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Middlewood Way – Midshires Way Bridleway loop from Heaton Chapel

Middlewood Way – Midshires Way Bridleway loop from Heaton Chapel

Moderate

4.7

(7)

riders

Middlewood Way – Midshires Way Bridleway loop from Heaton Chapel

02:08

36.1km

230m

Gravel riding

Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: June 20, 2026

Tips

Includes segments that go up or down a series of steps

You may need to carry your bike.

After 42 m for 19 m

After 36.1 km for 19 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

5.99 km

The Alan Newton Way

Highlight • Cycleway

Alan Newton Way is named after Stockport's Olympic medal winning cyclist. The Way provides a safe off road route from Marple to Stockport via the Goyt Valley and towards the town centre.

Tip by

9.77 km

Chadkirk Bridge

Highlight • River

friendsofchadkirk.wordpress.com/tag/chadkirk-bridge

Tip by

17.4 km

Old Higher Poynton Railway Station Picnic Area

Highlight • Cycleway

Great place for a picnic.

Tip by

18.1 km

Middlewood Way is an 11-mile (16-km) traffic-free greenway linking Macclesfield and Marple.

This mostly flat route winds through fields and small towns like Bollington. While not as scenic as trails like Tissington, it’s still a charming ride. Shared with walkers and horse riders, some sections require caution and slower speeds due to limited space.

In wet weather expect muddy conditions, with a slick surface that can leave you messy. In dry weather, the hardpack path offers a smooth and enjoyable ride.

Tip by

18.6 km

Higher Poynton Station (disused) and the Middlewood Way

Highlight • Settlement

The station closed in January 1970, when the line between Macclesfield and Marple closed; the buildings were demolished and the track lifted by the end of spring 1971. The station site now forms a car park and picnic site on the Middlewood Way

Tip by

20.3 km

Middlewood Way

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

Sensitively reclaimed from a former railway line to provide a natural attraction for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and nature lovers. An 11 mile (16km), traffic-free greenway from Macclesfield to Marple on the Peak Park fringe with car parking, toilets and information points, with fine views over the Cheshire Plain to the west.

The Middlewood Way follows the line of the former Macclesfield, Bollington and Marple Railway through picturesque Cheshire countryside and between historic mill towns. For much of its length, the Middlewood Way runs close to the Macclesfield Canal, and there are many options for easy circular walks. For the more adventurous, the extensive public footpath network reaches into the Peak District Foothills to the east and the Cheshire Plain to the west.

Tip by

21.0 km

Middlewood Way High Lane Station

Highlight • Rest Area

Nice surface to ride on & not too busy.

Tip by

28.6 km

Midshires Way Bridleway

Highlight • Cycleway

This cracking gravel trail takes you through some pretty countryside between Stockport and Marple. With horses in the fields and a sense of tranquility pervading, it may feel like you’re a long way from the urban landscape.

Tip by

36.1 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

15.5 km

7.42 km

5.83 km

5.76 km

1.61 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

15.4 km

8.64 km

5.97 km

5.76 km

213 m

102 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (150 m)

Lowest point (40 m)

Weather

Saturday 11 July

27°C

16°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 20.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Middlewood Way – Midshires Way Bridleway loop from Heaton Chapel

The Alan Newton Way

Chadkirk Bridge

Old Higher Poynton Railway Station Picnic Area

Middlewood Way

Higher Poynton Station (disused) and the Middlewood Way

Middlewood Way

Middlewood Way High Lane Station

Midshires Way Bridleway

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