© Photo: CongletonCycling.co.uk

 

Cycling

 

Cycle around the gentle landscape of the Cheshire Plain, visiting the sites of Jodrell Bank, near by Alderley Edge or one of the stately homes such as Capesthorne Hall.  For more of a challenge cycle up to the Cat and Fiddle in the Cheshire Peak District or the famous “Killer Mile” of Mow Cop.

Former railway lines such as the Biddulph Valley Way or the Wheelock Rail Trail provide safe, traffic-free rides for cyclists, walkers and horse riders alike.

 

OS Maps:  Explorer 268, 258,OL24

 

Around the Town

There are three cycle networks that run through Congleton.  These are:

• Route 55 – This route runs from Iron Bridge to Preston, passing through Congleton. 
• Route 70 – A 176 mile circular route passing through Chester, Acton Bridge, Bollington, Macclesfield Forest, Congleton, Shavington, & Malpas.
• Route 73 – A 18 mile regional route between Congleton and Davenham.  Route 73 also links national routes 5 and 55.

 

Pick up a “Congleton Cycle Network” map from the Tourist information office or alternatively look here for more information, or:

download maps on the above routes

 

Bidduph Valley Way

Forming part of route 55 of the National Cycle Network this route runs from Congleton into Staffordshire, finishing South of Biddulph.

Contact Ranger Service on 01260 297237 for more information

email rangerservice@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Website

http://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/leisure_and_culture/ranger_service/countryside_sites/congleton_area/biddulph_valley_way.aspx

 

Macclesfield Canal

The canal is 26 miles long and easily accessed through out Congleton.  Cycle into Macclesfield or alternatively to Kidsgrove in the opposite direction.

 

Macclesfield Forest

This was once part of The Royal Forest of Macclesfield owned by the Earl of Chester. Today it is owned and managed by National Utilities with four reservoirs set in the forest.  Easily accessed from Congleton with designated parking (chargeable) and a visitor centre at Trentabank reservoir.  There are a number of off road routes marked through out the area including Charity Lane.  Look out for the red deer en route!  The two highest points in Cheshire, Shining Tor and Shutlingsloe are also close by.

For more information contact Trevor Greenhalgh (United Utilities) 01260 252268

 

Cycling around Cheshire

Click for more ideas, further afield but still within Cheshire

 

Congleton Cycling Club

Congleton Cycling club was established in 1898 and is still very active with over 50 members. It is open to all over 12 years old and has an all year programme of touring and racing events. The club also has a lively social side, based out of Congleton Rugby Club. For more details on the Cycling Club vosot their website

 

FREE DVDs - Cycling in Cheshire

Cheshire West and Cheshire council have produced two DVDs of special interest to cyclists in the area.

'Cycle Cheshire - Discover Cheshire By Bike'. The film follows two Countryside Rangers on a bike ride around Cheshire using the National Cycle Network. Cheshire has several hundred miles of signed cycle routes along quiet roads, towpaths and disused railway lines as well as through some of our lovely country parks. On this DVD are maps of the various cycle routes throughout Cheshire, these can be downloaded to your PC and then printed out.

'Cross Country - A Bicycle Ride Across Cheshire', follows one of The Council's Countryside Rangers as he cycles the 61 miles of Route 71 (National Cycle Network) from Teggs Nose Country Park, Macclesfield to the coastal town of Parkgate on the Wirral peninsula. 

Visit their website for more information and to obtain free copies of both DVDs

 

Congleton Cycling Campaign

This voluntary group is actively encouraging everyday cycling in the Congleton area by campaigning for cycle facilities and organising social rides. The CCC is also a member of the Cheshire East Cycling Forum.

Website