Holding Bay: Flat Routes
Routes without any climbs (just maybe the odd "bump")
Anderton Boat Lift (68km / 42 miles)
This route, titled "Anderton Boat Lift" starts at the Farmers Arms on Chapel Lane.
This week's route stays fairly flat, heading out initially past Wilmslow Golf Club, through Ollerton & over the M6 by Lower Peover and reaching the furthest point just beyond Northwich.
As you commence the return half of the loop, you cross the River Weaver & get a glimpse of the famous Anderton Boat lift (you could choose to have a stop-off & a closer look if you wish).
The route then heads east through Comberbach & Great Budworth, skirts to the north of Knutsford and passes along the north side of Tatton Park (as you pass the Rostherne entrance, you descend the Strava segment named "Tatton Wall" - see how long you can hold onto 30+ mph!!
The route then continues through Ashley and Mobberley to return back to the Farmers - for a well-earned pint if you wish đ
Little Budworth Circuit (80km / 50 miles)
This route, titled "Little Budworth Circuit" starts at the Farmers Arms on Chapel Lane.
This week's route heads out west across the Cheshire Plain and consequently has no significant hills. The outbound section of the route is mainly along country lanes passing through Ollerton, Lower Peover, Lach Dennis and Davenham. The route briefly joins the A556 to cross the River Weaver before taking a left turn onto Vale Royal Drive - a gravel path (just about ok on a road bike) leading up to the 13th century Vale Royal Abbey and its golf course.
The route then loops around to return past the racing circuit at Oulton Park and the village of Little Budworth. The return section includes stretches along the A54 to cross the rivers Weaver and Dane passing through the towns of Winsford and Middlewich. After passing Starbucks cafe (half a mile after Middlewich), the route reverts to country lanes through Byley, Goostrey and Marthall before returning into Wilmslow.
Dunham Massey Circuit (50km / 31 miles)
The route starts from the Boddington Arms on Racecourse Road and heads towards Mobberley and onwards through Ashley into Bowden.
After crossing the A56, the route goes around Dunham Massey and over the footbridge by the Swan with 2 Nicks.
The route then meanders along country lanes around High Legh before returning back via Ashley and the airport tunnels.
Stretton Loop (63km / 39 miles)
The route starts from the Boddington Arms on Racecourse Road.
A reasonably flat ride avoiding most of the main roads, the only hill of note is the Blue climb up Mill Hill towards Ashley.
The route heads out through Ashley and High Legh to reach Stretton Village (furthest point away from Wilmslow), then returns via Antrobus and Great Budworth before reaching Knutsford (with a trip through the park to avoid the busy road junctions).
Note: just after crossing the M56, there is a section that cuts through an industrial estate - have faith in the route as there is a path through the fence at the end to rejoin the road.
Lymm and Great Budworth Loop (66.5km / 41 miles)
This route starts from the Farmers Arms & heads out through Mobberley and Ashley, offering the challenging of beating your PR on the long straight up towards the Rostherne Entrance to Tatton Park (referred to as "Tatton Wall"). You then take a right turn along quiet lanes but with a crossing over the A556 (if Chapel Lane is still closed due to the road construction, then you'll need to turn right along the A556 up to Millington Lane and loop back to the left to rejoin the route).
The route continues on minor lanes to pass under the M56 and onward to join up with the A56 to pass over Lymm Dam, then turning off down Massey Brook Lane to pass under the M6 and continue west to reach the picturesque village of Grappenhall (mind the cobbled section - you may wish to use the pavement here!)
After crossing the M56 again, you reach Antrobus at around the half-way point before skirting Great Budworth (stop for an ice cream if the weather is suitable & the farm is open). The return loop passes through the Peovers and returns into Wilmslow via Marthall and Warford.
Ashley to Siddington Loop (54km / 33.5 miles)
The route heads out through the Manchester Airport runway tunnels and turn off towards Ashley - with the only notable steep section up Mill Lane. The route then meanders through Ashley, Mobberley and Marthall before passing close to Jodrell Bank.
After a series of back lanes, you reach Siddington and join the start of Pexhill Road, this time going up! None of it is very steep, but it is a fairly relentless 4 miles of uphill to reach Broken Cross (we were lucky on the day to have a strong tail-wind!!).
The route home then takes you via Whirley, Over Alderley and Mottram St. Andrew.
Broken Cross & Goostrey Loop (44km / 27.5 miles)
Route start point from the Farmers Arms, this route heads out through Alderley Edge and climbs (fairly gently) through Mottram St. Andrew and Over Alderley, descends to Broken Cross to join Pexhill Road - about 4 miles of continual downhill to Siddington.
The route then continues along minor roads through Lower Withington to reach Goostrey.
The return section of the loop passes close to Jodrell Bank (take care on the blind bend on Batemill Lane) and returns into Wilmslow via Marthall.
Chelford and Gawsworth Loop (57km / 35.5 miles)
This route starts from the Farmer's Arms on Chapel lane and meanders through a series of rural lanes, avoid main roads as much as possible.
The route is fairly flat, there is only one section with any notable gradient (just after you cross the A523 & head towards Sutton).
View route map for Flattish 35 Around Chelford & Gawsworth on plotaroute.com
Great Budworth Loop (55.5km / 34.5 miles)
A flat ride avoiding most of the main roads, bypassing the centre of Knutsford by going through the park & passing through many scenic villages along the way such as Antrobus and Great Budworth.
The route starts from the Boddington Arms on Racecourse Road.
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