Sarah and I don’t go along to too many Stockport Community Cycling Club afternoon rides. However, a sunny Saturday afternoon cycle ride to Manchester Airport sounded just fine. And twenty-three other club members agreed!

We met up near Heald Green station on the edge of Wythenshawe.

The route essentially follows the Airport Orbital Cycleway, local cycle route 85.

Before the ride began, however, there was the job of fixing punctures.

Soon we were on our way along Simonsway.

We passed through Wythenshawe.

We then turned left into Kirkup Park.

Then Painswick Park where Jim had to ask the local residents to let us through.

After leaving the park we followed Thorley Lane and then Runger Lane.

Next we cycled up Wilmslow Old Road towards the airport.

And into the Runway Visitor Park.

We stopped here for our break. Sarah was disappointed when there seemed to be nothing gluten-free on display. However, when we asked they said yes we do, it’s just ‘upon request’. Sarah’s eyes lit up! And they promptly made her a fantastic gluten-free cheese sandwich. Fabulous! And well done to Concorde Coffee House.

After leaving the park we retraced our steps before turning off on to Sunbank Lane.

And then on to Wilmslow Road.

Where we cycled through the tunnels under the runway.

We next briefly turned in to The National Trust’s Quarry Bank estate.

This took us up alongside the opposite side of the airport.

From here we turned on to Moss Lane.

And then on to Styal Road back towards Heald Green.

Finally we returned back to the start.

This was a fantastic little ten mile cycle ride and clearly enjoyed by everyone who came along.

You can view our Manchester Airport Afternoon ride route below: