This week's walk takes us a bit further afield, but with Covid restrictions making the world feel very small, we thought you might enjoy the change of scenery.

While remaining under the watchful eye of Beeston Castle, this route circles round its younger cousin, Peckforton Castle folly.

Consisting mainly of woodland paths, it is a quiet and relaxing circuit which draws in all the best colours and textures of autumn.

• Head for Beeston village. Drive past the old market and then the Outdoor Education Centre on Peckforton Road.

After about a kilometre, the road bends to the left and becomes Stone House Lane.

Here, you will see a sign saying 'Peckforton' and a large lay-by area leading onto a private road, where you can park your car.

• Take the private road, enjoying the view of Beeston Castle to your right and the woods on your left. You will eventually reach a kissing gate into the forest.

• As you enter the woodland, the path rises up towards a recently cleared area of land and a view sweeping out towards Chester.

On a clear day, you can just about spot the towers of the Cathedral in the distance.

• Continue through the forest, with the old oak and birch trees sloping quietly down towards the path, until you reach a metal gate and a crossroads in the path.

• Turn left here to leave the Sandstone Trail and start climbing the steep bank leading up and over Peckforton Hill.

• After arriving at the top of the hill – and taking a well-deserved breather! – turn left down the track.

• You will almost immediately come across a footpath sign. Follow this to the right and start dipping down through the trees.

Here, the unruly tangle of gnarled branches lends an ancient feel to the place, and you wonder how many people and how many years have passed in front of their silent stare.

• The footpath eventually gives way onto a tarmacked lane, which leads up to Peckforton Castle.

Peckforton Castle is a Victorian replica of a medieval castle, built between 1842 and 1851 by John Tollemache and costing around £60,000 (or £6,500,000 in today's money).

Quite apart from the considerable feat of fathering a staggering 25 sons and one daughter, Tollemache was also the largest landowner in Cheshire at the time, and was known to be a generous and sensible landlord.

He had over 50 farms and many cottages built in Peckforton village, and William Ewart Gladstone described him as "the greatest estate manager of his day".

Peckforton Castle 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 in its grounds.

• Turn right onto this and follow it down towards the imposing gatehouse.

Through the huge gates there stands an old, old oak tree. With its trunk holes and impressive 6.82m girth, this tree is noted by the Woodland Trust as being 'Ancient', meaning that it is over 300 years old.

• Turn left out of the gate, back onto Stone House Lane, and follow the road round until you reach your car.

• After this walk, there are several pubs and cafés that you can choose from if you're feeling peckish.

From the cosy Yew Tree and Dysart pubs in the picturesque village of Bunbury, to the popular café at Okells Garden Centre near Tarporley, you're sure to find a tasty lunch to round off this beautiful walk.

Other Sandstone Walks you might like to try include:

Willington and Little Switzerland.

Beacon Hill.