Spain), is one of the most famous and important pilgrimage destinations in the world.
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This is the only remaining manually operated swing bridge on the Macclesfield Canal. The others have either been dismantled or are left open. After some earlier improvement work, it was removed, fully restored and reinstated in full working order in 1998.
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A short section where the road is flooded almost all the time so time to get wet feet for a while ,just don’t run through it as there are a few pot holes ,stay in the middle and you be ok but wet feet.👣
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Good firm tow path with the option to come off at the retail park
1
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A short bit of tarmac that leads you past 3 pools in the Gawsworth hall grounds and stables and a statue of Robert peel then onto the fields which can be boggy in wet weather leading onto wood house end road and Dane’s moss
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Nice looking pub off the main Congleton road.
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This is the boater's facilities from the canal towpath, the parking area is on the road behind the building. The left fork of the canal here is the canal feeder from Bosley reservoir, with the canal heading towards the lock flight on the right.
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There are 13 family-friendly hiking trails around Gawsworth, offering a mix of easy strolls and moderate adventures suitable for various ages and abilities. You'll find 7 easy routes and 6 moderate ones to explore.
Gawsworth offers a wonderful blend of picturesque Cheshire countryside, historical landmarks, and diverse natural features, making it ideal for families. Trails often wind through open fields, quiet woodlands, and along pleasant waterside paths, providing engaging scenery for all ages. The landscape is generally gentle, ensuring accessibility for most family members.
The komoot community highly rates the trails around Gawsworth, with an average score of 4.56 stars from 1427 ratings. Hikers often praise the area's varied terrain, the integration of historical sites like Gawsworth Hall, and the peaceful atmosphere of the woodlands and waterside paths, making for memorable family outings.
Yes, many of the family-friendly routes in Gawsworth are circular, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the St James' Church, Gawsworth – Pond with Ducks loop is an easy circular option, perfect for a shorter family outing.
Gawsworth's trails showcase a variety of natural beauty. You can expect to encounter tranquil woodlands like Maggotty Wood, open fields, and beautiful water features such as the Thornycroft Pools and the banks of Cow Brook. The nearby Danes Moss Nature Reserve is also a significant natural feature, known for its diverse wildlife.
Absolutely! Gawsworth is rich in history. Many family trails pass by or offer views of significant landmarks. You can explore routes that include the stunning Gawsworth Hall, a beautiful Tudor manor house, and the sublime St James' Church. The village also features picturesque fishponds, adding to the charm.
While many trails in Gawsworth are generally gentle, not all are suitable for pushchairs due to varied terrain that can include uneven paths, stiles, or muddy sections, especially after rain. Look for routes described as 'easy' and consider checking recent komoot tour photos and comments for specific trail conditions if you plan to use a pushchair.
Many trails in Gawsworth are dog-friendly, offering lovely walks for the whole family, including your canine companions. However, please be mindful of livestock in fields and keep dogs on a lead where necessary. Always carry bags to clean up after your dog and respect local signage.
Gawsworth is enjoyable year-round, but spring and summer (March to September) are particularly pleasant. During these months, the Danes Moss Nature Reserve is vibrant with dragonflies, damselflies, and butterflies. Autumn offers beautiful foliage, and even winter walks can be charming, though some paths might be muddy. Always check the weather forecast before heading out.
Parking is generally available in and around Gawsworth village. Specific parking details often depend on the starting point of your chosen route. Many popular trailheads, especially those near St James' Church or Gawsworth Hall, have designated parking areas or roadside options. Always check local signage for any restrictions.
Yes, several routes incorporate beautiful water features. For a longer, moderate option, consider the Sutton Reservoir – St James' Church, Gawsworth loop, which offers pleasant waterside sections. The village itself also features charming fishponds that are often part of shorter walks.
The terrain around Gawsworth is typically varied but generally gentle. You'll encounter a mix of well-trodden footpaths, grassy fields, and woodland tracks. While there are some minor inclines, significant elevation gain is rare, making most routes manageable for families. Paths can be muddy after rain, so appropriate footwear is recommended.


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