The best cycling routes around Cheshire

Cheshire offers a diverse range of touring cycling routes, catering to various preferences and skill levels. You'll find everything from gentle canal towpaths and flat, traffic-free paths to challenging routes with significant climbs through rolling hills and dense forests. The region includes areas like Delamere Forest and the edges of the Peak District, providing varied terrain for cyclists.

Yes, Cheshire has several easy and family-friendly options. Canal towpaths, such as those along the Trent and Mersey Canal or the Shropshire Union Canal, offer scenic and often traffic-free cycling. The Middlewood Way, a 10-mile traffic-free route from Marple to Macclesfield, is another excellent choice for a relaxed ride. Tatton Park also provides miles of popular cycling trails suitable for families.

For those seeking a challenge, the 'Cheshire Peaks' and areas bordering the Peak District offer more demanding routes with significant climbs and rewarding views. Routes around Macclesfield Forest and Tegg's Nose Country Park feature varied terrain and steep sections. The 176-mile Cheshire Cycleway also includes sections with challenging hills.

The most notable long-distance route is the Cheshire Cycleway, a 176-mile (282km) signposted route that encircles the entire county. It offers a mix of terrain, from flat sections to challenging hills, incorporating country roads, woodland, and picturesque pastures.

Cheshire's touring cycling routes often pass through picturesque countryside, rolling hills, dense forests, and waterways. Key natural features include Delamere Forest, Macclesfield Forest, and Tegg's Nose Country Park. You can also cycle along scenic canal towpaths like the Trent and Mersey Canal, or alongside rivers such as the River Dane and River Weaver.

Many routes offer access to interesting landmarks. For example, the area around Nantwich features the River Weaver and Nantwich Lake. A picturesque route from Nantwich can lead to Beeston Castle, offering incredible panoramic views. The Wizard Trail from Alderley Edge includes highlights like the Wizard's Well and National Trust owned Hare Hill. The Wirral Way passes by the RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands.

Yes, some areas are well-served by public transport. Delamere Forest, for instance, is accessible via its own train station, making it convenient for cyclists. The Middlewood Way, running from Marple to Macclesfield, also connects towns with public transport links.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from tranquil canal paths to challenging hill climbs, and the extensive network of routes that cater to all abilities. The picturesque countryside and historical attractions are also frequently highlighted.

Yes, Cheshire offers several circular routes. The Bollin Valley Cycle Trail is a notable circular ride spanning 37 km (24 miles). Many local routes, including those around Delamere Forest and Tatton Park, can also be enjoyed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point.

Cheshire is enjoyable for touring cycling throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with changing foliage. Summer provides longer daylight hours, ideal for longer rides. While winter can be colder, many of the flatter, well-maintained routes, like canal towpaths, remain accessible.

While this guide focuses on touring cycling, Cheshire's diverse terrain does include options for off-road and mountain biking. Areas like Delamere Forest and Macclesfield Forest offer dedicated tracks. Tegg's Nose Country Park is known for its dramatic rock formations and features a 12-mile mountain biking route.

Cheshire offers a wide range of outdoor activities. Beyond cycling, you can find high ropes courses, zip wires, paddleboarding, kayaking on the River Dee, and bushcraft experiences. For more details on these and other outdoor adventures, you can visit Visit Cheshire's Outdoors & Adventure section.