Chester City Walk

2.4 miles up to 5 miles

1/10

This walk is around the medieval city walls (the most intact in Britain) of the cathedral city of Chester, with has a medieval old town with many historic buildings and some Roman remains.

Chester was founded in AD 79 during the Roman conquest when is was a major port and garrison town. In the 7th Century, the city walls were extended to defend against the Danes. The town fell to William the Conqueror, who built its castle. Much of the town is medieval 'black and white' (Tudor revival) building restored by the Victorians, who also brought railways and canals to the town.

Much of this walk is along the almost intact medieval city walls. There are 2 options, a loop to the east (riverside walk, city park, Eastgate street) and the west (Cathedral and city centre streets)

The medieval city walls are almost intact - there's a walk way along the top.

Many of the city centre houses are Victorian Tudor revival 'black and white' buildings

Chester Cathedral, next to the city walls, is impressive, free entry

St John the Baptist (Parish of Chester) is a sandstone church and ruins by the Roman Amphitheatre/city park. Free. Open 10 till 4

The Grovesnor Museum is the town museum, free, suggested £3 donation.

Grovesnor Park is a pretty Victorian riverside city park. It contains some medieval remains removed from other parts of the town.

Only part of the Roman Amphitheatre is visible. It could seat 8,000 people, and is the largest known in Britain. Its mostly covered over - often by now listed (preserved) buildings

Chester Castle, impressive from the outside, is only open for special events. The army have moved out, it now contains courts and a University.

Chester is a main station, with regular trains to Liverpool, Manchester, and a few per day to London

By car: City centre car parks, of for free across the pedestrian bridge in Queen's Park area, around CH4 7AD

The Wales Coast Path starts just to the (far) west of the centre on the River Dee (on the 'straight' section west of the race course). In fact, the river after the race course (the Rhoodee footbridge) onwards is nice.

The riverside path around the race course to the west of the city looks pretty, however, there's isn't a river view - its blocked by trees

The riverside path to the south, on both banks, is lovely

The riverside path to the east, around the meadows is pretty at first, but the river view becomes blocked by trees later on

Canalside, the canal running east of the centre, is having is industrial heritage building gentrified, but is not quite there yet.

After the walk, please leave a comment, it really helps. Thanks!

You can also upload photos to the SWC Group on Flickr (upload your photos) and videos to Youtube. This walk's tags are:

National Rail: 03457 48 49 50 • Traveline (bus times): 0871 200 22 33 (12p/min) • TFL (London) : 0343 222 1234

Jun-21 Andrew