Spud Wood: A Tranquil Woodland Escape Near Lymm
Discover Spud Wood, a peaceful Woodland Trust site near Lymm with accessible trails, canal views, and a welcoming natural retreat.
Spud Wood is a 17.3-hectare Woodland Trust site located just east of Lymm, Cheshire. Established in the late 1990s on former farmland, this peaceful wood offers 2km of accessible footpaths, a free car park, picnic areas, and a permanent orienteering course. It is a popular spot for dog walkers and nature lovers seeking a quiet, scenic retreat with canal views and easy access to nearby Lymm village.
A brief summary to Spud Wood
- B5169, Lymm, WA13 0SL, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit early on weekends to secure a spot in the small free car park, which fills quickly.
- Bring wellies during wet weather as some paths can become muddy.
- Enjoy a picnic at the tables near Grantham’s Bridge, where litter bins help keep the area clean.
- Combine your walk with a stroll along the Bridgewater Canal towpath to Lymm village for cafes and pubs.
- Be a responsible dog owner and use the provided bins to dispose of dog waste properly.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car
Drive to Spud Wood via the M6 to junction 21, then take the A57 towards Manchester. Access the free car park on Stage Lane near Lymm. Parking is limited to about 20 cars and can fill up on weekends. No parking fees apply.
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Bus
Local buses run regularly to Lymm village center, approximately 1.6 km from Spud Wood. From the village, a pleasant 20-minute walk along the Bridgewater Canal towpath leads to the wood’s main entrance.
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Walking
From Lymm village, follow the flat and firm canal towpath for about 1.6 km to Spud Wood’s Stage Lane entrance. The route is accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs and offers scenic views along the way.
Spud Wood location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Spud Wood
A Woodland Born from Farmland
Spud Wood, situated on the eastern edge of Lymm village in Cheshire, is a relatively young woodland created in the late 1990s as part of a Woodland Trust millennium project. Once potato fields and arable farmland, this 17.3-hectare (42.7-acre) site has been transformed into a thriving green space that supports local biodiversity and offers a natural haven for residents and visitors alike. It lies within the Mersey Forest area, a network of green spaces across Merseyside and Cheshire, contributing to regional ecological restoration.Paths, Bridges, and Canal-side Charm
The wood features approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) of unsurfaced but well-maintained footpaths that weave through the trees and connect four pedestrian entrances. The main access is via a surfaced footpath from a free car park on Stage Lane, crossing Grantham’s Bridge over the Bridgewater Canal into the heart of the woodland. Additional entrances on Oughtrington Lane and Burford Lane provide alternative routes. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks with views of the canal, and the nearby towpath offers a scenic route into Lymm village.Facilities and Visitor Experience
Spud Wood offers a small free car park with space for about 10 to 20 cars, which tends to fill up during weekends and holidays. Several picnic tables near Grantham’s Bridge invite visitors to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Litter bins are placed strategically at entrances and the car park, helping maintain the wood’s cleanliness. While there are no toilets on site, facilities are available about 1.6km away in Lymm village. The paths are flat and firm, making the wood accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs.Community Engagement and Conservation Efforts
Local groups such as the Friends of Spud Wood collaborate with the Woodland Trust and Lymm Parish Council to manage the site, including tree maintenance and litter control. The wood has a permanent orienteering course, encouraging active exploration. Although dog walking is popular here, visitors are reminded to be responsible with dog waste, an issue that has improved thanks to additional bins installed in recent years.Natural Beauty and Connectivity
The woodland’s flat landscape is interspersed with copses and bordered by the Bridgewater Canal, offering a tranquil setting rich in wildlife and seasonal changes. Spud Wood serves as a gateway to longer walks, including the 35.4km Mersey Valley Timberland Trail and canal-side routes to historic Dunham Massey Hall. Its proximity to Lymm village allows visitors to combine nature walks with visits to local cafes and pubs, enhancing the overall experience.A Local Gem for All Seasons
Open year-round and free to enter, Spud Wood is a cherished green space offering a blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and community spirit. Whether seeking a quiet stroll, dog walking, or an introduction to orienteering, the wood provides a welcoming environment for all ages and abilities.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Sussex Road
5.4 km
Discover the charm of Cadishead at Sussex Road, your convenient gateway to local attractions and the vibrant culture of Manchester.
The Golden Gates
10.0 km
Victorian ironwork masterpiece with royal rejection and industrial heritage.
Warrington Transporter Bridge
10.5 km
Explore the world’s only rail transporter bridge, a striking industrial landmark spanning the River Mersey, embodying Warrington’s rich heritage.
Knutsford Obelisk
11.3 km
An 18th-century memorial obelisk honoring the Legh family, standing as a historic symbol amidst Knutsford’s rich heritage.
