Peaks & Puddles 🚲
@peaksandpuddles.com
Peak District cycling. Cycle routes, active travel news & local exploring in the Peak edges of Derbyshire, Cheshire & Greater Manchester, where Stockport meets the High Peak • Anthony 👋 peaksandpuddles.com
And sorry this isn’t the fun Peak District cycling content you signed up for! But hopefully the relevance and implications are obvious.
These roads would cost £1bn. Any money and time spent furthering them could be spent on genuine solutions to reduce private car need and enable active lives.
These roads would cost £1bn. Any money and time spent furthering them could be spent on genuine solutions to reduce private car need and enable active lives.
December 4, 2025 at 12:48 PM
And sorry this isn’t the fun Peak District cycling content you signed up for! But hopefully the relevance and implications are obvious.
These roads would cost £1bn. Any money and time spent furthering them could be spent on genuine solutions to reduce private car need and enable active lives.
These roads would cost £1bn. Any money and time spent furthering them could be spent on genuine solutions to reduce private car need and enable active lives.
*Statements directly lifted from the A6 Corridor Study of ten years ago (p194). www.highpeak.gov.uk/media/1620/M...
It’s a fun read (trust me) that proposes loads of other sensible interventions while discounting a bypass idea. Let’s see how many have been achieved since… (yet bypass talk returns!)
It’s a fun read (trust me) that proposes loads of other sensible interventions while discounting a bypass idea. Let’s see how many have been achieved since… (yet bypass talk returns!)
December 4, 2025 at 12:33 PM
*Statements directly lifted from the A6 Corridor Study of ten years ago (p194). www.highpeak.gov.uk/media/1620/M...
It’s a fun read (trust me) that proposes loads of other sensible interventions while discounting a bypass idea. Let’s see how many have been achieved since… (yet bypass talk returns!)
It’s a fun read (trust me) that proposes loads of other sensible interventions while discounting a bypass idea. Let’s see how many have been achieved since… (yet bypass talk returns!)
TfGM state it’s “promoted by Cheshire East” but they seem to disagree.
”Cheshire East Council has not formally sought … provision of a bypass of Disley. The last time this issue was raised was … several years ago and this was never adopted by the Council”
www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/a6_h...
”Cheshire East Council has not formally sought … provision of a bypass of Disley. The last time this issue was raised was … several years ago and this was never adopted by the Council”
www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/a6_h...
December 4, 2025 at 12:06 PM
TfGM state it’s “promoted by Cheshire East” but they seem to disagree.
”Cheshire East Council has not formally sought … provision of a bypass of Disley. The last time this issue was raised was … several years ago and this was never adopted by the Council”
www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/a6_h...
”Cheshire East Council has not formally sought … provision of a bypass of Disley. The last time this issue was raised was … several years ago and this was never adopted by the Council”
www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/a6_h...
Been to a good one today! 🥰
November 24, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Been to a good one today! 🥰
Dark spaces atop Marple Ridge, defining the fringe of Greater Manchester with views of the Peak District?
No thanks, let’s have the headlights and din of another A6, cutting through ancient woodland, climbing 100 metres from the valley below.
Not everything from the 90s deserves to come back.
No thanks, let’s have the headlights and din of another A6, cutting through ancient woodland, climbing 100 metres from the valley below.
Not everything from the 90s deserves to come back.
November 23, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Dark spaces atop Marple Ridge, defining the fringe of Greater Manchester with views of the Peak District?
No thanks, let’s have the headlights and din of another A6, cutting through ancient woodland, climbing 100 metres from the valley below.
Not everything from the 90s deserves to come back.
No thanks, let’s have the headlights and din of another A6, cutting through ancient woodland, climbing 100 metres from the valley below.
Not everything from the 90s deserves to come back.
Peak Forest Canal clinging to the hillside at its Grade II listed Hagg Bank Bridge. If I had one dream for sustainable transport and reducing car use it would be to plow a huge new road right through here, roaring down into the valley.
All set to be endorsed by @andyburnham.bsky.social this week.
All set to be endorsed by @andyburnham.bsky.social this week.
November 23, 2025 at 7:38 PM
Peak Forest Canal clinging to the hillside at its Grade II listed Hagg Bank Bridge. If I had one dream for sustainable transport and reducing car use it would be to plow a huge new road right through here, roaring down into the valley.
All set to be endorsed by @andyburnham.bsky.social this week.
All set to be endorsed by @andyburnham.bsky.social this week.
Don’t know about anyone else, but what I’ve always thought this 200 year old, Grade II listed bridge over the River Goyt is missing is a monstrous new concrete bridge screaming above it. Probably continuing on stilts because it’s essential floodplain.
Am I right Andy? @andyburnham.bsky.social
Am I right Andy? @andyburnham.bsky.social
November 23, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Don’t know about anyone else, but what I’ve always thought this 200 year old, Grade II listed bridge over the River Goyt is missing is a monstrous new concrete bridge screaming above it. Probably continuing on stilts because it’s essential floodplain.
Am I right Andy? @andyburnham.bsky.social
Am I right Andy? @andyburnham.bsky.social
You can find the 1990s plans here (downloads): archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/library/brow...
November 19, 2025 at 5:57 PM
You can find the 1990s plans here (downloads): archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/library/brow...
Here's how that 'High Lane and Disley bypass' looks in the landscape.
For an indicative route it is oddly specific - and different to any of the routes last proposed in the 90s. Bear in mind that Disley Golf Club is atop a very visible hill and between Disley and Strines is a green, deep valley.
For an indicative route it is oddly specific - and different to any of the routes last proposed in the 90s. Bear in mind that Disley Golf Club is atop a very visible hill and between Disley and Strines is a green, deep valley.
November 19, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Here's how that 'High Lane and Disley bypass' looks in the landscape.
For an indicative route it is oddly specific - and different to any of the routes last proposed in the 90s. Bear in mind that Disley Golf Club is atop a very visible hill and between Disley and Strines is a green, deep valley.
For an indicative route it is oddly specific - and different to any of the routes last proposed in the 90s. Bear in mind that Disley Golf Club is atop a very visible hill and between Disley and Strines is a green, deep valley.
Remember the trail alongside Fernilee Reservoir with the rogue ‘no cycling’ signs? Brought to my attention someone has now started a petition to make the 3-4m wide route a footpath only to prevent cycling, not permissive bridleway as Peak National Park are pursuing.
The petition has… 13 signatures.
The petition has… 13 signatures.
November 17, 2025 at 4:27 PM
Remember the trail alongside Fernilee Reservoir with the rogue ‘no cycling’ signs? Brought to my attention someone has now started a petition to make the 3-4m wide route a footpath only to prevent cycling, not permissive bridleway as Peak National Park are pursuing.
The petition has… 13 signatures.
The petition has… 13 signatures.
⛔️ Don’t forget, a small section of Middlewood Way north of Bollington is now closed to next Wednesday 26th November for resurfacing. Cheshire East have put an alert online saying bikes can be pushed along the top path.
Last redone 2020, photo from 2022.
www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/leisure,_cul...
Last redone 2020, photo from 2022.
www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/leisure,_cul...
November 17, 2025 at 10:43 AM
⛔️ Don’t forget, a small section of Middlewood Way north of Bollington is now closed to next Wednesday 26th November for resurfacing. Cheshire East have put an alert online saying bikes can be pushed along the top path.
Last redone 2020, photo from 2022.
www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/leisure,_cul...
Last redone 2020, photo from 2022.
www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/leisure,_cul...
As I predicted, the gate at Turf Lea Farm was locked again as of Wednesday leaving just the squeeze gap. This is the only way off the canal towpath at the closure point.
There is still no indication of the closure further back in either direction to warn people and allow them to divert off sooner.
There is still no indication of the closure further back in either direction to warn people and allow them to divert off sooner.
November 7, 2025 at 7:00 PM
As I predicted, the gate at Turf Lea Farm was locked again as of Wednesday leaving just the squeeze gap. This is the only way off the canal towpath at the closure point.
There is still no indication of the closure further back in either direction to warn people and allow them to divert off sooner.
There is still no indication of the closure further back in either direction to warn people and allow them to divert off sooner.
The work to the canal is clearly necessary and Canal & River Trust wouldn’t so solidly block the towpath unless they needed to.
But in the publicity of such a major inconvenience and provision of a diversion route that is in any way suitable, the councils and CRT have massively failed us.
But in the publicity of such a major inconvenience and provision of a diversion route that is in any way suitable, the councils and CRT have massively failed us.
November 4, 2025 at 12:59 PM
The work to the canal is clearly necessary and Canal & River Trust wouldn’t so solidly block the towpath unless they needed to.
But in the publicity of such a major inconvenience and provision of a diversion route that is in any way suitable, the councils and CRT have massively failed us.
But in the publicity of such a major inconvenience and provision of a diversion route that is in any way suitable, the councils and CRT have massively failed us.
Today I pushed my bike on the long footpath diversion ‘provided’ by Cheshire East and Stockport councils.
A path I know well and in poor condition for walking at the best of times. Muddy slopes, slippy roots, narrow. Gates, a high stile. Nothing has been done to improve it in advance of this work.
A path I know well and in poor condition for walking at the best of times. Muddy slopes, slippy roots, narrow. Gates, a high stile. Nothing has been done to improve it in advance of this work.
November 4, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Today I pushed my bike on the long footpath diversion ‘provided’ by Cheshire East and Stockport councils.
A path I know well and in poor condition for walking at the best of times. Muddy slopes, slippy roots, narrow. Gates, a high stile. Nothing has been done to improve it in advance of this work.
A path I know well and in poor condition for walking at the best of times. Muddy slopes, slippy roots, narrow. Gates, a high stile. Nothing has been done to improve it in advance of this work.
The Peak Forest Canal closure at Turf Lea/Strines just now.
No warning whatsoever from further back until you are right at the bridge at either end. From the Disley side that’s a very lengthy turn back if cycling, having to use part of the A6 and some very hilly rat runs.
No warning whatsoever from further back until you are right at the bridge at either end. From the Disley side that’s a very lengthy turn back if cycling, having to use part of the A6 and some very hilly rat runs.
November 4, 2025 at 12:36 PM
The Peak Forest Canal closure at Turf Lea/Strines just now.
No warning whatsoever from further back until you are right at the bridge at either end. From the Disley side that’s a very lengthy turn back if cycling, having to use part of the A6 and some very hilly rat runs.
No warning whatsoever from further back until you are right at the bridge at either end. From the Disley side that’s a very lengthy turn back if cycling, having to use part of the A6 and some very hilly rat runs.
Lyme at nightfall was quite magical. Sweating up from the west gate in too many layers with too heavy a bag over slippy leaves. The distant lights of the city. A big moon and darkness falling over the moors.
No doubt more nourishing for the soul than Marple Ridge and Jackson’s Edge at rush hour.
No doubt more nourishing for the soul than Marple Ridge and Jackson’s Edge at rush hour.
November 3, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Lyme at nightfall was quite magical. Sweating up from the west gate in too many layers with too heavy a bag over slippy leaves. The distant lights of the city. A big moon and darkness falling over the moors.
No doubt more nourishing for the soul than Marple Ridge and Jackson’s Edge at rush hour.
No doubt more nourishing for the soul than Marple Ridge and Jackson’s Edge at rush hour.
Small but positive change to Lyme Park’s winter opening hours which are extended this year from 4.30 to 5pm.
I risked a longer loop avoiding the canal closure to get back across the borders, and met the friendly ranger coming down to lock up at gone 4.50. (They always lock West gate first.)
I risked a longer loop avoiding the canal closure to get back across the borders, and met the friendly ranger coming down to lock up at gone 4.50. (They always lock West gate first.)
November 3, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Small but positive change to Lyme Park’s winter opening hours which are extended this year from 4.30 to 5pm.
I risked a longer loop avoiding the canal closure to get back across the borders, and met the friendly ranger coming down to lock up at gone 4.50. (They always lock West gate first.)
I risked a longer loop avoiding the canal closure to get back across the borders, and met the friendly ranger coming down to lock up at gone 4.50. (They always lock West gate first.)
⛔️ Peak Forest Canal towpath completely blocked at Turf Lea/Strines for major works. Solid metal fence going up now. No good route Marple-Disley.
Preferable to a collapsed canal but an *unbelievably* inconvenient stretch to close with seemingly little publicity or thought to cycle & wheel diversion.
Preferable to a collapsed canal but an *unbelievably* inconvenient stretch to close with seemingly little publicity or thought to cycle & wheel diversion.
November 3, 2025 at 12:31 PM
⛔️ Peak Forest Canal towpath completely blocked at Turf Lea/Strines for major works. Solid metal fence going up now. No good route Marple-Disley.
Preferable to a collapsed canal but an *unbelievably* inconvenient stretch to close with seemingly little publicity or thought to cycle & wheel diversion.
Preferable to a collapsed canal but an *unbelievably* inconvenient stretch to close with seemingly little publicity or thought to cycle & wheel diversion.
