BEST WALKS NEAR MANCHESTER: BLACK LAKE LOOP

A short stroll through the Cheshire Countryside, without having to venture too far from the M60…

Start: Lindow Common Car Park, SK9 5LW

Distance: 3.67 miles

Duration: allow approx. 1-2 hours

Navigation: follow the route here

Walks like this are our favourite. They’re the reason we started Getlostmcr - to showcase the hidden, untouched trails right on our doorstep. Lindow Common and its surrounds certainly falls in that category.

Located just outside of Wilmslow town centre, Lindow Common is crisscrossed by numerous idyllic footpaths perfect for a Sunday stroll. In centuries past, the common was an area of heath land where villagers could graze their cattle.

In recent years, trees have taken over the area (how dramatic), which has turned the common into a Site of Scientific Interest with its own designated local nature reserve.

With so many paths to explore. it’s perfect for big kids, little kids and four-legged pals to roam free. In the centre of the maze of idyllic paths you’ll find Black Lake — a gorgeous hidden gem home to plenty of ducks and wildlife. The views across the lake were incredible, particularly on a sunny day.

And after a short stroll around Black Lake, Wilmslow itself is well worth a visit. It’s home to lots of quaint coffee shops, chic charity shops, designer boutiques, upmarket homeware stores, and maybe even a few footballers’ houses if seeing how the other ‘alf live is your thing.

Or if you’re looking to extend your walk, why not take a stroll along the River Bollin towards Styal Village and Quarry Bank Mill? This National Trust gem is a firm favourite of ours, and you can follow our best routes around Styal here.

Fancy stopping off in Wilmslow next time you head for the Cheshire countryside? Find full navigation details here