Stretford Weir
11.6 km
Historic riverside weir on the Mersey offering scenic walks, flood management insight, and a peaceful nature escape near Manchester.
Barton Swing Aqueduct
12.2 km
Explore the world’s only swing aqueduct, a Victorian engineering marvel carrying the Bridgewater Canal over the Manchester Ship Canal since 1894.
St Clement's Parish Church
12.8 km
Victorian Gothic masterpiece with five centuries of spiritual heritage in Chorlton-cum-Hardy.
5 Sir Matt Busby Way
13.9 km
Old Trafford, the legendary Theatre of Dreams, is Manchester United’s iconic home since 1910, blending rich football history with modern innovation.
Sky Hook Statue 1
14.3 km
Towering steel sculptures marking Trafford Park’s industrial heritage with humor and monumental design.
The Sankey Viaduct (Nine Arches)
15.2 km
Discover the stunning Sankey Viaduct in Leigh, a masterpiece of Victorian engineering featuring breathtaking views and rich historical significance.
LS Lowry birthplace
15.3 km
Discover the humble origins of LS Lowry, the iconic painter of industrial Manchester, at his birthplace in Old Trafford.
Salford Lads Club
15.7 km
A Victorian youth sanctuary where music history, social purpose, and community spirit converge.
Norton Water Tower
15.8 km
A majestic Victorian water tower in Runcorn, blending historic engineering with enduring utility and striking red sandstone architecture.
Rochdale Canal Lock 92
16.5 km
Final lock on the historic Rochdale Canal, linking Manchester’s waterways and embodying two centuries of industrial heritage.
National Trust - Castlefield Viaduct
16.6 km
Discover the beauty of Castlefield Viaduct in Manchester - a lush green retreat blending history with scenic urban views.
Unmissable attractions to see
Lymm Village
1.9 km
Discover Lymm Village’s timeless charm with its historic 17th-century cross, scenic waterways, and vibrant community spirit in the heart of Cheshire.
Lymm Cross
1.9 km
Discover the historical charm of Lymm Cross, an iconic landmark nestled in the scenic village of Lymm, England, steeped in rich local heritage.
Lymm Heritage Centre (Legh St)
2.0 km
Explore Lymm’s vibrant local history and traditions in this welcoming village heritage centre with interactive exhibits and community spirit.
National Trust - Dunham Massey
3.3 km
Explore Dunham Massey’s grand Georgian mansion, vibrant gardens, and peaceful deer park nestled in 300 acres of historic Cheshire parkland.
Risley Moss
5.7 km
Explore the serene peat bogs and woodland trails of Risley Moss, a protected nature reserve rich in wildlife and family-friendly charm near Warrington.
Arley Hall & Gardens
6.9 km
Explore Arley Hall & Gardens: historic Victorian charm meets spectacular botanical artistry in Cheshire’s serene countryside.
National Trust - Tatton Park
7.0 km
Explore Tatton Park’s historic mansion, stunning gardens, working farm, and vast deer park in the heart of Cheshire’s countryside.
Tatton Hall
7.1 km
Explore the grandeur of Tatton Hall and the natural beauty of its 1,000-acre historic estate in Cheshire.
Grappenhall Heys Walled Garden
7.3 km
A peaceful 19th-century walled garden near Warrington, where ornamental ponds, kitchen plots, and Victorian glasshouses create a timeless green escape.
Gauntlet Birds of Prey – Eagle & Vulture Park, Knutsford
7.6 km
Discover the Northwest’s largest birds of prey sanctuary with thrilling flying displays, interactive talks, and family-friendly wildlife encounters in Knutsford.
Tatton Park Country Park
7.9 km
Explore 1,000 acres of stunning parkland, historic mansion, formal gardens, and a working farm in the heart of Cheshire’s Tatton Park.
Cuckooland
9.7 km
Discover over 500 unique Black Forest cuckoo clocks in a charming historic setting with expert-led, appointment-only tours at Cuckooland Museum.
The Tabley House Stately Home
9.8 km
Explore Tabley House, Cheshire’s finest 18th-century Palladian mansion with historic art, elegant interiors, a 17th-century chapel, and charming tea rooms.
Warrington Museum & Art Gallery
9.8 km
Explore Victorian charm and global treasures in Warrington’s historic museum and art gallery, where culture and community come alive.
Knutsford Heritage Centre
9.8 km
Discover Knutsford’s rich heritage through exquisite tapestries, local traditions, and literary history in a welcoming community museum.
Essential places to dine
La Boheme
1.3 km
A long-standing French bistro in Lymm serving rich, traditional dishes in a relaxed, unpretentious setting.
Spirit Restaurant & Lounge
8.5 km
Elegant contemporary British dining and versatile event venue set in the tranquil surroundings of Victoria Park, Warrington.
Cock O’ Budworth
10.4 km
Historic 400-year-old coaching inn with cosy snugs, open fires, and classic British fare in the heart of Great Budworth village.
Dun Cow
12.6 km
A charming family-run gastropub near Knutsford offering hearty British classics and quality ales in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Bells of Peover
13.6 km
Historic Cheshire gastropub blending rustic charm with fresh, seasonal dining in a picturesque countryside setting near Knutsford.
Turtle Bay Salford Quays
14.3 km
Escape to Caribbean flavors and reggae beats at Salford Quays' vibrant jerk pit and cocktail haven, moments from MediaCityUK.
Bella Italia - Salford Quays
14.3 km
Casual Italian dining with diverse menu options in Manchester’s vibrant Salford Quays waterfront setting.
The Alchemist MediaCity UK
14.3 km
Experience innovative cocktails and global cuisine in a striking futuristic setting overlooking Salford’s historic quays at MediaCity UK.
Unagi
14.3 km
Experience the North West’s largest sushi bar with vibrant pan-Asian street food, crafted cocktails, and a lively atmosphere at MediaCityUK’s Unagi.
Nando's Salford Quays
14.3 km
Savor flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken in a lively, accessible setting at Nando's Salford Quays, where Portuguese and South African flavors meet Manchester’s vibrant quayside.
Harvester Quayside Mediacityuk
14.3 km
Flame-grilled favorites and endless fresh salads on Salford Quays, where family dining meets MediaCityUK's creative buzz.
Lime
14.3 km
Savor grilled delights and Asian fusion by Salford Quays' waterfront, where relaxed lunches flow into lively nights in a spacious, vibrant venue.
The Botanist Media City
14.4 km
A botanical-themed restaurant and bar in MediaCityUK offering creative cocktails, hanging kebabs, live music, and striking Salford Quays views.
The English Restaurant
14.6 km
Classic British chippy in Northwich serving hearty fish and chips with warm, friendly service in a casual setting.
Quay House Beefeater
14.7 km
Classic British steakhouse and family-friendly pub offering scenic waterside dining with a cosy, modern atmosphere in Salford Quays.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Quirky Cute Boutique
7.0 km
Discover vintage charm and handmade fashion treasures at Altrincham’s creative hotspot, The Quirky Cute Boutique.
Assortment Boutique Fashion and Home
9.6 km
A charming boutique in Warrington blending unique women's fashion with quirky homewares for a personalized shopping experience.
Cocaranti I Premium Womenswear Cheshire
9.9 km
Discover unique, premium womenswear in Knutsford’s charming independent boutique blending style, sustainability, and personalized service.
Twisted Earth
14.0 km
Discover gothic, hippy, and rock-inspired gifts and fashion at Twisted Earth, Northwich’s premier alternative shop.
The Body Shop
14.2 km
Compact MediaCityUK branch of The Body Shop with core cruelty‑free ranges, seasonal gifts and refill options on the Salford Quays Quayside.
Flock and Gaggle
14.4 km
Discover handcrafted gifts and local artistry in MediaCity UK's creative gem, where independent makers shine amid Salford's quayside buzz.
The Works
14.4 km
Unleash creativity at unbeatable prices: books, crafts, toys and more in Salford Quays' discount haven.
Next Outlet
14.4 km
Discounted designer fashion, homewares and shoes in Salford Quays' bustling MediaCityUK hub – style-savvy shopping with premium brands at outlet prices.
M&S Outlet
14.4 km
Bargain-hunting haven in Salford Quays: M&S discounted fashion, homeware, and beauty amid MediaCityUK's creative buzz.
The Sweet Emporium
14.4 km
Discover UK's vastest sweet collection at The Sweet Emporium in MediaCityUK—a family-run paradise of nostalgic candies, retro treats, and global confections that sparks joy for every sweet tooth.
SPAR Salford Quays
14.8 km
Small, practical 24-hour convenience store on Trafford Road serving Salford Quays visitors, residents and shift workers.
A Curious Collection
15.9 km
Discover Withington’s charming boutique gift shop offering unique, locally crafted treasures that celebrate Manchester’s creative spirit.
Salford Shopping Centre
16.1 km
Affordable shopping precinct in Salford's Pendleton, with free parking, daily essentials, and community conveniences under one roof.
INFINITE RUNNING
16.5 km
Elevate your run with Infinite Running's premium gear: sleek half tights, breathable singlets, and weather-ready layers for Manchester's relentless athletes.
ItsFetch
16.6 km
Unleash your fashion potential at ItsFetch, a stylish accessories shop in Manchester, featuring unique pieces for every trendsetter.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Cheshire Tap
6.5 km
Discover Cheshire Tap, Altrincham’s cozy craft beer bar with top local ales, a lively atmosphere, and a spacious garden retreat.
