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Traffic Free Routes -

Chester - the area around Chester has a number of traffic free paths to explore.

• Canalside path - an approximate 15km/10 mile journey along the Shropshire Union Canal towpath from Waverton to Ellesmere Port. The paths are all flat except for a short hill leading to the Northgate Locks in the heart of Chester. The canal towpath can at times become narrow and you will have to negotiate some low bridges, so it's not suitable for bikes towing trailers.
  
• Railway path - a 12km/8 mile journey from Kingsway, Chester to the old steelworks site at Shotton (just across the border into Wales). This route utilises the track bed of the disused railway line, the path which is part of the National Cycle Network route 5, was constructed in 2000 and is also known as the Millennium Route, eventually it is hoped to extend the route past Kingsway and onto Mickle Trafford.
  
• Riverside path - a 12km/8 mile ride from Chester to Connah's Quay was built in 2006 and runs alongside the River Dee with some stunning views of the spectacular suspension bridge which crosses the Dee near Connahs Quay. The riverside and railway routes can be linked by using a short section of canal towpath and a short section on road to create a circular 26km/16 mile ride.

Winsford - the area is renown for it's salt production over the years, the following routes follow it's history in places. For nature lovers the River Weaver is easily accessible.

• Whitegate Way - this route follows what was the railway line from Winsford to Cuddington. Today you can still see a few reminders of it's past history along the way as well as various wildlife ranging from harebell and toadflax to butterflies and dragonflies.  
   
• Weaver Parkway - this route follows an extensive area of open green space alongside the River Weaver on the fringe of Winsford. Both routes are part of the National Cycle Network routes 5 and 71 and can be linked by a short section on road cycling.

Middlewich -

• Middlewich Canal - a 5km/3 mile journey along the Middlewich Canal, from Middlewich town centre to Clive Green.

Sandbach -

• Wheelock Rail Trail - a 2km/1.5 mile multi-user route from Ettiley Heath to Malkins Bank. The whole route has been upgraded with improved access points, better surfacing and new information boards to provide a high quality facility for cyclists.
  
  
• Salt Line - a multi-user track running through farmland and woodland. Both routes are part of the National Cycle Route 5 linking Middlewich with Alsager.

Alsager - 

• Rode Heath to Kidsgrove - a 5km/3 mile ride along the towpath of the Trent and Mersey canal. The local landscape is undulating with views towards the hills of the Peak District.

Congleton -

• Biddulph Valley Way - this route is part of the National Cycle Network 55 Telford to Preston and has a firm, level surface of crushed stone. The route follows the railway line that was used to transport coal from the Potteries to Congleton. Approximately 9km/6 mile traffic free route.

Macclesfield -

• Middlewood Way - a 16km/10 mile route that follows the former Macclesfield , Bollington and Marple railway through picturesque countryside between historic mill towns. The line in it's heyday carried cotton, silk, coal as well as passengers. For much of its length, the Middlewood Way runs close to the Macclesfield Canal.

Free cycle route leaflets are available from libraries, the Countryside Management Service, or by contacting Anna Geroni (01244 973617) or Chris Whittaker (01244 977440).

More cycle routes can be seen at the following websites:

• Cycle Maps Directory
• Sustrans Cheshire cycle routes
• Sustrans UK cycle routes
  

Tatton Park now have bicycles for hire for all the family. For more information please ring 01827 284646.