Manchester Airport opens up access to local cycle trail

A new access point on a popular cycle trail near Manchester Airport has opened, making it easier for cyclists to explore a previously hard-to-reach section of the route.

Located on Old Altrincham Road, the access point connects to the Airport Orbital Route along an existing wider and flatter tarmac airport perimeter path. It will improve the existing Airport Orbital Cycleway and allow for sustainable commuting on two wheels for airport staff travelling from the west of the airport.

Visitors will be able to take in airfield views, including aircraft taking off and landing, and explore surrounding areas like Styal Village and Quarry Bank Mill. It will also link to a route which allows users to cycle through the tunnels which lie beneath the airport runway. 

The new access point is the first step in a plan to create a 26-mile Greater Bollin Trail – a walking and cycling route connecting the TransPennine Trail near Dunham Massey to the Middlewood Way, which runs from Marple to Macclesfield. The trail, which will run through the Bollin Valley connecting Dunham Massey, Tatton Park, Manchester Airport, Quarry Bank Mill and Lyme Park, has recently been approved by local authorities.

Robert Pattison, Head of Community Engagement at Manchester Airport, explained:

“We know that getting out into the natural world is good for people’s mental and physical health, so we’re delighted to be able to open up a section of the Airport Orbital Route for cyclists and pedestrians who want to explore it. 

“We are proud of our role in serving our local communities, not just by connecting them to the places they want to fly to but also by making a positive difference right here, with initiatives such as this.” 

Members of Manchester cycling group, Simply Cycling, were the first to use the new access point after it was inaugurated yesterday morning. The group is a not-for-profit charity offering all-ability cycling across three venues in the city, and they will now use the new access point on their local rides. They were joined by others involved in developing the Greater Bollin Trail. 

Helen Hines, a manager at Simply Cycling, said:

“We’re thrilled to see this new access point opened. Our riders love to cycle along the perimeter path and watch the planes – this access will make that much easier.” 

Local cycling campaigner Paddy Carrington, who also joined the inaugural ride via the new access point, added:

“This is great to see. It is the first piece of a large jigsaw which will grow into the Greater Bollin Trail network over the next few years.”