Alderley Edge Woodland Walk
Walk CategoriesWalk Regions
Alderley Edge walk is for little explorers, combining beautiful woodland, incredible views and plenty of things to discover along the way.
This is the Wizard’s Wander, a short circular route through the heart of Alderley Edge. You’ll wander through the woodland, past old mine workings, the Armada Beacon, the Druids’ Stone Circle and the dramatic Stormy Point, with gorgeous views across the Cheshire countryside.
The route is approximately 1 mile, making it a great option for Tiny Trekkers and little legs. It’s generally suitable for pushchairs, although there are some gentle slopes and bumpy sections, so a sturdy pram is recommended.
There is so much for little ones to spot and explore, from interesting rocks and woodland trails to the mysterious old mine workings that are part of Alderley Edge’s famous Wizard legend.
And of course, we’ll finish back near The Wizard Tea-room, making it very easy to reward ourselves with a well-earned coffee and one of their lovely treats!
Why We Love This Walk
“Alderley Edge is one of my favourite walks, and not just because of the treats at the Wizard’s Tea-room! I love that the paths are great even when the weather has been a bit muddy, and there are plenty of lovely shaded trees which make it a really nice option when it’s hot. The views are amazing and there’s so much for little explorers to discover along the way. From the woodland and interesting rocks to the old mine workings and all the little paths to explore, it feels much more like an adventure than just a walk. And obviously, finishing with a treat at the Wizard’s Tea-room is a pretty good reason to come too!“
Walking Mum – Bekky
Location
Alderley Edge & Cheshire Countryside, Macclesfield Road, Nether Alderley, Macclesfield, SK10 4UB.
The walk starts from the National Trust car park.
Parking
There is a National Trust pay-and-display car park at Alderley Edge.
Parking is free for National Trust members and payable for non-members. The Walking Mums event page currently advises non-members to bring £5 in coins as the machines can sometimes be challenging to use.
There is also limited roadside parking around a 10-minute walk away.
Toilets
Public toilets are available at the National Trust car park and are open from 9am until the car park closes.
Café Nearby
The Wizard Tea-room is right by the starting point and is a lovely place to stop before or after the walk.
It’s particularly famous for its connection to the Wizard legend and serves hot and cold food and drinks, with indoor and outdoor seating.
Walking Mums Supporter Members receive 10% off at The Wizards Tea Room when on the group led walk.
Pram Friendliness
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
The Wizard’s Wander is generally suitable for pushchairs, with a mostly surfaced route.
There are some moderate slopes and bumpy sections, so a sturdy pram with decent wheels is recommended.
Accessibility
The route is generally accessible but isn’t completely flat or smooth. Some slopes and uneven sections may make it more challenging for some lightweight prams.
Scenery
Absolutely beautiful woodland, sandstone rock formations and stunning views across the Cheshire countryside.
The route also takes you through areas with historic mining remains and past some really interesting landmarks.
Play Area
There isn’t a traditional playground on the route, but the woodland itself provides plenty for little explorers to discover.
There is also the option to visit the woodland adventure trail after the walk for some extra outdoor fun.
Picnic Spot
There is a picnic area close to the start of the walk, making it easy to bring snacks or a picnic.
Distance
Approximately 1 mile / 1.6 km.
The National Trust estimates around 45 minutes to 1 hour, although our Tiny Trekkers pace will usually take longer because we’ll be stopping to explore and let the little ones lead the way.
The route can also be completed twice if the group wants a longer walk.
Terrain
Mostly surfaced and waymarked paths, with some gentle to moderate slopes and bumpy sections.
Best Age Group
Perfect for toddlers, preschoolers and little explorers.
Also suitable for babies in prams and younger children in carriers.
Route Description
The below route uses the signposted wizard wander route markers.
Start at the National Trust car park and head towards the picnic area and Wizard Tea-room.
From near the information room, take the path left into the woodland.
Follow the surfaced path gently uphill towards Engine Vein, one of the old mining areas.
Continue through the woodland, looking out for signs of the old mine shafts along the way.
Follow the path towards the Armada Beacon.
Continue along the path and look out for the Druids’ Stone Circle.
Carry on through the woodland until the path opens out onto the rocks at Stormy Point.
Take some time to enjoy the views and explore the area around Stormy Point.
Continue towards Devil’s Grave, another interesting feature linked to the famous Wizard legend.
Leave Stormy Point and follow the path along Carriage Drive, beneath the beautiful mature trees.
There is an optional detour towards Canyon Mine if the group wants to explore a little further.
Return to Carriage Drive and continue along the route.
When you reach the farm road, look out for the Goldenstone.
Continue back along the farm track towards Alderley Edge and Macclesfield Road.
Follow the route back to the National Trust car park, where the walk finishes.
Once we’re finished, head over to The Wizard Tea-room for a well-earned drink and treat!
This follows the National Trust’s Wizard’s Wander route, which is a 1-mile circular walk.
Prefer to use AllTrails?
Open this walk in AllTrails and follow the route as you go.
View on AllTrails
Potential Risks
- Uneven ground: Although generally suitable for pushchairs, some sections are bumpy and uneven.
- Slopes: There are gentle to moderate uphill and downhill sections.
- Tree roots and branches: Woodland paths can contain exposed roots, fallen branches and other natural obstacles.
- Rocky areas: Take extra care around the rocks at Stormy Point and other exposed areas.
- Mine workings: Alderley Edge has a long history of mining, with old mine shafts and workings throughout the area. Stay on the marked route and don’t allow children to approach or enter any mine workings.
- Drops and edges: Take extra care around viewpoints and rocky edges.
- Water: There is water within the wider woodland area, although it isn’t on the planned Walking Mums route.
- Farm road: The final section includes a farm track which can be busy at times.
- Paths can become muddy and slippery following wet weather.
- The area can become busy with walkers, dogs and families.
- Dogs are welcome but may need to be kept on leads during lambing and nesting seasons.
- Please supervise children at all times and wear suitable footwear.
Please note: Walking Mums regularly reviews and updates our walk guides, but conditions can change. If you spot an error or something that needs updating, please email hello@walkingmums.com. Please also consider any specific risks for your family and the conditions on the day.
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