We’re trying to do more walking and outdoorsy stuff in 2026, and whether it’s here in Greater Manchester, Cheshire, or somewhere else nearby in the North West, we intend to lap up as much natural splendour as we can.
It goes without saying that we’re unbelievably lucky to have both the Peak and the Lake District not too far from us, but we’ll admit that sometimes we want something close by, super easy and family-friendly.
Now, that’s not to say that there isn’t plenty of that in both the Peaks and the Lakes, but when our mates asked us to come along on a slightly hungover but frosty and super picturesque morning, a key condition we expressed was that it needed to be very low difficulty.
All that being said, we’d argue you might not get a better balance of accessible and enjoyable than the Whitemoor Trail up in Delamere Forest.
Credit: The Manc Group
For starters, that level of ease begins with how you get there; put simply, not only is it less than an hour’s drive away in the car, but it’s just over a 40-minute train ride to Delamere Station, which drops you not too far from the Forest itself – especially if you’re already gearing up for a day of walking.
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You can even get the bus there, if you so wish.
Ran by Forestry England, it’s a fairly popular local attraction, as you’ll see upon arrival at the car park, but the art is in figuring out which route you want to take through the stunning hills, nature reserve and expansive treeline.
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Trust us, it’s in finding these lesser-tread trails and preferred paths that you end up finding some of the most beautiful vistas, glimpses of the native wildlife, and the most serene, sometimes impossibly quiet spots at times.
Of course, there are still plenty of people about on the site, in particular on the weekends, but it doesn’t take long to find your own slice of solace and let the outside world slowly fall away and disappear into the periphery. Go and seek your own quiet moment – you won’t regret it.
Soon, all you’ll see is the incredible landscape around you, the forest continuing to unfold in front of you
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It goes without saying that wandering through the woods is obviously some of the cleanest oxygen you might ever suck into your lungs, but it felt like the biggest breath of fresh air for our brains, too.
We can all be guilty of spending far too long sat it front of screens, staying inside – especially when it’s cold and wet out (as it often is in this region) – but we were definitely very pleased with ourselves for getting out of bed to soak in this simple morning splendour.
Of course, it doesn’t matter how early you get there, so long as you do, as the various parts of Delamere Forest each have their own special little bit of magic.
For instance, for those looking to keep the little ones engaged, there’s an official Gruffalo Trail: a beginner’s level walk with minimal elevation but plenty of hand-carved statues of the classic children’s characters.
Credit: The Manc
You’ll pass everything from almost perfectly still lakes and ponds, connecting up with Black Lake and Blakemere, as well as all types of trunks and foliage stretching far into the main Delamere Circular and well beyond that.
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Whether you want to walk it, trail run, cycle, or even go off-road and sample the different kinds of terrain, this place offers great versatility, so while it’s a perfect entry-level ramble, you can spice things up if you want to make it more of a challenge.
Finally, once you’ve checked off everything you want to see, you can take a well-earned rest at the Forest cafe and stop to get a pretty picture of any and all precious pups who’ve definitely earned a nap on the way home.
As for you lot, reward yourselves however you see fit, but please make sure to try out Whitemoor Trail and Delamere Forest: the experience won’t let you down, no matter the season.
And if you fancy getting out in the hills with even more of a spring in your step, why not try dipping your toes into trail running this year?
Brits start petition to save Jodrell Bank Observatory from closure amid budget cuts
Danny Jones
Greater Manchester, the North West and Brits at large are urging people across the country to pen a petition to save the Jodrell Bank Observatory from closing down for good.
In fact, this is just one petition among numerous protests over its impending closure.
For anyone who somehow hadn’t come across the sad news, the national institution that is Jodrell Bank Observatory (JBO) in Cheshire, which includes the award-winning and world-famous James Lovell Telescope, is scheduled to shut down permanently by March 2028.
Despite having served a crucial part in alleviating Cold War tensions back in the 1960s, operating as an important scientific hub under the University of Manchester umbrella, and remaining a major tourist pull for the region, it’s unfortunately lost its funding and is on course to be decommissioned.
While the massive Northern landmark near Macclesfield is home not only to the largest telescope in the UK, important physics research and even an annual music, arts and science festival in the form of Bluedot, its cultural significance doesn’t appear enough to keep it solvent.
Described as a “huge blow to astronomy” not just here in Britain but for the global industry as a whole, the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) have even described it as a form of “scientific vandalism.”
