Burwardsley and Rawhead circular

The first walk of 2026 will give use chance to get some fresh air and exercise after the Christmas and New Year excesses. It is circular walk, including Burwardsley, Bulkely hill and Rawhead.(the highest point on the Sandstone trail). This is a tried and tested winter walk, which (mainly!) avoids muddy fields should provide good views across the Cheshire plain. There are some short ascents and descents (including steep steps) but we will take our time on these sections.

Green

Sunday 4 January 2026

No dogs allowed

This circular walk starts at the Sandstone Trail car park (next to the old Candle Factory in Burwardsley). We walk along quiet lanes to join the Sandstone Trail and then follow a short path across a field before taking paths past Peckforton woods and into Bulkeley Hill wood. We stop here for coffee and hopefully enjoy the views. We then continue along the edge of woods, climbing gradually to to Rawhead. This is the highest point on the Sandstone trail (227m) with more great views on a clear day. From Rawhead, we continue along tracks towards Bickerton, leaving the Sandstone Trail at Chiflick farm to follow paths to Coppermines lane and back along quiet lanes to Burwardsley.

Although the walk avoids fields as much as possible, it may still be muddy in places so I would recommend walking boots.

There is the option of post-walk refreshments at the Pheasant Inn.

Burwardsley and Rawhead circular walk route

Terrain:
There are clear woodland paths throughout the walk but there may be some muddy sections (depending on the weather!).
Map/Area:
OS Explorer 257 Crewe and Nantwich
Starting Point:
Sandstone Trail car park, Barracks lane, Higher Burwardsley, Cheshire CH3 9PF Map ref: SJ523565
What3Words:
///driftwood.tabloid.powers
Walk Starts:
10:00
Walk Finishes:
14:00
Distance:
9.5km
Ascent:
274m
Highest Point:
Rawhead 227m

Safety

Let the walk leader know of any relevant medical conditions

Refer to the Handbook for walk related information and specifically for recommended walking equipment and safety information

Remember you are responsible for being properly equipped

Ensure you have the walk leader’s phone number in case of an emergency

If you become detached from the group STOP, call out; try contacting group by phone or text. If no contact return to the last place you were with the group. Wait 30 mins repeatedly trying to make contact. After 30 mins seek help and/or make your own way safely.

The Google map below is the location of the walk start point.