The lesser-known trails often overshadowed by the UK’s famous long-distance paths, such as those starting in Chester and winding through the enchanting countryside, provide rewards that are equally abundant.
I began my adventure at 8:45 AM, stepping out of The Queen at Chester hotel and into the bustling midweek scene. Delivery vans maneuvered through the busy streets, taxis were queued at the train station, and commuters filled the sidewalks. As I navigated through the crowd, I felt like a wanderer setting out for distant lands—well, not too distant. With a warm cup of coffee in hand and the sun shining down, I took my first strides on a 13-mile hike along the Baker Way. A nearby pigeon cooed from a pub roof, signaling the start of my journey.
In the UK, discovering a good walking path is never a problem. The Ramblers report there are over 140,000 miles of footpaths, byways, and bridleways across England and Wales. While many of these trails traverse iconic landscapes, most stray far from mountain ridges or national parks, each offering its own distinctive charm.
The Baker Way, named in honor of Jack Baker—a former footpath officer for Cheshire County Council—was established in the mid-1980s as a quietly delightful route, standing in stark contrast to the well-known yet still unfinished King Charles III England Coast Path.
Starting at Chester station, the Baker Way gracefully transitions from urban life into the tranquil Cheshire countryside, all without the crowds typically found on other trails. This hike can be completed in a day, concluding conveniently at another rail station—Delamere Station, nestled among woodlands—with direct trains back to Chester.
As I departed Chester, I quickly uncovered what makes this trail unique. Just moments into my hike, I joined the peaceful towpath of the Shropshire Union Canal. I passed a picturesque steam mill, a local Waitrose, and a Victorian water tower, gradually distancing myself from the city’s busyness. Lush willows leaned over the water, while moorhens foraged near the locks. Narrowboats drifted by with whimsical names that captured the leisurely spirit of the walk: Happy Soul, Foggy’s Notion, Sanity at Last.
A cheerful “Morning!” echoed as I reached the Point of Exchanging Hellos on the trail—an unspoken bond among fellow hikers who delight in this shared experience of walking. Our paths intersected momentarily, and in that fleeting moment, we shared a connection that words couldn’t encapsulate.
By 10 AM, I found myself surrounded by waving willowherb while swallows swooped overhead, with fields of ripening maize stretching out before me to the east. The signs pointing the way were the quintessential hallmark of a minor UK hiking trail—well-intentioned yet sporadic. Meanwhile, the countryside thrummed with vibrant green scents, and even as the sky playfully shifted between bright sunshine and overcast, I felt certain of one thing: today was shaping up to be remarkable.
Jack Baker was not only instrumental in establishing the Baker Way but also a founding member of the Mid-Cheshire Footpath Society (MCFS) in 1961. Organizations like MCFS, The Ramblers, and Slow Ways tirelessly advocate for and maintain public rights of way, ensuring trails like the Baker Way remain accessible for future generations. David Kendall, the current chairman of the MCFS, shared with me, “We have over 1,200 miles of footpaths in Mid-Cheshire. We organize weekly walks, intending to cover a third of our network each year while monitoring the paths’ conditions and reporting any issues to local councils. Our society comprises about 100 members, with around 40 active walkers volunteering their time.”
As I reached the midway point of my hike, enveloped by lush ferns, the stresses of daily life began to melt away. The trail wound over packhorse bridges, dipped into harvest-ready fields, and meandered through verdant pathways, leaving behind only stinging nettles as companions while cheerful chiffchaffs and fluttering cabbage whites danced around. It was a moment of pure bliss, armed with just my well-packed lunch and a well-worn OS map.
Upon arriving in the quaint village of Tarvin, characterized by leafy lanes and traditional timber houses, I decided to take a break. Stopping at Cornichon, a stylish café right along my route, I casually asked the server if Baker Way walkers often pop in. He looked a bit confused and replied, “Where does that go again?” This moment highlighted the trail’s relatively low profile among hikers.
Continuing along the Baker Way toward Delamere, surrounded by hawthorn hedges and winding wooded paths, the joy of solitude was palpable. With no urgent schedule, I took my time, savoring the peace. I passed a farm truck where two builders were peacefully napping, catching sight of two wobbly foals frolicking in their meadow. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows across the trail.
While the Baker Way may lack the dramatic scenic highlights or breathtaking rock formations of other trails, its true value lies in its simplicity. The trail offers stretches of open fields and serene woodlands, making it an ideal retreat from the daily grind.
Throughout my journey, I encountered a few less-than-ideal sections: two busy roads to cross, a field where maize blocked the path, and a tricky stretch alongside busy traffic as I approached Delamere Forest—but these were minor nuisances. With only 215 meters of elevation gain, I arrived at the end of the trail feeling pleasantly exhausted. Delamere Station, with its historical stone architecture and vintage banners, has been transformed into a charming café where I enjoyed a Cheshire Cat ale while waiting for my train back to the city.
Countless footpaths like the Baker Way exist—trails that may not have the same prestige as the UK’s more famous paths, yet hold immense value. David Kendall passionately reflected, “Walking paths like the Baker Way allows you to tune into the rhythms of life and the seasons. It brings you closer to nature, and that’s why so many of us cherish it. It truly lifts the soul.”
For additional details about the Baker Way, the Mid-Cheshire Footpaths Society provides a downloadable guide featuring route instructions, while Visit Cheshire offers further information about walking in the region.
