KNUTSFORD Heritage Centre is causing a stir across the north west as it attracts four large tour groups in just one week to its famous walks.

The list of tourists includes the Ness and Little Neston Women’s Institute, who visited the centre on Wednesday July 1 to take the Cranford and Elizabeth Gaskell tour, led by guide Caroline Sherwin.

The walks have also caught the attention of the Wythenshawe branch of the Co-operative Guild, 26 local scouts and the Tideswell Mother’s Union.

There are a number of different routes tailored to suit varying interests and there is also a virtual walk, which explores the town’s history in a 40 minute video.

Caroline, who developed the walks, said: “Knutsford itself is an attractive destination and a guided walk-and-talk complements a day out.

“The town has a rich history and, for its size, a remarkable number of noteworthy people, so we have plenty of interesting subject matter.

“The Heritage Centre guides are good at what they do – well trained, experienced and entertaining; they know their stuff!"

For those interested in a look into the secrets of the town, there is ‘Tails, Trails and Teashops’, which includes a 60 minute guided walk around the town to uncover hidden and unusual attractions.

If you are enchanted by the historical figures of Knutsford, the ‘People and Places’ will inform and entertain you on characters such as Henry Royce, of Rolls Royce and architect Richard Harding Watt.

Or if you are intrigued by Knutsford’s most celebrated author, ‘Cranford and Elizabeth Gaskell’ is designed to give guests an insight into her past.

Caroline added: “'Bespoke' walks have been an interesting and popular development of the last two or three years.

“We have arranged special walks for local businesses, brownie and scout groups- with plenty of 'horrible history' content- and for schools, complementing their curricula.

“All the walks have been developed in response to demand by visitors and are made possible by the goodwill and commitment of Heritage Centre volunteers.”

For residents or visitors who are interested in learning more about the town, there is a turn up and walk session, which is every Friday starting from the Heritage Centre at 2pm.

The Heritage Centre is offering free coach parking for groups.

For more information about prices and to book a walk contact Caroline at the Heritage Centre on 01565 650605.