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Local Route 71
The ride across Cheshire follows Local Route 71 and crosses Cheshire East to West. The length of the ride is 62 miles which can be accomplished in 2 days staying overnight in central Cheshire. Alternatively, small portions of the ride can be included within circular loops which can easily be created by using Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 scale maps of Cheshire. The two sheets needed are 118 Stoke on Trent and 117 Chester and Wrexham.
A mountain bike is ideal for this journey because some sections are along well surfaced tracks, although most of the ride follows quiet country lanes. Please remember the highway code and wear suitable clothing. A cycle helmet is recommended.
The ride starts at Tegg’s Nose Country park near Macclesfield. Leaving the park the downhill run is quite bracing, and soon the flatter land of the Cheshire Plain is reached. Winding lanes between Macclesfield and Middlewich make for beautiful relaxing cycling. Main roads must be crossed with care.
The outward route from Middlewich follows the canal towpath and then at Winsford the path runs bank side along the River Weaver. From Winsford the birch lined disused railway called the Whitegate Way provides more traffic free cycling. Little Budworth Country Park is the half way point of the route and the gently rolling road takes you through the heathland which is one of Cheshire’s most important wildlife habitats.
The landscape becomes more undulating and consequently the riding becomes more energetic as the mid Cheshire ridge is crossed. Look out for the beautiful red sandstone for which Cheshire is well known. Dropping down to the River Gowy the landscape begins to hint of coast and sea breezes. The route here follows an ancient track way across medieval pack horse bridges spanning the Gowy at Hockenhull Platts.
The canal towpath is joined at Christleton and the fascinating ride through Chester begins. It is worth spending a whole day in Chester because there is so much to see and do.
The final stage of the route follows the Wirral Way before turning onto the road leading to the former sea front at Parkgate. The ice cream there is famously yummy and tastes even nicer after a long bike ride.
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