This 36 mile ride isn’t the simplest to navigate but allow yourself to tolerate its inconvenience by relishing the satisfaction that this long day in the saddle will bring you.

From the Antrobus Arms cross the main road and go down Wheatsheaf Lane before reaching the very impressive Marbury Country Park which has to be the flagship of the Mersey Forest and a fine example of community woodlands. Follow route 5 for almost all of the route. Join the joyous Weaver Way on the banks of the river’s namesake where you will experience several miles of good off road cycling passing through Vale Royal locks en route.  Reluctantly leave this after about 10 miles.  Cycle on through the lanes until you take a sharp right turn onto a track, then a field (maybe on foot through here) which leads you to Hopley House cafe and farm shop.   It’s good here and you can rest a while and have a cuppa.

 Reach Middlewich and cycle along the canal at Kings Lock. It’s only a short burst beside the water and shortly after go left up Kings Lane. After this the ride typifies Cheshire at it’s very best. It’s small wonder that part of this route carries the inviting title of ‘biking the  backroads ’ as you pedal sedately through attractive villages such as Moston, Allostock,  Plumley, Birley ,Pickmere,Wincham and Great  Bedworth, past the ice cream farm and eventually back to the pub.