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 road access to the site, so you’ll need to leave the car behind and follow one of the walking routes through the surrounding countryside.
If you’re using our designated car park, allow at least 15 minutes to reach the woodland on foot. Along the way, you’ll leave the roads behind and follow countryside paths towards your destination.
As Into the Wild is tucked away from the usual roads and footpaths, it’s important to plan your journey before setting off. Check your walking route in advance and make sure everyone in your group knows the way. We recommend wearing comfortable, sturdy footwear, as paths can be uneven or muddy, particularly after wet weather.
The adventure begins before you reach the woods, so take your time, enjoy the surroundings and make the journey part of your day.
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 your car at Bowdon Church School in the designated car park at Bowdon Church School, on days when parking is available for Wild Play customers.
Leave the car park and turn left, following the footpath signs and the walking route provided.
Follow the route carefully, keeping an eye out for the footpath signs at each turn to make sure you stay on the right path.
Continue along the footpaths until you reach Into the Wild.
View and follow the walking route on Komoot.
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A few things to know before you walk: Wear comfortable footwear, as the route includes natural paths that can be muddy and uneven, particularly after wet weather. If you're visiting with little ones, a baby carrier may be easier than a pushchair.
Plan your route before setting off: Download the Komoot app in advance so you can follow the walking route on your phone. You can also search for Into the Wild in your phone's map app and select walking directions, or save our what3words location.
Parking
Parking at Bowdon Church School is available for Wild Play customers only, on Saturdays, Sundays and school holidays when advertised, 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 or opposite I want plants
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. Here’s what we recommend bringing to 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 reconnect with nature, and we want to keep it that way. Please help us protect the woodland by sticking to the designated walking routes, respecting the natural surroundings and giving wildlife plenty of space. Leave plants, trees and natural features as you find them, and take everything you bring with you when you leave.
Please take your rubbish home or use the bins provided around the site. We also ask that you keep noise considerate of other visitors enjoying the peace and quiet of the woodland.
Please keep Ashley Mill Lane clear at all times. The lane must remain accessible for farm vehicles and local access, so parking along it is not permitted. Please use the designated car park and follow the recommended walking route to reach Into the Wild.
Thank you for helping us protect the woodland and keep it a lovely place for everyone to enjoy.
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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.
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No, Into the Wild has no direct road access, so you’ll need to park at the designated car park and complete the journey on foot. The walk takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on your route.
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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.
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No, please keep Ashley Mill Lane clear at all times. The lane must remain accessible for farm vehicles and local access.
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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.
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We recommend comfortable footwear, weather-appropriate clothing and waterproofs for rainy days, as you’ll be walking through the countryside and spending time outdoors.
Insect repellent can be useful during the warmer months, and if you’re visiting with little ones, a baby carrier is recommended as the woodland paths aren’t suitable for pushchairs.
Most importantly, bring a sense of adventure and get ready to enjoy the great outdoors!