Middlewood Way

An idyllic traffic-free route running from Stockport to Cheshire

Parking: Bollington Car Park / Nelson Pit Visitor Centre / Rose Hill, Marple

Points of Interest: Chadkirk Country Estate, Lyme Park, Macclesfield Canal, Poynton Coppice, Jasckon’s Brickworks

Part of the NCN route 55, The Middlwood Way offers cyclists and walkers alike a 10-mile, traffic-free route ideal for a good old Sunday mooch.

Following the route of the former Macclesfield railway line, the trail will take you through some of Cheshire’s most favoured spots. If countryside every way you turn and lots of historic mill towns to stop off for a brew or bev is your ideal day out, then the Middlewood Way won’t dissapoint.

For much of its length, the Middlwood Way runs adjacent to the Macclesfield Canal — perfect for extending your adventure and following either trail to one of National Trust’s firm favourites: Lyme Park.

The old railway line provides a relatively level route for all users along its wildlife corridor. At Bollington, the route passes high above the river on a viaduct, boasting spectacular views of the hills and mills surrounding.

On foot? Local circular walks are incredibly popular around Middlewood, with footpaths reaching into the Peak District foothills to the east and Cheshire Plain to the west.

From Higher Poynton, footpaths lead to both Lyme Park and Poynton Coppice, each boasting great amenities and a perfect spot for a little pitstop. A good time to visit the coppice is in spring when the woodland floor is carpeted with bluebells — a must-see around April/May.

Looking for more info? Stop off at Nelson Pit Visitor Centre and they’ll point you in the right direction.

Happy trailing,

Getlostmcr