For this route we explore the western side of the Peak District venturing across the border from Derbyshire into Cheshire via the Macclesfield forest.
The route has to fairly substantial climbs in it – the fist one at the beginning up to the top of the Cat and Fiddle via a mix of tracks and quiet lanes. The payback for your efforts as some stunning views across the Cheshire Plain. When you get to the top of the Macclesfield Forest you’ll appreciate why we’ve decided to recommend you ride in a clockwise direction. The route’s a roller coaster ride of a descent for several miles which would be a punishing climb.
Don’t be put off by what looks like on the RWGPS map a fairly low percentage of unpaved surfaces. After you’ve left the sprawl of Macclesfield, the route enjoys eight miles of traffic free riding on the Middlewood Way. At Marple you drop down into the Goyt Valley – one of the tributaries of the mighty Mersey River and onto the towpath of the Peak Forest Canal.
Then it’s one final push from Whaley Bridge following the Old Road back over the hill into Buxton.
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