6 great cycle routes in Cheshire
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Cycling is enjoying a boom thanks to quieter roads, social distancing and government moves to encourage people to get out on their cycles.
Cheshire Cycleway 70
Grade: Circular ride, Distance: 176 mile/282km.
The Cheshire Cycleway follows a 176-mile route through the mill village of Bollington and over the heights to Wildboarclough and Macclesfield Forest. There are also several National Cycle Network routes in the area to get stuck into.
Cycle the Middlewood Way
Grade: Traffic Free, Distance: 16km/10 mile
The Middlewood Way, part of NCN 55 offers a 10-mile (16-km) traffic-free route ideal for cyclists. It follows the line of the former Macclesfield, Bollington and Marple Railway through picturesque Cheshire countryside and between historic mill towns. For much of its length, the Middlewood Way runs close to the Macclesfield Canal.
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Cycle the Whitegate Way and Weaver Parkway
Grade: Traffic free, Distance: 10km/6miles (Whitegate Way) 4km/2.5miles (Weaver Parkway).
The Whitegate Way and Weaver Parkway are two traffic-free sections of NCN route 5 and 71 which can be linked via a short section on road cycling.
Cycle the Biddulph Valley Way
Grade: Traffic free, Distance: 3.3km/2.1miles (Cheshire section).
For more than 100 years trains travelled along the Biddulph Valley Way carrying coal from the Potteries to Congleton. Today walkers, cyclists and horse riders enjoy this tranquil route away from roads.
Biking the backroads
Grade: Traffic Free, Distance: 20km/13 miles.
The ride starts at Marbury Country Park. Very soon you are cycling along tracks through Anderton Nature Park where you suddenly spot the historic boat lift. In summer look out for orchids, dragonflies and butterflies as you go.
Bollin Valley Cycle Trail
Grade: Circular ride, Distance: 37 km/24 mile.
This long-distance cycle route was launched to celebrate National Bike Week in 2012 and follows the course of River Bollin from its source in Macclesfield Forest to where it joins the Manchester Ship Canal near Partington. The route is more suitable for experienced/confident riders but it also takes in part of the Trans-Pennine Trail, which is great for families. The route can be cycled one way, catching the train back, or by using one of two return routes. Alternatively, cyclists can ride sections of the route between railway stations.
