This is quite an easy, flat route using some nice quiet country lanes. It starts in Staffordshire but then crosses into Cheshire where the main loop of the ride takes place. Parts of the route use the Cheshire Cycleway – a 176 mile loop which covers a large area of Cheshire.
Route Guide
As do a lot of my rides, this route starts on the Newcastle Greenway Cycle path, which is a good traffic-free start to the ride. You will stay on this path for it’s full length, about 2 miles, before turning right onto Scot Hay Road. As you cross the small roundabout you will be able to appreciate the newly erected Philip Astley memorial sculptures.
(The start of this route is the same as my other ride Norton-In-Hales , however, the 2nd half of the route is quite different so I decided it was worth sharing.) You then start the short climb out of Silverdale before taking a long fast descent down towards Madeley Heath. You turn right at the junction and after about 2 miles take the first left at Wrinehill.
Follow the nice quiet country lane as it goes under a narrow bridge and then climbs for a few hundred yards. You will stay on this lane for about 4 miles enjoying the views of the countryside. The gradient is virtually flat during this section so you can cruise along at a really good pace. At about half-way along this lane you will need to cross a main road, take care here as it’s quite busy and the traffic will be travelling at 50-60mph.
When you reach the end of the lane turn right onto the A529. You continue on this road for about ¾ mile before turning right where sign posted to Wybunbury. This is a nice smooth, flat road which is part of the Cheshire Cycleway. After just over 2 miles turn right onto Wrinehill Road and then take the first left towards Hough.
This is another pleasant road to cycle along and Hough is a pretty village with woodlands and ponds scattered throughout the area. You will then turn right onto Newcastle Road, taking the 3rd exit at the first roundabout and the 2nd exit at the next roundabout. The first 3 or 4 miles of this road can be quite busy so be vigilant.
Eventually you will reach Betley and after a mile or so are back at Wrinehill. You then start quite a long steady climb which kicks up steeper when you reach the Madeley Heath junction. After about 3½ miles take a left onto Pepper Street and follow the road back to the Newcastle Greenway Cycle path.