The nights are about to get lighter and brighter, and the weather (dare we say it) is set to get warmer, so what better way to spend a spring evening than enjoying a walk with your pup?
You'll probably already know where your favourite dog walks are but there's nothing wrong with trying somewhere a bit different for your canine to stretch their legs.
Luckily our county has lots of great spots where you can do this, so as the nights get lighter, grab your pooch and explore some of Cheshire's most stunning beauty spots.
Delamere Forest
Delamere Forest park contains a number of trails to take the pooches on, both on and off the road and is a great day out too.
There a few lakes around, as well as a picnic area and a cafe which is perfect for an ice cream break, or when the dog needs a drink.
Top landmark Old Pale also provides great views of Liverpool’s skyline while your dog is enjoying a sniff.
Duke's Drive, Chester
Duke's Drive near the Overleigh roundabout in Handbridge was previously used to provide access to Eaton Hall, the home of the Duke of Westminster.
Nowadays the drive is open to the public and is very popular with dog walkers, especially as there are no stiles.
It's an easily accessible, mixed woodland with a range of tree species and shrubs and a well surfaced flat path runs through the centre with lots of side paths to allow exploration.
Tarvin Community Woodland, Tarvin
A major village asset to the Tarvin community, this woodland walk offers a short and pleasant stroll through open woodland and meadows.
The Tarvin community has given over 10,000 hours of voluntary effort resulting in an area of woodland that now contains several hundred newly planted oak and other native hardwood trees together with a growing selection of wild flowers, birds and small animals.
It's a great place to take the dog and there is a small car park on site with dog bins are provided along the route.
Marbury Country Park, Northwich
At Marbury Country Park you can wander along the mere with splendid views over the water to the church at Great Budworth, or explore the arboretum and community orchard. There's also a children's play area and picnic area.
With a pathed area as well as walks through the trees, Budworth lake is also a good spot for the dogs to cool off on a hot day.
And the venue gets a five star rating for dog walking on Trip Advisor!
Countess of Chester Country Park
The Land Trust works in partnership with The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) to manage the Countess of Chester Country Park, located next to the hospital, for the local community.
It's a great, urban park to walk your dog, with open space for the pup to roam around.
And there is a small free car park that fits around 30 cars.
Tegg's Nose Country Park, Macclesfield
This is an extraordinary country park for a dog walk, created out of the husks of millstone grit quarries.
It's got a fair few steep slopes slopes, but your pooch will enjoy running wild in the open air, and you'll get to enjoy some outstanding views too.
Dogs should be kept under some form of close control though, due to cattle grazing.
The Meadows, Chester
This patchwork of grassland and wetlands by the sides of Chester’s River Dee in Queen's Park is a popular spot for wildlife lovers and dog walkers.
Ideally situated by the river, it’s a great place to sit and relax while the dogs stretch their legs, and you can enjoy watching the boats on regatta days.
A circular walk takes about 30 minutes and is a very pleasant walk, as well as picnic spot.
Stanney Woods, Ellesmere Port
Stanney Woods, located next to Cheshire Oaks, is popular with local residents as houses surround the woodland area.
It's an ancient woodland of oak and silver birch, and there are various route options to choose from within it.
The paths are set up on a circuit and there are a few dog bins around, making it an ideal place to take your four-legged friend.
Wepre Park, Connah's Quay
It may not technically be in Cheshire but it's still close enough to travel for a good walk in the open air.
Wepre Park in Connah's Quay, just a few miles outside Chester, comprises 160 acres of football pitches, a children’s play section and plenty of trails and paths where your dog can run free.
There is even a little river and waterfalls running through part of it. You can also access Ewloe castle from Wepre Park too.
Risley Moss Nature Reserve, Warrington
A small pocket of countryside, its main feature is the mossland which occupies about two thirds of the overall 220 acre site.
The mossland is not routinely open to the public other than on special Ranger led guided walks due to the sensitive habitat, but there is open public daytime access to the woodland areas along well maintained paths where you can let your pooch have a run around.
Brereton Heath Nature Reserve, Congleton
With over 50 acres of mainly silver birch and oak woodland surrounding a 15 acre lake as well as areas of heathland, a wildflower meadow and wetland areas, this is a great place to take the dog walking in South Cheshire.
It's also a nice place for the whole family to take a hearty stroll through woodland, so everyone can get a bit of exercise!
