Macclesfield Forest is a diverse region located near Macclesfield in Cheshire, offering a varied landscape of woodlands, moorland, and several reservoirs. This area, a remnant of the ancient Royal Forest, provides a rich environment for outdoor pursuits. Its varied terrain, ranging from 738 to 1,558 feet (225 to 475 meters) in elevation, makes it suitable for several sports like hiking, road cycling, mountain biking, jogging, and more. The natural features of Macclesfield Forest, including dense woodlands and open moorland, contribute…
131
Routes
4.6
(698)
Average rating
8681
People visited

4.4
(40)
281
riders
29.4km
02:42
750m
750m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

4.0
(2)
6
riders
9.21km
00:51
240m
240m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(15)
145
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

4.5
(22)
213
riders
16.3km
01:39
480m
480m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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4.7
(28)
288
hikers
7.96km
02:26
290m
290m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.6
(33)
258
hikers
6.04km
01:45
160m
160m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(70)
437
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(61)
422
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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14
riders
60.5km
03:14
940m
940m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(1)
204
riders
99.6km
05:35
1,900m
1,900m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

5.0
(1)
161
riders
48.9km
02:06
280m
280m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(1)
122
riders
56.9km
02:22
310m
310m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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244
riders
25.9km
02:28
700m
700m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

13
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

3.0
(1)
8
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

3.0
(1)
8
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.9
(10)
173
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
50
runners
6.37km
00:47
200m
200m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

43
runners
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

30
runners
5.36km
00:38
170m
170m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.0
(7)
58
riders
37.7km
02:05
200m
200m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
8
riders
41.9km
02:50
910m
910m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(3)
14
riders
24.2km
01:24
120m
120m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

10
riders
28.3km
01:50
540m
540m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Macclesfield Forest offers a variety of outdoor activities including Hiking, Road cycling, Mountain biking, Jogging, Touring cycling, and Gravel biking. The area features diverse landscapes of woodlands, moorland, and reservoirs. Over 90,000 visitors have explored its more than 90 routes.
Macclesfield Forest provides extensive walking routes, from gentle paths around Ridgegate Reservoir to more challenging uphill trails. Popular options include marked routes of varying lengths, such as the 1-mile (1km) yellow route or the 5-mile (9km) red route. For specific recommendations, explore komoot's Easy hikes around Macclesfield Forest guide.
Yes, Macclesfield Forest is well-regarded for mountain biking, offering a network of trails through woodlands, past reservoirs, and over rolling hills. Trails like "Charity Lane" and "Macc Forest DH Main Line" provide varied terrain. More information can be found in the MTB Trails around Macclesfield Forest guide.
Macclesfield Forest offers road cycling opportunities, including concessionary bridle paths that provide scenic views of the forest and surrounding areas. New routes are continually being added, encompassing areas like Wildboarclough. Refer to the Road Cycling Routes around Macclesfield Forest guide for detailed options.
Yes, Macclesfield Forest offers routes suitable for all fitness levels, including easy-access options around Ridgegate Reservoir. The area has specific guides for less strenuous activities. Consult the Family-friendly hikes around Macclesfield Forest and Easy hikes around Macclesfield Forest guides for suitable trails.
The forest spans over 1,025 acres, encompassing woodlands, moorland, and four significant reservoirs: Trentabank, Ridgegate, Teggsnose, and Bottoms. Trentabank Reservoir hosts the largest heronry in the Peak District, with approximately 22 nests. The area also features remnants of a red deer herd and historical sites like the Dimples Farm Ruins.
Yes, many trails in Macclesfield Forest, particularly the more challenging uphill paths, offer panoramic views. These vistas extend across the Peak District and towards Cheshire's highest point, Shining Tor. The varied elevation, ranging from 738 to 1,558 feet (225 to 475 meters), contributes to these scenic opportunities.
Macclesfield Forest generally welcomes dogs, but specific rules may apply in certain areas, especially around wildlife habitats or livestock. It is advisable to keep dogs under control, often on a leash. For dog-friendly options, refer to the Dog-friendly hikes around Macclesfield Forest guide.
Yes, parking facilities are available within Macclesfield Forest, typically near popular trailheads and visitor centers. Specific car park locations can be identified when planning a route. It is recommended to check local signage for any parking fees or restrictions.
Macclesfield Forest is a popular destination, with over 90,000 visitors having shared their experiences on komoot. The region's 91 routes have an average rating of 4.65 out of 5 stars from more than 8,600 ratings. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among outdoor enthusiasts.
Komoot offers several guides for Macclesfield Forest, covering various activities and interests. These include Family-friendly hikes, Road Cycling Routes, MTB Trails, and Dog-friendly hikes. Other guides cover easy hikes, traffic-free bike rides, running trails, and hikes from bus stations.
For general enquiries regarding Macclesfield Forest, United Utilities can be contacted at 0345 672 3723. For advice about access to Macclesfield Forest, the Peak District National Park Authority warden for Macclesfield Forest can be reached at 01260 252832. The official website is www.unitedutilities.com/macclesfield-forest.

