With our newfound summer freedoms being thrown suddenly into question by the spread of new lockdown measures across the country, we might soon be limited once again to picnics and walks in the great outdoors.

How lucky, therefore, that Frodsham marks the beginning of the Sandstone Trail, which provides a varied array of beautiful walks ranging across Cheshire.

Over the next few weeks, Frodsham Nub News will be exploring some of the different routes that this Trail has to offer.

This week we take a trip back in this circular walk around the base of the ancient Beeston Castle.

Built onto an impressive rocky outcrop, the distinctive outline of the castle will remain in view for much of the walk, as it continues its centuries-long vigil of the Cheshire Plain.

• Begin at the Shady Oak pub on Bates Mill Lane outside Tarporley. With its tranquil view over the Shropshire Union Canal and Beeston Castle, this pub is a lovely place to enjoy lunch or dinner after your walk.

Beeston Castle is a former royal castle, built in the 1220s by Ranulf de Blondeville, 6th Earl of Chester, when he returned from the Fifth Crusade. He also built Bolingbroke Castle in Lincolnshire and Chartley Castle in Staffordshire.

Medieval texts refer to Beeston Castle as Castellum de Rupe ('Castle on the Rock'). The sandstone crag upon which it is placed provided the perfect location for its defensive purposes, with its panoramic view across Cheshire and out to Wales made an ambush practically impossible.

So that the Castle's residents could access fresh water, two wells were dug into the rock, one of them delving 370 feet deep!

Over the centuries, the Castle was passed from King to King, acting as a prison for Welsh captives during Henry III's wars with Wales in the 13th century, and playing host to a year-long siege on Royalist forces by Parliamentarians.

There is even an old rumour that King Richard II hid treasure in the Castle well in 1399, and that it still lies there, waiting to be discovered...

• Cross over the canal bridge and continue along the lane until you reach a narrow footpath on the right. The sign isn't very clearly visible from the road so be on the lookout for it!

• The footpath emerges into an open field. Walk across this towards the railway line, and, reaching the end of the field, dip down underneath the tracks through a short tunnel.

• Turn right immediately into the neighbouring field, which will lead you onto the road (Crimes Lane). Turn left and follow the road round, enjoying the surrounding view of both Beeston and Peckforton Castle.

Peckforton Castle was built between 1842 and 1851 by John Tollemache, who was awarded a lordship in 1876 and who fathered a staggering 25 sons and one daughter!

During the Second World War, the Castle provided a safe haven for disabled evacuee children.

It is now a hotel and wedding venue, and is a popular filming destination for TV and film producers. Shows such as Robin Hood, Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Who all feature scenes filmed at Peckforton.

• As Crimes Lane becomes Tattenhall Lane, watch out for a Sandstone Trail sign leading to the left and into a conifer plantation.

• Skirt the edge of Beeston Castle's hillock as you follow the footpath down a narrow wooded walkway which emerges at the Castle's outdoor café.

• If you wish to extend the walk, you can buy tickets to walk up to Beeston Castle's ruined battlements, and gaze out over its spectacular views. If not, continue along the road, past the Castle gates, looking out for a Sandstone Trail sign leading onto a farm track.

• Follow this track to a kissing gate, where the Trail continues across two fields before dipping once again beneath the railway.

• Eventually, you will arrive back at the Shropshire Union Canal. Cross the small footbridge over the lock and enter another field. Be sure to look back for beautiful views of the castles.

• Emerging onto the road, turn left. Continue, watching out for Bates Mill Lane on the left. Once back on this road, you are on the home stretch to a refreshing drink at the Shady Oak!