Having been open since around the end of WWII, before going on to possess the largest steerable radio telescope of its kind in the entire world by 1957, it’s been used to identify distant planets, stars, galaxies and more up in the far reaches of space.
Dr Megan Argo, reader in astrophysics at the University of Lancashire – which also shares a fruitful partnership with the centre alongside UoM, Cambridge, York and many more – said in a statement: “Jodrell Bank is still a very active facility and remains at the forefront of research.
“Recent upgrades have facilitated new discoveries about planet, star and galaxy formation which tell us about our own history, helping to answer one of humanity’s biggest questions: are we alone in the universe?” Put simply, the steps currently being taken have been called “short-sighted” to say the least.
With that in mind, people across the sector and online are now rallying behind the initiative to try and rescue the important and historic UNESCO site before it’s too late.
Cheshire and Warrington mayoral candidate Ben Fletcher is one of several notable names that have publicly backed the push to save the Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre as a whole, along with its highly valuable facilities.
Meanwhile, one user on X added: “I’ve got an opinion on the Jodrell Bank stupidity – and I’m sorry, but that’s a polite understatement. But it is frankly unrepeatable in impolite company, let alone polite.
“I hope the nitwits who have made the decision feel proud about themselves though. Because pride comes before the fall.”
You can see the numerous posts from supporter voices on the Change.org page, including everyone from impassioned scientists and researchers who first discovered their love for these subjects by visiting the attraction, as well as Northerners who simply enjoyed some of their most precious memories there.
The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) needs to cut an estimated £700 million by 2029/30, and JBO needs to find enough funds to cover its £2.8m budget to avoid closing in the next couple of years. So, if you’ve been stirred by the passionate appeals, you can sign the petition HERE.
Much wider than greater Manchester. Remember going as a child from Merseyside, and have taken my children, too.
The beautiful woodland walk and tearoom with a magical past
Daisy Jackson
There are few places in Cheshire where history, folklore and good food come together quite as perfectly as Alderley Edge.
Best known for its dramatic sandstone escarpment, sweeping countryside views and ancient copper mines, the National Trust beauty spot has inspired myths for centuries.
And at the heart of it all, after a beautiful woodland walk, sits a charming tearoom whose name is woven into one of the area’s most famous legends.
The Wizard Tearoom is the perfect place to begin – or end – the National Trust’s popular Wizard’s Wander, an easy circular route that explores woodland paths, old mining remains and the legendary sites that gave Alderley Edge its magical reputation.
According to local folklore, first published in 1805, a mysterious wizard guards an army of sleeping knights hidden beneath the Edge, waiting to awaken when England needs them most.
Steeped in character, the tearoom itself occupies a building dating back to the 16th century and has become something of a destination in its own right.
Today it’s run by aunt-and-niece team Rachel and Harriet, who have created a welcoming spot for walkers, families and anyone looking to slow down and enjoy the surroundings.
You reach the tea room via a beautiful walk through Alderley EdgeIce cream from the hatch at the Wizard Tea RoomOutside the tea roomThe Alderley Edge Wizard’s Wander walkPimms and a slice of cakeA huge tray of pastries
With outdoor seating overlooking one of Cheshire’s most scenic beauty spots, the menu stretches from hearty breakfast baps and relaxed lunches to traditional scones with clotted cream and jam. During the warmer months, a refreshing Pimms is just as tempting as a cup of tea after a woodland stroll.
There’s also an ice cream hatch at the front, making it easy for visitors to grab a cone before setting off on the trails or while enjoying the picnic area nearby.
The owners are passionate about supporting local producers. Ingredients are sourced from nearby suppliers wherever possible, from locally produced honey to cakes baked by Baked by Bean, giving visitors a genuine taste of Cheshire alongside the spectacular scenery.
The tea room has also grown into a community hub, hosting regular events including pottery painting sessions and open mic nights.
Outside the gates, the Wizard’s Wander offers a gentle one-mile adventure through some of Alderley Edge’s most intriguing landmarks. Along the way walkers pass old mine workings, dramatic viewpoints including Stormy Point, the mysterious Devil’s Grave and the famous Golden Stone.
Whether you’re visiting for the legends, the countryside or simply a slice of homemade cake after a walk, it’s easy to see why this corner of Cheshire continues to cast its spell on visitors.
Combining centuries of history, enchanting folklore and warm hospitality, the Wizard Tearoom proves that sometimes the best adventures end with tea and cake.
You can see the full walking route on the National Trust website HERE.
Danny Jones -
24th January 2026 
