Plan your visit

Getting here is part of the adventure. Tucked away in the Cheshire countryside near Ashley, just outside Altrincham, Into the Wild is a woodland venue with a difference. There’s no car access to the site, so you’ll need to complete at least part of your journey on foot, following the walking routes through the surrounding countryside.

If you’re using our designated car park, allow at least 15 minutes for the walk and take time to enjoy the journey. As you leave the roads behind, the surroundings begin to change, with countryside paths leading you towards the woodland.

Into the Wild is a little different from a traditional visitor attraction, and that’s all part of its charm. The walk is the beginning of the experience, so please plan ahead, check your route before setting off and make sure everyone in your group knows the way. We recommend comfortable footwear, as paths can be uneven or muddy, particularly after wet weather.

Walking route from Bowdon Church School

Allow around 15-20 minutes. Approximately 0.68 miles.

For Wild Play visitors using the designated car park at Bowdon Church School, Grange Road, Bowdon, Altrincham, WA14 3EX, the walk to Into the Wild is part of the adventure.

Park at Bowdon Church School on the days parking is available for Wild Play customers.
Follow the walking route towards Into the Wild, using the public footpaths shown on the route map.
Expect a mixture of natural paths and paved sections. Paths can be muddy underfoot, particularly after wet weather.
Continue following the route to reach Into the Wild.

View and follow the walking route on Komoot.

A few things to know before you walk: Comfortable footwear is recommended. If you’re visiting with little ones, a baby carrier may be easier than a pushchair on natural paths.

Parking

Parking at Bowdon Church School is available for Wild Play and seasonal event customers only, on Saturdays, Sundays and school holidays, between 8:30am and 5pm, subject to availability.

Please make sure you return to your vehicle before the gates close at 5pm. Ashley Mill Lane must be kept clear for farm vehicles and access, so please do not park along the lane.

Parking arrangements may change, so please check the latest information on this page before every visit, including if you’ve visited us before.

What to bring

A little preparation will help you make the most of your visit.

Comfortable footwear

The walking routes include natural paths that may be uneven or muddy.

Weather-appropriate clothing

Much of the experience takes place outdoors, so come prepared for the conditions.

A baby carrier

If you’re visiting with little ones, a carrier may be easier than a pushchair on the woodland paths.

Bug repellent

Handy during the warmer months when you’re exploring the woodland.

Your booking details

Check your ticket, event information and opening times before setting off.

A sense of adventure

Come ready to explore, get stuck in and enjoy the great outdoors.

Help us look after the woodland

Into the Wild is a special place to explore, play and spend time outdoors, and we want to keep it that way. Please help us look after the woodland by sticking to the designated walking routes, respecting the natural surroundings and giving wildlife space. Leave plants, trees and natural features as you find them, and take care not to leave anything behind.

Please take your rubbish home with you or dispose of it in the bins provided at Into the Wild. We also ask that you keep noise considerate of other visitors enjoying the woodland.

Keep Ashley Mill Lane clear at all times. It must remain accessible for farm vehicles and local access, so parking along the lane is not permitted.

Thank you for helping us protect the woodland and keep it a lovely place for everyone to enjoy.

Good to know

If you're using our designated car park at Bowdon Church School, allow at least 15 minutes to reach the woodland. The walk is approximately 0.68 miles and typically takes around 15-20 minutes. Other routes may vary, so check your directions before setting off.
No, there is no car access to the site. You'll need to park at a designated location and complete the journey on foot.
Parking is available at Bowdon Church School, Grange Road, Bowdon, Altrincham, WA14 3EX, for Wild Play and seasonal event customers only, on Saturdays, Sundays and school holidays, from 8:30am to 5pm, subject to availability. Please check the parking information on this page before every visit, as arrangements may change.
No, please keep Ashley Mill Lane clear at all times. The lane must remain accessible for farm vehicles and local access.
The route includes natural paths that may be uneven or muddy. A baby carrier may be easier when visiting with younger children, so please consider your route and the conditions before setting off.
Insect repellent can be useful during the warmer months, and we recommend bringing a sense of adventure! Into the Wild is all about exploring the outdoors, so come prepared to enjoy the woodland whatever the weather.
Yes, you're welcome to bring your own food and drink to enjoy during your visit. If you'd prefer to buy something, the Coffee Shack serves drinks and the wood-fired pizza oven offers freshly made pizzas on selected days. Please use the bins provided or take your rubbish home with you.