Congleton Town Council has launched a set of country walks, aimed at helping people discover and enjoy the town and its diverse green spaces.
The new walks have been published as a map and leaflet entitled Discover Congleton From Your Door.
The booklets urge people to leave their cars at home and go for a walk around the local countryside.
The eight walks range from 1.5 miles to 9 miles in length and include two routes that are step-free.
All of them start near housing and public transport in Congleton, and all are circular, allowing walkers to join at any point that suits them.
The leaflet gives clear instructions, and the accompanying map has way markers and colour coding for each route.
There is also information about landmarks, historic structures and local curiosities walkers will encounter along the way.
The project was the brainchild of Cllr Kay Wesley as a legacy of her year as town mayor from 2024-25, and the walks were created by Congleton resident Heather Watson.
“I wanted everyone to enjoy our beautiful local countryside and it occurred to me that we have a lot of new residents in the town, as well as visitors, who may not know where these footpaths are,” Cllr Wesley said.
“I’ve also spoken to people who have lived here for years and have never heard of the Biddulph Valley Way or Lady Warburton’s Walk.”
She added: “You don’t need to jump into your car and go to the Peak District to enjoy the countryside. We have rivers, woods, meadows and lakes right on your doorstep.
“Walking and wheeling are good for your physical and mental health, and Congleton has lots of interesting landmarks and nature to enjoy.”
Mrs Watson said she enjoyed mapping out the routes, and that they featured a lot of variety.
“There are routes up past Congleton Hydro, through the park, along Macclesfield Canal, by the River Dane, in the Town Wood and the woodland of Lambert’s Lane, beside Astbury Mere and in open pasture like Rhead’s Meadows and Priesty Fields.
“All of them have great picnic spots and several have pubs and playgrounds en route.”
She added: “I hope and expect that people may start with one or more of these eight walks then perhaps see another trail off to the left or right and go to explore for themselves.
“There are so many places to go in Congleton!”
The leaflet is available at Congleton Information Centre and can also be downloaded from the town council’s website.
