This Macclesfield Circular 2021 cycle route repeated our Stockport Community Cycling Club ride of 2017 and 2019. It has always proved to be a ride enjoyed by our members for being challenging while surrounded by some lovely scenery.

We met at Macclesfield Riverside Park visitor centre on a cool though fine Autumn Saturday morning. I was leading this cycle ride and Sarah was the back-leader.

Upon leaving Riverside Park we dropped down Summerlea Close and joined the Middlewood Way. In doing so we picked up NCN Route 55. We would follow this particular cycle route for the next five miles or so.

In doing so, it took us through a section of Macclesfield town centre.

Then headed away from the town centre around the edge of the industrial estate and towards Sutton.

Soon, we turned into Leek Old Road and were out in the Sutton countryside and the Macclesfield foothills.

This part of our route also forms a section of the Cheshire Cycleway. We had cycled this, in the other direction, on the day of my fateful tumble. Thankfully, there would be no tumble today!

The lumpy route was already proving challenging for many …

At Fools Nook, and the end of Woodhouse Lane, we crossed over the A523, London Road, and into Woodhouse End Road.

Immediately up another little hill took us a little closer to Gawsworth.

Then for a few miles where we could relax and get our breath back.

Gawsworth soon approached. Here we left NCN Route 55 and now were just following the Cheshire Cycleway, LCN Route 70.

Here, we turned right and Church Lane and crossed Knutsford Road into Dark Lane.

At the end of Dark Lane we found another little cheek-blowing climb.

Next, we cycled on along Bearhurst Lane, before turning right into School Lane on our way towards Henbury.

While it may have been challenging cycling, the Autumn colours were making it all worthwhile.

The top end of Bearhurst Lane brought more cheek-blowing.

Which continued up Pepper Street.

A little after Henbury we took a short break.

Fueled up, amongst the autumn leaves, we found another little climb.

We were on the outskirts of Alderley Edge. However, we turned right into Chelford Road and headed towards Prestbury instead.

Dropping into Prestbury village …

 … was followed by the climb out of it.

It was nearly the last climb of the day.

We were now heading towards the edge of Bollington.

Then, after crossing the Silk Road, we turned again, this time in hte direction of Kerridge.

Our last change of direction brought us back onto the Middlewood Way.

This involved the final little rise of the day as we navigated the zig-zags up to the bridge crossing the Silk Road.

Below is the last photo Sarah took from the back on this ride. A minute later her backwheel suddenly buckled. She reckoned that last mile or so back to the start was a tough ride! Not surprising given the circumstances.

Today, we had cycled 17 miles and climbed 1000 feet. While there had been no big hills, per se, it had been a day of rolling countryside. That said, everyone had enjoyed the challenge and the scenery. Just occasionally, it is good to push youselves a little out of your comfort zone, and on the bike you can do this while at the same time be able to appreciate your surroundings.

You can view our Macclesfield Circular 2021 route below: