Walking is one of the best ways to explore a new place, and it doesn’t just have to be rural places that you discover. The Ramblers have teamed up with Avanti West Coast to tell you about five cities in North West England that are perfect bases for urban adventures. Whether you’re taking a short walking holiday or enjoying a day trip, you’ll find thousands of years of history, hidden wildness, exciting cultural sites and cutting-edge architecture. 

To make it even easier for Ramblers members and supporters to travel by train to all these destinations Avanti West Coast are offering discounted tickets between selected stations at selected times, available up to 7 days before travel, subject to availability. 

Tickets are available in both Standard and Standard Premium classes and start from £13.50.  

 

Chester 

Direct trains from XXX 

Arriving at Chester station, you can take a short walk along the canal to begin a circuit of the oldest, longest and most complete city walls in Britain. Alternatively follow the Dee river downstream for the start of the Wales Coast Path, or hike upstream through the Duke of Westminster’s country estate for glimpses of Eaton Hall before crossing the river on the striking blue Aldford Iron Bridge. 

 

Lancaster 

Direct trains from XXX 

Compact historic Lancaster is ideal for exploring on foot. Visit the castle, the quayside and the Ashton Memorial. Further afield you can follow the route of a dismantled railway through the salt marshes to start the Lancashire Coastal Way, or go east for the flat Lune Valley Ramble as far as Kirkby Lonsdale on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. 

 

Manchester 

Direct trains from XXX 

The GM Ringway – Greater Manchester’s walking trail – explores the green spaces, countryside and heritage of all ten boroughs. Stage 1 starts close to Piccadilly station and uses towpaths, walkways, parkland and the Trans Pennine Trail to trace an almost totally traffic-free and tranquil route from the city centre to the verdant Mersey Valley. Created by volunteers from the Ramblers and CPRE, all 20 stages of the varied and beautiful 200-mile route are designed to be accessed by public transport. 

Preston 

Direct trains from XXX 

Get the train to Preston to start the long-distance Ribble Way trail, all the way to the high moors below the three peaks of Ingelborough, Whernside and Pen-y-Ghent. Nearer town you can walk to the nature reserve at Brockholes, with its floating visitor centre, or to the Ribble Steam Railway to see heritage steam trains in action.  

 

Liverpool 

Direct trains from London, Milton Keynes and Crewe 

Pick up the Trans Pennine Trail on Liverpool’s waterside and walk 200 miles coast to coast to Hornsea on the Yorkshire coast. Or if that’s too far walk just a few miles to Sefton Park to see the Palm House, before continuing to world famous Penny Lane. Or take the 11-mile flat Liverpool Loop Line path along a former railway path running through rocky cuttings and high on embankments with wide views across the city.