Cheshire Ring Canal Route

[Jack Hammer]

Anyone ridden the above around Manchester? It's around 100m canal towpath route, I'm thinking of doing it in sections, it looks nice when you get out of Stockport.

 

[Tail End Charlie]

I've done some of it, the bits between Marple and to near Crewe. It's great, the first part is either tarmac or hardpacked. Beyond Macclesfield it's a bit more grassy and can get muddy. I was on a MTB with slicks and was fine.
There's great industrial heritage to see with locks, mills, bridges etc.
I would do it mid week as it can get busy with walkers. In fact, a good time to do it is February or March time, you get the boat owners tinkering away on their boats, the smells of wood burning stoves and a real sense of community.
There a a couple of good cafe stops en route, to cater for the boat owners.
It's good to get a different viewpoint of the houses and scenery.
Recommended.

 

[Jack Hammer]

Cheers Charlie,

I'm thinking of doing aroun 30 miles starting in Hyde. I'm on a hybrid and am a bit worried about the mud of winter, so I may give it a go this summer after a few dry days. Be interested to see if anyone has done the full 100 mile ring, be nice to do it in a day.

 

[Steve Malkin]

Not done it myself, but a group from my club did the full ring in a day about a year ago and all seemed to enjoy it.
There's a blog about their day out day on the club website here:

http://www.weavervalleycc.org.uk/cheshire-ring-canal-ride/​