SANDSTONE TRAIL CIRCULAR

An exhilarating walk exploring two of Cheshire’s most northerly hillforts…

Start: Frodsham Hill Car Park, WA6 6BG

Distance: 4.42 miles

Duration: 2 hours

Elevation: 400 feet

Navigation: follow our route here

Good to knows

Parking at Helsby Hill is limited (around 7-8 spaces!), however there is ample street parking surrounding the starting point.

Facilities are limited on this route… but its remote and unassuming location makes the trip worth it.

Want to make a proper day of it? Why not catch the train? Extend the route a mere mile or so, and you can follow this route straight from Frodsham train station. The train from MCR to Frodsham is 45 minutes direct.

We’ve been meaning to take on the Sandstone Trail for a while… and even though we may have only just scratched the surface with this short loop, it’s safe to say the beauty of the area didn’t disappoint.

The Sandstone Trail is a 34 mile long distance path where the views are stunning, the hills are rolling, and the rocks are seriously cool. (Yes, we did just say that).

We decided to pick the trail up in the historic market town of Frodsham, where the path meanders through ancient woodland (and even an ancient hill fort or two).

But that’s not where this route begins.

Starting at Helsby Hill, we took a rare moment to pause at Frodsham Memorial — a somber yet striking tribute to the brave souls who lost their lives in service. Erected in 1920, the memorial serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought in World War 1 and subsequent conflicts.

With a renewed appreciation for the sacrifices of our armed forces — as well as a lingering sadness for those living in parts of the world affected by war — we shook off the moment of reflection to set off on the Sandstone Trail, a winding path that crisscrosses through the rugged terrain of the Cheshire countryside. As we navigated the rocky hills atop the hidden woodland, we marveled at the natural beauty of the area, with its rolling hills, vibrant wildflowers, and sprawling vistas.

Next, we headed for Woodhouse Hill, near the southern end of the Sandstone Trail, where there was once a hill fort, probably dating back to the Iron Age. It can be hard to discern the remains now, but if it’s history you’re after from this trip, you won’t be disappointed by the area’s mystical past.

Along the way, you’ll find pathways that once hosted scenes of battles, hangings and hauntings from countless centuries of British history. As for the fort atop Woodhouse Hill? Current thinking suggests the hilltops were probably first enclosed in the Neolithic era (around 6,000 years ago) to mark them out as special places, before becoming a place of defence and attack in the Bronze age.

With its rich history, stunning architecture, and natural beauty, Frodsham itself is a hidden gem that's just waiting to be discovered.

The town's history can be traced back to the 12th century, when the Normans built a castle on the hill overlooking the River Mersey. Over the centuries, Frodsham grew into a bustling market town, and its strategic location made it an important center of trade and commerce.

Today, Frodsham retains much of its historic charm, with a number of well-preserved buildings and landmarks that harken back to its storied past. But perhaps the most striking feature of Frodsham is its natural beauty. The town is situated on the edge of the stunning Cheshire countryside, providing countless opportunities for outdoor exploration and adventure… that’s what drew us here, after all!

Another natural wonder is Upton’s Cave, the last landmark on our short loop. Of all the caves on the Sandstone Ridge, Upton's Caves are associated with the most stories and legends although they are barely remembered today. Sadly, the area is a popular one, and graffiti and litter tends to be the result. That said, the history of this place isn’t to be scoffed at… it just needs a little more imagination to truly envisage how integral this place once was to society… allbeit a little tainted by our modern civilisaiton.

Fancy heading for the hills? Follow our route here