Photo: Crispin Purdye / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Alderley Edge is a historic building in Cheshire, cared for by the National Trust. Read about its history, plus how to visit and what's nearby.
About Alderley Edge
Alderley Edge is a red sandstone escarpment in Cheshire, rising above the Cheshire Plain near the village of the same name.
The National Trust looks after the site, which combines woodland walks with sweeping views and a long history of mining beneath its surface.
A tea room run independently sits near the main car park.
Paths across the Edge vary in difficulty, so sturdy footwear is advisable.
Read more on WikipediaHistory of Alderley Edge
The sandstone escarpment has been mined for copper and other minerals since at least the Bronze Age, with activity continuing on and off into the twentieth century, leaving tunnels and shafts beneath the woods. Local legend tells of a wizard who lives beneath the Edge, a story passed down for generations. Author Alan Garner drew on this folklore for his 1960 novel The Weirdstone of Brisingamen, setting much of the book's action here.
Worth knowing
Alan Garner grew up near the Edge and used its landscape and folklore as the setting for The Weirdstone of Brisingamen, one of the best-known children's fantasy novels to come out of Cheshire.
Plan your visit to Alderley Edge
Nearest station: Alderley Edge Rail Station (1.1 miles)
Places to visit near Alderley Edge
Nether Alderley Mill
View Nether Alderley Mill on heritage mapQuarry Bank Mill
View Quarry Bank Mill on heritage mapChrist Church, Macclesfield
View Christ Church, Macclesfield on heritage mapHistoric places nearby
Within 5 miles of Alderley Edge there are 5 historic properties, including 2 historic houses, across Historic Houses, National Trust and Churches Conservation Trust sites.
Within 10 miles of Alderley Edge there are 15 historic properties, including 7 historic buildings, 4 historic houses and 2 churchs, across National Trust, Historic Houses and Churches Conservation Trust sites.
Within 20 miles of Alderley Edge there are 30 historic properties, including 15 historic buildings, 7 historic houses and 3 churchs, across National Trust, Historic Houses and Churches Conservation Trust sites.
Stay nearby
Make more of your visit with an overnight stay near Alderley Edge.
Find places to stay nearby Affiliate link. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.Facts
A sandstone escarpment riddled with old mine workings and the legend that inspired a classic fantasy novel.
- Type
- historic building
- Location
- Cheshire, England
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