| 1. Quiet Cheshire lanes with an optional tough hilly loop into Macclesfield forest (on road). Difficulty 7 with hilly loop, 5 without.
From Knutford head south on the A50 for approx. 3 miles before turning left at the Whipping Stocks Inn on a right hand bend. You are now in the quiet lanes which do suffer in places from a poor surface.
Take care when the road drops sharply under the railway line to a sharp RH bend to Bate Mill. There then follows a short, steep twisty climb back up the other side of the stream.
Main road sections have been kept to minimum but take great care when joining and crossing these.
The route continues east and on the flat until you hit a gradual climb after crossing the A34. The next main road (A536) is crossed at Warren. Just before crossing yet another main road (A523) the road twists and drops down to a Canal Swing Bridge so be prepared to stop!
This is the start of the hilly loop into Macclesfield Forest so if this is not for you, take the main road south for a couple of miles, take the right turn shown (Park Road) and rejoin the lanes for a different return route to Knutsford.
For those taking on the hills, the climbing starts immediately after crossing the A523 with a short steep effort. The first of the two big climbs starts from Sutton and is pretty relentless, requiring strong legs and low gears! The route descends into Wildboarclough for a very picturesque ride alongside a stream with the natural landmark of Shutlingsloe Hill on your left.
After this pleasant respite, the route kicks up again taking you to the top of Macclesfield forest before a steep descent to Langley. Care is needed on the descent as it is narrow and poular with walkers and motorists especially around the visitor centre lower down.
From Langley the route returns to Sutton from where you retrace your tracks to the main road. From here you rejoin the lanes for the return to Knutsford. |