This Marple Canals cycle ride is a new route on the Stockport Community Cycling Club calendar. It is a ride that pretty much does what it says on the tin, it essentially follows the canals around Marple.

I was leading the second group of riders today, with Des as my back-leader, and Sarah taking the photos.

We met up at Rose Hill and set off down the Middlewood Way on a lovely sunny morning.

We were following NCN Route 55.

After four miles of cycling along the trail we reached the bridge at Wood Lane in Poynton and left the trail.

Then, almost immediately, we joined the Macclesfield Canal.

We proceeded to follow the canal for the next few miles.

At Middlewood we left the canal and joined a gravel track that would take us into the Lyme Park via a back entrance. 

The gravel made this track tricky. It also formed the main climb of the day.

Eventually, everyone reached the top.

After entering Lyme Park there followed a lovely long swooping downhill with The Cage in the distance.

When we reached the bottom of the lane we took a short break.

After the break, we headed up Red Lane. This took us out of Lyme Park and then down into Disley.

Next, we crossed over the A6 and then into Hollinwood Road. There was a great view out towards New Mills.

At the end of the road we turned into Redhouse Lane, and almost immediately dropped down onto the Peak Forest Canal towpath.

We followed the canal for next three miles until it brought us into Marple at Marple Junction. Here we left the Peak Forest Canal and rejoined the Macclesfield Canal.

We followed the canal  towpaths and weaved our way through Marple.

Eventually, we left the canals at Windlehurst Road.

Finally, we turned into Torkington Lane.

Before once again rejoining the Middlewood Way.

Today, we had covered just over 16 miles and cycled along a lot of canal towpaths! It was enjoyed by everyone who came along.

You can view our Marple Canals route below: