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.

Today, our two mile walk takes us to Manley, where we begin and end on the Sandstone Trail, but veer off its well trodden paths in between times, travelling in peaks and troughs over field and forest alike.

After tiring yourself out on the rolling hills of this varied route, why not take a trip to The Goshawk pub down the road in Mouldsworth?

• Begin on New Pale Road, next to Manley Common. There is limited parking along the side of the lane, which is named after the New Pale. This area of open land is a remnant of the old hunting forests of Mara and Mondrem, favourite stomping grounds of the Earls of Chester from as early as the 11th century.

• From the small, triangular field in the middle of Manley Common, follow the road until it bends sharply to the left. Straight ahead of you, you will see both the Sandstone Trail path into Delamere Forest on the left, and a stile heading into a field on the right.

• Climb over the stile and follow the path round to the next field, where you will reach another stile and then turn right towards the bordering wood.

• Once in amongst the trees, a steep valley falling down to your right, you can enjoy the quiet trickling of Ashton Brook amidst the dappled woodland light.

• Emerging once again into a field, and skirting round its edge, you will enter the tree line once more, following the path downward, crossing a small wooden bridge over the stream which, in the summer, is cushioned on either side by bluebells, harebells, buttercups and red campion.

• The path will then bring you straight up the middle of an open field. Watch out for trains trundling to Manchester on your left as you climb up to the boundary line. Then, descend towards the left edge of the next field, until you drop down underneath the railway bridge.

• Arriving at the field gate, turn right onto Dark Ark Lane. As is becoming quite a pattern in this walk, dip down once again towards Ashton Brook before rising up through the trees.

• The woods will eventually open out to reveal a rolling field on your right, crowned by a row of oak trees.

• Reaching a junction (Four Lane Ends), turn right back onto New Pale Road, following it around until you arrive once again at Manley Common.