Circular Walks Around Chester

Are you looking for a circular walk around Chester city centre? Here are a few of my favourite routes, taking in some of the beautiful scenery and diverse landscapes that Chester has to offer.

Watching the sunrise of The Countess of Chester Country Park

Chester, the charming city I’m lucky enough to call home, is full of family-friendly footpaths, diverse scenery, enchanting history and an array of hidden gems waiting to be explored. Both the River Dee and Shropshire Union Canal flow through the centre of this historic walled city, bringing with it a diverse range of fauna and flora amongst some beautiful countryside.

Plus, the city’s medieval streets, striking cathedral and multiple Roman sites make any walk around the Chester area, an adventure for all the family.

Check out some of my favourite circular walks in Chester here …

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Chester Walks

Chester City Walls

3km | 45min

Start - Eastgate Clock (CH1 1LE)

No visit to Chester is complete without exploring it’s historic city walls. Chester City Walls are the oldest, longest and most complete in Britain - some of which are almost 2000 years old! The walls cover a distance of approximately 2 miles, with wonderful views of the city and a fascinating insight into it’s incredible history. This is a perfect short circular walk for you and the whole family.

Route details: Chester City Walls Walk

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Grosvenor Park and River Dee Walk

2km | 25min

Start - Dee Lane (CH1 1HJ)

This short circular walk is perfect for the whole family (including your four-legged friend), with plenty to see and do en route. Explore the wonderful Grosvenor Park, take a ride on the miniature train or count how many squirrels you can spot in the park, before enjoying a leisurely stroll around the River Dee. Stop off at the Cheshire Farm Ice Cream shop to indulge in the best ice-cream around or enjoy a refreshing drink at The Boathouse, with fantastic views across the river. 

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Countess of Chester Country Park

3km | 35-40 minutes 

Start - Country Park Car Park (CH2 1UL)

Stepping into the Countess of Chester Country Park gives the sense of being a million miles away from the city centre. The country park is full of dazzling wildlife - you may be lucky enough to spot a Kingfisher or Heron in and around the wetlands or see a majestic Kestrel flying high in the sky above. For a longer walk, head over the bridge, crossing the canal, in the far left corner of the park and explore miles of open moorland - in what was once a golf course, now abandoned and home to a diverse collection of flora and fauna.

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Shropshire Union Canal Walk, via Chester Zoo

9km | 2 hours

Start - Liverpool Road (CH2 2JF)

I have spent the last eight weeks of lockdown exploring the peaceful Shropshire Union Canal on my daily walk or run. This circular walk is one of my favourites, taking you through the suburb of Upton, passing Chester Zoo (you might be lucky enough to spot some cheeky orangutans or even the elephants as you walk along the side of the UK’s favourite zoo) and then onto the canal for the final 5km stretch alongside The Countess of Chester Country Park.

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The Meadows and Duke’s Drive

9km | 2 hours

Start - Queens Park Bridge (CH1 1SD)

The Meadows are a patchwork of wetlands located alongside the banks of Chester’s River Dee. Popular amongst wildlife lovers, The Meadows are a peaceful haven of countryside within walking distance from the city centre. This dog-friendly circular walk takes you along the banks of the River Dee, with charming views of the city itself, and then back along Duke’s Drive through some enchanting woods - a firm favourite of mine when I’m craving a woodland walk!

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Chester Millennium Greenway and Chester Canal Walk

6.5km | 1hr 30min

Start - The Harkers Arms

This circular walking route starts along the canal at The Harkers Arms and takes you up into Hoole, one of Chester’s most popular suburbs, full of independent shops, quaint pubs and fine dining experiences (grab a pint at The Faulkner or enjoy a yummy brunch at The Little Yellow Pig). The circular route then joins the Chester Millennium Greenway for a couple of kilometres, before rejoining the Shropshire Union Canal back into the centre of Chester and along it’s historic walls.

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Welsh Border & River Dee Walk 

11.5km | 2hrs 30min

Start - Old Dee Bridge (CH4 7JB)

Chester sits right on the border of England and Wales, so why not take a stroll from the delightful city of Chester right into Wales. This route starts in the heart of the city, alongside the River Dee. You’ll follow the river all the way to Saltney Ferry, crossing the Welsh border, before walking over the footbridge and returning on the other side of the river. The return journey will follow the riverbanks, then take you through Curzon Park before rejoining the riverside and arriving in the charming district of Handbridge.

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Enjoy a Circular Walk Around Chester

I hope you enjoy these walks around Chester - I’ve loved exploring the beautiful countryside around my home town. Going for regular walks has such a positive impact on my mental health - allowing me to think more clearly and gives me an overwhelming sense of gratitude for this small part of the world I get to call home.

I’d love to hear which Chester walks you enjoy exploring and if you have any recommendations for me just pop them in the comments below! 

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