On the horizon is our Hebridean Way cycle tour. With that in mind, four of us decided on a short cycling weekend to Chester. To get some cycling miles in, so to speak. Day 1 would be a cycle ride from Stretford to Chester.

We began by joining the Bridgewater Canal.

After following the canal for 5 miles or so, we left it at Broadheath and joined, NCN Route 62, the Trans Pennine Trail.

We then left the TPT just before Lymm and turned towards High Legh. We also joined Local Cycle Route 70, the Cheshire Cycleway.

In fact, our first stop of the day was a brew and some cake at High Legh Garden Centre.

Refreshed, it was time to move on and continue our journey.

This would take us through Great Budworth.

Then through Comberbach on our way to Little Leigh.

At Little Leigh, we stopped for a little while by the River Weaver, next to the Acton Swing Bridge.

Then we crossed over the river using that swing bridge.

Next was Acton Bridge, and a short and tidy little climb.

Continuing to follow Route 70, we were now heading towards Delamere Forest.

Before reaching Delamere Forest, however, we stopped off in Norley for some lunch.

This was at The Tigers Head. It was a great little place to stop, and they provided a warm welcome and some hearty and enjoyable food.

Not long after lunch, we found ourselves cycling along the rolling road through the heart of Delamere Forest.

After the Forest, there were a number of miles along country lanes until we reached the next place of note, Mickle Trafford.

Just beyond Mickle Trafford is the Chester to Connah’s Quay Greenway.

The Greenway took us into the heart of Chester.

We eventually left the Greenway and joined the Shropshire Union Canal.

Then after the canal we followed the path around the edge of Chester Racecourse.

The final section of our route took us over the Old Dee Bridge and into the Handbridge district.

We were staying near Saltney. So, upon arrival, we had cycled nearly 44 miles.

Now for a perfect pint!

You can view our Stretford to Chester route below: