Last week, we wrote about a walk around the northerly side of Bickerton Hill, which took us up to Rawhead, the highest point on the Sandstone Trail.

This time, we tried out the southerly end, exploring the heathland around Maiden Castle.

This part of Bickerton Hill is one of the last remaining areas of lowland heath in this area, and its open forest landscapes offer a pleasant departure from the woody walks that you might expect from Cheshire.

Even though the day we chose to complete this route was drizzly and dull, it is still one of the absolute highlights of the Sandstone Trail, full of history and atmosphere.

If you head for Bickerton Church and turn right onto Goldford Lane, you will see a large layby area on your right, where you can leave your car.

• After parking in the layby, walk up the wooded path, following the Sandstone Trail signs.

Interesting fact: while the origins of the name Bickerton are unclear, it is thought to be an Anglo-Saxon title, relating in some way to bees!

• Follow the path up to the top of Bickerton Hill, and the remains of the ancient Maiden Castle.

This iron age hill fort was built between 500 and 600 BC, and, unlike military castles like Beeston, would have been a bustling, permanent settlement with stone buildings and livestock.

If you look closely, you can still see the remains of two semi-circular ramparts, rising up out of the heather and gorse.

These were used to defend the fort, and were probably maintained until around the time the Romans arrived in Britain.

Maiden Castle's position on the 212m Bickerton hilltop allows for majestic views over the Cheshire Plain and over to the Welsh hills in the distance, perfect for a community on the look-out for the arrival of strangers to their home.

Indeed, the 'Maiden Castle' name could be another way of saying 'fortification that looks impregnable', suggesting that it had never been taken in battle.

• Continue along the path as it descends through the heathland. After following a bright red sandstone path that sinks down below the shrub-line, you will reach a left-hand turn, taking you back towards your car.

If you are pushed for time, you can take this path and turn left along the lane, but if not, continue straight along the path.

• Reaching the next hill crest, keep following the path as it winds back through the trees, and down towards the lane.

On your route, you will have noticed a couple of sandstone caves or rock hollows. The most famous of these is Mad Allen's Hole, believed by some to be the place where 'the English hermit', John Harris, lived for 46 years in the 18th century, after his moneyed parents refused to let him marry the woman he loved, Ann Egerton.

Rumour has it that, years later, a now wild and hairy Harris was spotted by four young men, who were shocked to see the mysterious figure entering the rock face.

• As you emerge onto Goldford Lane, turn left. Follow it along, past a pond and a scout hut, until you return to your car.

Castle Park's Open Exhibition winner, Sophie Parr also paints beautiful pictures of Bickerton Hill, which you can see on her website.

If you enjoyed this walk, you might want to try another!

Manley Common

Primrosehill Wood

Peckforton

Bulkeley Hill