The winter walk in a Greater Manchester country estate ending in a cosy pub

It can be tempting to hibernate over the festive period, especially when it's cold outside and another mince pie is calling your name. But a good walk on a crisp winter’s day is worth peeling yourself away from the sofa for.

What makes a walk even better? Rounding it off with a visit to a cosy pub. If this sounds right up your street, then we’ve got the perfect walk for you.

Nestled in a valley between Romiley and Marple, is Chadkirk Chapel and Country Estate, which is somewhat of a hidden gem among Greater Manchester’s parks and green spaces. It sounds incredibly fancy and a place that should command a high entrance fee, yet in actual fact it’s completely free to visit and open all year around.

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Located on the River Goyt in Stockport, the estate includes a 60 acre farm, an old orchard, ancient woodland and a walled garden. It’s also home to the beautiful 16th century Chadkirk Chapel.

The stone-built Grade II-listed structure with half-timbered walls dates back to the 16th century, although it’s believed the site has been used for worship for centuries before and the name ‘kirk’ suggests links with the Viking era. It’s thought that St Chad, the 7th-century Bishop of Lichfield, founded a monastic cell here.

Today the chapel is open to the public on certain days and since 2017 it’s also been used for wedding ceremonies. Near to the chapel are the gorgeous walled gardens which have been restored by the Friends of Chadkirk community group, while close to the gardens is the ancient St Chad’s Well,