Work completes on final section of Marple to Macclesfield cycle route

Cheshire East Council has completed the final part of works that has created an 11-mile traffic-free walking and cycling route between Macclesfield and Marple.

The Middlewood Way follows the route of the former Macclesfield, Bollington and Marple Railway, and runs from Rose Hill Marple railway station in Stockport to Macclesfield station in the centre of the Cheshire town. The final stage of improvements, completed with support from active transport charity, Sustrans, included upgraded crossing points and a widened footpath near Macclesfield town centre, as well as improved access to the station.

The traffic-free route aims to encourage more people to explore the countryside of Cheshire and part of Stockport along the edge of the Peak District, as well as offering an safer active travel route for commuters: the Middlewood Way includes direct access to AstraZeneca’s manufacturing facility in Macclesfield.

The Middlewood Way was created with support from Sustrans, as part of the National Cycle Network. The improvements that have been made on this transformative scheme were funded by the Department for Transport as part of a national programme led by Sustrans to raise the quality of the National Cycle Network and create accessible paths for everyone. There was also additional funding from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. 

An opening event yesterday was held by Cheshire East Council to mark the completion of work along its 11-mile length.

Rosslyn Colderley, director for Sustrans in the North of England and who attended the event alongside representatives from Cheshire East Council, said:

“I’m delighted these improvements on the Middlewood Way are now complete. The new crossing points and shared use path are key to enabling people in wheelchairs, mobility scooters and other mobility aids to safely accessing this beautiful route, as well as those on foot or bike. 

“It’s a beautiful path for leisure and also a practical, direct route for people to travel in a healthier way to work, school or to the shops. 

“The Middlewood Way is part of the National Cycle Network. Sustrans is working across the UK to improve the quality of the network and create paths that everyone can enjoy, whatever their age or ability.”