⛔️ Middlewood Way closed north of Bollington 17th-26th November. Where it often gets wet, so very welcome, but awkward to avoid!
Provided you can use steps, the best diversion would be via Macc Canal from Holehouse Ln to Hawthorn Rd. Canal and return to trail is step-free at least and no hills.
Provided you can use steps, the best diversion would be via Macc Canal from Holehouse Ln to Hawthorn Rd. Canal and return to trail is step-free at least and no hills.
October 31, 2025 at 3:44 PM
⛔️ Middlewood Way closed north of Bollington 17th-26th November. Where it often gets wet, so very welcome, but awkward to avoid!
Provided you can use steps, the best diversion would be via Macc Canal from Holehouse Ln to Hawthorn Rd. Canal and return to trail is step-free at least and no hills.
Provided you can use steps, the best diversion would be via Macc Canal from Holehouse Ln to Hawthorn Rd. Canal and return to trail is step-free at least and no hills.
Want to stop at the Post Office? Thank God for the one single Sheffield cycle stand in Hayfield village.
(It’s beside the church.)
More helpful finds like this on my Peak District Cycle Parking Map: www.peaksandpuddles.com/tips/cycle-p...
(It’s beside the church.)
More helpful finds like this on my Peak District Cycle Parking Map: www.peaksandpuddles.com/tips/cycle-p...
October 29, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Want to stop at the Post Office? Thank God for the one single Sheffield cycle stand in Hayfield village.
(It’s beside the church.)
More helpful finds like this on my Peak District Cycle Parking Map: www.peaksandpuddles.com/tips/cycle-p...
(It’s beside the church.)
More helpful finds like this on my Peak District Cycle Parking Map: www.peaksandpuddles.com/tips/cycle-p...
Here comes the colour to light up the dull, grey weather. Thank you, trees.
October 14, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Here comes the colour to light up the dull, grey weather. Thank you, trees.
I thought so, remember when they patched it before?! 😅
October 2, 2025 at 4:04 PM
I thought so, remember when they patched it before?! 😅
Blimey, up Silk Hill?! I did that uphill recently for the first time in years and it’s a horror!
Second Thibault’s comment, the best unofficial way back around the canal bridge will be the ramp into Tesco and a gentler gravel path, avoiding the cobbled horse ramps. I tweaked it recently on OSM.
Second Thibault’s comment, the best unofficial way back around the canal bridge will be the ramp into Tesco and a gentler gravel path, avoiding the cobbled horse ramps. I tweaked it recently on OSM.
October 2, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Blimey, up Silk Hill?! I did that uphill recently for the first time in years and it’s a horror!
Second Thibault’s comment, the best unofficial way back around the canal bridge will be the ramp into Tesco and a gentler gravel path, avoiding the cobbled horse ramps. I tweaked it recently on OSM.
Second Thibault’s comment, the best unofficial way back around the canal bridge will be the ramp into Tesco and a gentler gravel path, avoiding the cobbled horse ramps. I tweaked it recently on OSM.
Your favourite bench on Middlewood Way could soon be just a view of massive greenbelt housing sprawl, under proposals for a new town at Adlington.
Dire implications for surrounding lanes and National Park landscape, especially the Brickworks which would fully become a major east-west traffic route.
Dire implications for surrounding lanes and National Park landscape, especially the Brickworks which would fully become a major east-west traffic route.
October 1, 2025 at 10:05 AM
Your favourite bench on Middlewood Way could soon be just a view of massive greenbelt housing sprawl, under proposals for a new town at Adlington.
Dire implications for surrounding lanes and National Park landscape, especially the Brickworks which would fully become a major east-west traffic route.
Dire implications for surrounding lanes and National Park landscape, especially the Brickworks which would fully become a major east-west traffic route.
September skies over Lyme.
Don’t forget you can still get completely free entry to the house and garden when cycling or using public transport until the end of this month!
www.peaksandpuddles.com/cycle-routes...
Don’t forget you can still get completely free entry to the house and garden when cycling or using public transport until the end of this month!
www.peaksandpuddles.com/cycle-routes...
September 15, 2025 at 12:41 PM
September skies over Lyme.
Don’t forget you can still get completely free entry to the house and garden when cycling or using public transport until the end of this month!
www.peaksandpuddles.com/cycle-routes...
Don’t forget you can still get completely free entry to the house and garden when cycling or using public transport until the end of this month!
www.peaksandpuddles.com/cycle-routes...