Jodrell Bank and Alderley Loop

Taking in three National Trust sites around Alderley Edge as well as Jodrell bank this ride could easily take all day to complete. At 27 miles this isn’t a long ride by any stretch but it does have one brutal hill about a quarter of the way through. However, there are a number of cafes along the way to help rest and refresh tired legs and the views make it worth the effort.

Route Description

From Chelford railway station, the first mile travels along the A357 towards Marthall and is therefore quite busy. However, as it approaches Marthall, the route takes a right-hand turn onto Sandlebridge Lane. 

Once you’re off the A357 it’s a fairly flat run for about 3 miles or so. The route uses country lanes and quiet roads to get to Gatley Green. Use this time to warm up the legs, as the only major climb of the ride kicks in just after crossing the railway and A34 at around the four-mile stage. After crossing the A34, continue along Sand Lane until it meets the Congelton Road. Here, the route turns left and then shortly after right into Artists Lane. From here, the steep climb up to Alderley Edge begins. This climb isn’t for the faint-hearted, topping out at around 8% for a short stretch in the middle, having said that, the sense of achievement at the top is huge.

As you reach the junction of Artists Lane and the Macclesfield Road you are at the top of the climb, therefore a rest may be in order. Fortunately, there is a cafe at the junction where tired legs and lungs can be properly rested and refuelled. You are now also at the highest part of the ride, and for the rest of the ride, it’s all generally slowly downhill from here with just the occasional small incline.

From here, the route follows the Macclesfield Road for a couple of miles before turning south along a combination of quiet lanes again towards Henbury. Upon passing the outskirts of Henbury the route crosses the A357 and subsequently wiggles through some nice, quiet lanes and on to Gawsworth.

From Gawsworth the route now continues its downhill trajectory as it subsequently turns westward and again uses lanes and minor roads to reach Marton. At Marton there’s a very short stretch on the busy A34 before turning onto Davenport Lane and the quiet farmers fields as it passes through Kermincham and on to Twemlow Green.

After a quick dog-leg at Twemlow Green, the route now turns north through Goostrey and Blackden on its way past Jodrell Bank, which is well worth the stop if you have time. Lastly, from Jodrell Bank, it’s now a short, flat run where you will shortly return to the start point at Chelford.

 

Route Summary

Start Point – Chelford Railway Station. Postcode SK11 9AX, O.S. Grid Ref – SJ 81442 74919

Distance – 27.5 miles /44.25 km

Elevation Gain – 1120ft / 341 metres

Places of Interest

• National Trust Nether Alderley Mill – on the route at the 4.7 mile point
• National Trust at Alderley Edge – on the route at the 6.2 mile point.
• National Trust at Hare Hill – just off the route at the 7.4 mile point.
• Jodrell Bank – on the route at the 24.0 mile point.

Refreshment Stops

• The Wizard Tea Room – on the route at the 6.2 mile point.
• Gawsworth Community Cafe – just off the route at the 12.5 mile point.
• The Old Barn at Marton – just off the route at the 16.o mile point.
• Planet Cafe at Jodrell Bank – on the route at the 24.0 mile point.
• Tatton Perk Cafe, Chelford – at the start / stop point.

Local Bike Shops

• Bikes ‘n’ Gear – 31 King Street, Knutsford, WA16 6DW. 01565 750 273.
• Velo Edge – 48A London Road, Alderley Edge, SK9 7DZ. 01625 403803.
• Sherratt Cycles – Unit 3, Monks Heath Workshops, Chelford Rd, SK10 4SY. 07843 424092

Closest Railway Stations

• Chelford – at the start / finish.
• Alderley Edge – approx 1 mile from the routes 5 mile point.
• Prestbury – approx 2miles from the routes 8 mile point.
• Holmes Chapel – approx 1.7 miles from routes 21 mile point.
• Goostrey – on the route at the 21.8 mile point.

Ride With GPS Link – https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39112988

GPX file direct download – Click Here

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