A Walk from Duke’s Drive to Eccleston and the River Dee
A gentle day out that combined woodland, history, riverside views and good company, finishing with a tasty lunch at The Ship Inn. Plenty to see, plenty to enjoy, and well worth a few hours of your time.
Sometimes the best walks are the ones that combine a little bit of everything. This circular route from Duke’s Drive takes you through peaceful woodland, into the historic village of Eccleston, across the River Dee on a charming suspension bridge, and back alongside the river through open meadows before finishing with the option of lunch at The Ship Inn.
Although some of the grass had turned golden after the dry weather, there was still plenty of colour from the wildflowers, and the walk felt wonderfully peaceful. We even spotted a small herd of wild ponies grazing quietly – something we almost missed.
At a Glance
Start: Duke’s Drive, Chester
Distance: Approximately 4.7 miles (8 km)
Time: Around 2 - 2.5 hours, plus time to explore Eccleston or enjoy lunch
Terrain: Woodland paths, riverside tracks and quiet village roads
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Parking: Limited free parking at Duke’s Drive (can get busy)
Route
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The Walk
The route begins at Duke’s Drive, following peaceful woodland paths towards the picturesque village of Eccleston. Take time to wander through the village before heading down to the suspension bridge at Eccleston Ferry to cross the River Dee.
From there, the return journey follows the river through open meadows towards Chester. It’s a wonderfully relaxing stretch with plenty of opportunities to spot birds and wildlife. As you approach Handbridge, The Ship Inn makes an ideal place to stop for lunch before completing the short walk back to Duke’s Drive.
A Little History
Much of Eccleston forms part of the historic Grosvenor Estate, home to the Dukes of Westminster for generations. The village’s attractive cottages, St Mary’s Church and peaceful surroundings all reflect its estate heritage.
On the return journey, you’ll cross the Meadows alongside the River Dee. In 1929, Harry and Phyllis Brown, owners of Browns of Chester department store, bought this land and gifted it to the people of Chester, with the wish that it should be preserved forever as a place for recreation and enjoyment.
Nearly a century later, their generosity continues to benefit everyone who walks, cycles or simply enjoys this beautiful stretch of the River Dee.
Highlights
- Peaceful woodland through Duke’s Drive
- Historic village of Eccleston
- Suspension bridge at Eccleston Ferry
- Riverside views along the River Dee
- Wild ponies and seasonal flowers
- Lunch at The Ship Inn
- Things to Know
- Paths are generally good but can be muddy after rain.
- There are no steep climbs, making this an enjoyable walk for most people.
- Allow extra time if you enjoy photography or wildlife watching.
- Optional Lunch at the Ship Inn can be busy at weekends, so booking ahead is worthwhile if you plan to eat there.
I arrived home feeling we’d made the most of the day. Woodland paths, riverside meadows, the lovely village of Eccleston and a leisurely lunch at The Ship Inn, combined to make it a thoroughly enjoyable day.
