A lush adventure through rural Britain – ride the Cheshire Cycleway

Magnificent black and white timber-framed halls, sprawling parklands once used as hunting grounds during medieval times and peaceful churches on the banks of glistening Meres – the Cheshire Cycleway is a fascinating journey through one of England’s finest counties.

This Collection guides you along the Cheshire Cycleway in seven stages covering a total of 214 miles (346 km). Ranging in length from 19 to 38 miles (31 to 62 km), the rides are suitable for everyone, whether you are a mile cruncher or an easy-going cyclist. You can also easily combine the sections together or shorten them to suit you.

The route is varied, taking in flat canal towpaths, gravel routes along the Wirral, and a few climbs in the Peak District National Park. You climb a total of 2,470 meters (8,103 feet) over the seven stages. Any bike is suitable for this adventure, just bear in mind that the gravel sections will be extra bumpy on thin tyres. It's easy to rent a bike in Chester and return it afterwards as the route is circular.


The Cheshire Cycleway reveals the very best of Cheshire including fascinating historical sites and beautiful nature spots. With endless green fields and enchanting woodland, Cheshire is mostly rural. Its tranquil countryside is occasionally interrupted by sleepy villages and thriving market towns such as Crewe, Macclesfield and Ellesmere Port.

Along the way, you will ride through the stunning Peak District National Park with its dry-stone walls and moody rolling hills, and visit countless meres (lakes) which define the Cheshire landscape. You also discover the Wirral Peninsular where you can learn about the region’s industrial past.

You can join the loop at any point, making it easy to cycle end-to-end. Thanks to the many train stations along the way, it's also easy to plan your journey flexibly. I've chosen to start and end the route in Chester, the county capital, which has excellent rail connections with the rest of the UK. You can travel to the town directly from London, Birmingham, Cardiff and Manchester by train.

A picturesque town on the edge of the River Dee, Chester is known for its cobbled streets and Roman history. It's worth wandering around its magnificent cathedral and pretty riverside before setting off. Chester has a huge range of places to spend the night.

The Cheshire cycleway is ideal for any cyclist looking to explore a green and varied corner of Northern England. With so much history, varied landscapes and plenty of cafe and pub stops along the way, it's an ideal location for adventures on two wheels.

For train tickets and timetables, visit: thetrainline.com/live/departures/chester
For more information on visiting Chester, visit: visitcheshire.com/chester