Our little group of six met up on a windy Sunday morning for this cycle ride out to Macclesfield and Gawsworth. This weeks cycle route was put together by Tracey.

We met at the junction of Blossoms Lane and Hal Moss Lane.

Our route began by heading towards Wilmslow Road.

We then turned into Lees Lane and held up the traffic for a little while as we whizzed through to Mill Lane, allowing us to settlw into a more sedate pace.

Upon reaching Mottram St Andrew village, we turned left and made our way towards Prestbury. I was already struggling by this point, and we were still only 3 or 4 miles into the ride, as we tackled this climb up Blackhurst Brow.

… passing a small zoo of animals on the way.

We took our first little break in Prestbury.

In Prestbury, we also joined NCN  Route 70, the Cheshire Cycleway, for a while.

Then, after turning into Heybridge Lane, we cycled on towards Bollington. 

After crossing over the Silk Road, we turned into Clarke Lane.

Halfway along the lane, we turned off and dropped down onto the Middlewood Way, part of NCN Route 55.

After leaving the Middlewood Way, we next weaved our way through Macclesfield. Along the way, we joined Higher Fence Road.

This passed Swaan’s Pool, an idyllic and hidden away little spot.

We could have stayed and watched the geese and ducks for ages, but it was time to move on.

Eventually, we rejoined NCN Route 55, and soon turned into Byrons Lane and then Bullocks Lane.

At the end of the lane, we crossed over the A523 and the Macclesfield Canal into Woodhouse End Road and headed towards Gawsworth.

Once through Gawsworth, we crossed the A536 and joined Dark Lane as we cycled on towards Alderley Edge.

At one stage, it appears our bike wheels disappeared into the tarmac!

There was another long steady climb up Birtles Lane as we passed Birtles Hall.

Leaving Alderley Edge along Heyes Lane, we headed back towards the start through Wilmslow.

Finally, back along the familiar Woodford Road.

Followed by Church Lane and Blossoms Lane.

This had been a lumpy ride of almost 30 miles. TBH, I had really struggled today. That said, it had been a fine route, and in spite of my struggles, I had enjoyed being out on my bike and cycling with friends.

You can view our Macclesfield and Gawsworth route below: