Chester City Walls Walk
2.95km (1.8 miles) · Minimal net climbing; some short flights of steps at towers and gates elevation
About
A complete, walkable circuit of just under two miles along the most intact town wall in Britain, following the line the Roman legion fortified around 79 AD and rebuilt and extended by every century since. The full loop, waymarked and open at all times, passes the Eastgate Clock, the Roman Amphitheatre near Newgate, the Wishing Steps and Recorder's Steps above the river, Bridgegate by the Old Dee Bridge, a stretch overlooking Chester Racecourse, the Water Tower and Bonewaldesthorne's Tower at the northwest corner, Northgate above the canal, and King Charles Tower at the northeast corner. It is free, takes well under an hour at an easy pace, and can be joined or left at any of the gates if you only want a section.
Highlights
- ✓The Roman Amphitheatre seen from above near Newgate
- ✓Views over the River Dee, the racecourse and North Wales from the western stretch
- ✓Bonewaldesthorne's Tower and the Water Tower at the northwest corner
- ✓A single continuous loop taking in Roman, medieval and Georgian Chester
Tips
- →Go early morning for a quiet lap before the shops and coach parties fill the centre.
- →Ramps exist at Newgate, Bonewaldesthorne's Tower, Kaleyard Gate and the Castle; other stretches keep original steps.
- →See the full trail record on this site for a waypoint-by-waypoint route.