Bold Street House
9.7 km
A lively cocktail bar and coffee shop in Warrington offering expertly crafted drinks, delicious food, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Lost & Found Knutsford
10.0 km
A stylish bar and pub in historic Knutsford blending vibrant atmosphere with contemporary dining and drinks.
The Salty Dog
14.1 km
A lively, dog-friendly pub in Northwich offering great beer, live music, and a welcoming community atmosphere.
The Dockyard
14.3 km
Rugged dockside pub in MediaCityUK: cask ales, hearty pies, and industrial charm for after-work vibes and Quays camaraderie.
Craftbrew
14.3 km
Salford Quays' craft beer haven: artisan brews, tapas, and coffee in industrial-chic style, from dawn brunch to midnight pours.
SEVEN BRO7HERS BEERHOUSE Media City
14.4 km
Craft beer haven in MediaCityUK: house-brewed IPAs, pizzas, and lively vibes await at Seven Bro7hers' Salford outpost, perfect for post-work pints or casual hangs.
11 Central
14.4 km
Riverside bar in MediaCityUK serving craft brews and bites amid Salford's creative quayside energy—ideal for relaxed evenings with canal views.
Matchstick Man
14.8 km
Waterside, budget-friendly pub serving hearty classics and live sport in a modern, family-friendly setting at Salford Quays.
Reflexion Lounge Manchester Shisha
14.9 km
Luxury glass-fronted shisha lounge on Salford Quays, blending waterfront views, flavorful hookahs, Moroccan teas, and plush VIP vibes for unforgettable evenings.
Bar Eight
16.4 km
Lively Irish pub on Manchester's Castle Quay, blending sports screens, hearty grub, and canalside cheer for unforgettable nights out.
The Wharf
16.4 km
Cosy canalside pub in Manchester's Castlefield, where real fires, craft ales, hearty roasts, and patio views create an unmissable waterside retreat for all.
Barça - Canal-side Bar, Castlefield - Manchester
16.5 km
Canal terraces, stylish drinks, and Castlefield vibes—Manchester's waterside bar for every occasion.
The Botanist Alderley Edge
16.6 km
A lush botanical bar and grill in Alderley Edge blending seasonal cuisine, craft cocktails, and live music in a vibrant garden-inspired setting.
Atlas Bar
16.7 km
Discover Manchester’s iconic gin bar with 570+ gins, award-winning service, and a year-round heated terrace in the heart of Deansgate.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Reflex & Babylon
9.5 km
Experience Warrington’s vibrant nightlife at Reflex & Babylon, a lively nightclub and bar blending energetic music with a welcoming atmosphere.
Babylon Retro Bar
9.5 km
Dive into Warrington’s vibrant retro nightlife with classic 80s and 90s tunes at Babylon Retro Bar, your weekend hotspot for music and fun.
Ark Manchester
16.8 km
Multi-room beats and canal-side cocktails fuel Manchester's electric Deansgate Locks nightlife at Ark—dance, drink, repeat till dawn.
Popworld Manchester
16.8 km
Dance to cheesy pop anthems amid neon lights and poptail cocktails in Manchester's ultimate throwback nightclub.
Bliss Club Manchester
16.9 km
Experience Manchester’s authentic late-night vibe at Bliss Club, where music and local energy blend into a spirited urban nightlife hub.
Royal Vida Night Club
16.9 km
Dive into Manchester's underground pulse at Royal Vida, where Castlefield's industrial shadows host thumping beats and endless nights from 11pm to 4am.
History Nightclub
17.0 km
Experience Manchester’s lively hip hop and house beats at History Nightclub, a large, energetic venue open late into the night.
42's
17.1 km
Manchester’s iconic indie nightclub blending rich musical heritage with a lively, inclusive nightlife experience.
Viva Manchester
17.1 km
Compact stage-driven nightclub on Whitworth Street West — theatrical themed nights, DJ sets and group-friendly table service.
Kable
17.2 km
A compact, late‑night basement club on New Wakefield Street, favoured for punchy electronic nights and close‑up DJ sessions.
Venue Nightclub
17.2 km
Manchester's underground indie haven: cheap drinks, packed dance floors, and anthems till dawn in Deansgate's electric night scene.
Club Liv Manchester
17.4 km
Experience Manchester’s vibrant nightlife with exclusive VIP vibes, world-class Pan-Asian dining, and a stylish rooftop terrace at Club Liv.
FAC251 - Factory Manchester
17.4 km
Experience Manchester’s legendary Factory Records heritage with three floors of indie, rock, and electronic music at FAC251 - The Factory.
Satans Hollow
17.5 km
Manchester's infernal punk-rock abyss: demonic decor, dirt-cheap drinks, and mosh-pit mayhem for metalheads and rebels.
Club Tropicana
17.6 km
Dive into 1980s glamour at Manchester's premier gay nightclub, where drag, DJs, cocktails, and retro beats fuel the Gay Village's electric nightlife.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Natural
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
