Manley Common Circular Walk

3.7 miles (6 km)

This walk explores the area around Manley village and Manley common in Cheshire.
The route uses part of the Delamere Way to visit Delamere Forest where there are miles of good cycling and walking trails.
The route begins near the quaint village of Manley and winds its way onto the open common, a traditional expanse that has long served as a communal resource for local residents. As you traverse gentle country lanes and historic field boundaries, the peaceful setting invites reflection on centuries of agrarian life in the heart of Cheshire.
The walk offers expansive views across the Cheshire Plain, with the distant sandstone ridge and the modern fringe of Delamere Forest visible on clear days. The interplay between open grassland and patches of mature woodland, interlaced with meandering hedgerows and scattered farmhouses, creates a picturesque backdrop that encapsulates the rural charm of the region. The gentle undulations of the landscape ensure that every turn provides a new perspective on this well-preserved slice of Cheshire countryside.
The flora here is typical of lowland Cheshire, with seasonal wildflowers such as bluebells, primroses, and meadow orchids brightening the hedgerows and open fields, while ancient oaks, ash, and hazel trees lend structure to the surrounding woodlands. Local fauna includes a variety of birds—from skylarks and finches to nuthatches—as well as small mammals like red foxes, badgers, and hedgehogs. In the warmer months, the burst of wildflowers attracts numerous butterflies and bees, enhancing the walk with vibrant colors and lively natural activity.
You can continue your walking by heading west to visit Manley Mere.