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 Weaver Wanderer Route Description  18km (11 miles)  2 - 3 hours
An easy ride including 7km of off-road cycling around Whitegate and Winsford.
Look out for the bright blue flash of a kingfisher as you pedal along the Weaver Cycleway.
The route hugs the Weaver Navigation, used to carry salt for export all over the world.
Fishermen sit quietly on the river banks while herons perch on the piles of salt across the river. The salt is from Britain's only salt mine, where huge diggers thunder through vast chambers deep below ground.
Salt has shaped much of the landscape of Cheshire. Sea aster, normally at home on the coast, grows in the salt rich soil near the path.
Later in the year look out for flocks of goldfinch feasting on teasel seedheads.
Rumble across the two swing bridges by Newbridge picnic area and head for Meadowbank.
Relax as you pedal up the Whitegate Way enjoying fine views and refreshing shade along the old railway line.
Imagine heavy goods trains steaming out of Whitegate Station, loaded with salt from Winsford.
A short ride takes you into the pretty village of Whitegate. The 'white gate' belonged to Vale Royal Abbey, once the largest Cistercian abbey in England.
Wander back down quiet country lanes to the Whitegate Way and the final meander through Newbridge to Nat Lane.
 How to get there:
The directions start at Nat Lane car park on the Weaver Parkway, but you can also start at Newbridge picnic area or Whitegate Station on the Whitegate Way.
For all passenger travel and timetable information contact Cheshire Traveline on 0871 200 22 33.
Lines are open 8:00am - 8:00pm, every day except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.
 Contact:
Countryside Management Service
Phoenix House
Clough Road
Winsford
Cheshire
CW7 4BD
Phone: 01606 541801
Email: countryside@cheshire.gov.uk
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