Old Pale
OS Grid Ref:- SJ543696
The Old Pale Hill at Delamere Forest rises to a height of 176 metres and is situated to the south of the area of the forest. Purchased by the Forestry Commision in 2,000, it is a major expansion of the Forestry Commission estate. The hill forms the high point of the northern mass of the Mid Cheshire Ridge.
There are 3 km of paths over the hill for walking cycling and horse riding. The summit, known as Pale Heights, has a trig point and three transmitter masts which carry radio, television and telephone signals, an open concert arena and a circle of red sandstone county stones, celebrating the views from Old Pale Heights and the geological interest of the site. Standing stones help the visitor to get their bearings in relation to the views while the large central stone represents Cheshire itself. Around the circumference of the platform there are topographical plaques pointing out all the surrounding summits and noteable features in view such as Moel Famau in the Clwydian Range and Shining Tor the highest point in Cheshire.
Nearby Eddisbury hillfort situated further along the ridge, is the largest and most complex of seven hill forts in Cheshire and dates back to the Iron Age. A Scheduled Ancient Monument, the hillfort follows the contours of its hill and measures 200 by 380 m (660 by 1,250 ft). It is surrounded by two ramparts with a ditch in between. The ditch is 10 m (33 ft) wide and 0.5 m (1.6 ft) deep. The inner bank lies between.
Views from the summit include the forest, the Cheshire Plain, Frodsham and Helsby Hills, the Jodrell Bank Observatory , the Shropshire hills of Long Mynd and Wrekin, the Derbyshire hills and the Liverpool skyline. On a clear day views of seven counties unfold and it is possible to see Cheshire, Derbyshire, Lancashire, Shropshire and Staffordshire in England, and Denbighshire and Flintshire in Wales.
A walk to Old Pale Hill from Linmere Visitor Centre
Distance around 2 miles
*Commencing at the pay and display car park at Linmere Visitor Centre (OS grid ref- SJ546703) at Delamere Forest, follow the road at the far end of the car park.
*Pass the Bike Hire and the Forestry Commission's depot on the left before reaching the Old Pale Hill car park.
*Remain on the road and pass the Old Pale car park to its far side, then turn left to begin the ascent to Old Pale Hill.
*Follow the wide track as it winds up the hill, from where vistas of the forest begun to unfold, benches and a few picnic spots are provided.
* Continue up the hill, an easy climb, passing a waymarker post numbered 8 to arrive at the circle of red sandstone county stones at Old Pale Heights, celebrating the views from the summit of the hill.
*Continue along the track to waymarker post 3 at which point turn left and proceed on to post 4, turn left again and follow the path round the summit of the hill.
*On reaching a track which forks off to the right, take this track, which winds down, descending the hill to reach a T junction, turn left and walk along the straight track to arrive at a further T junction, then turn right.
*From this point retrace your steps down the hill to return to the visitor centre and car park. The cafe at the visitor centre sells a range of refreshments.