| 1. Easy ride from Congleton to Biddulph along Biddulph Valley Way on NCN cycle path. Turn right at Halls Road then Left on to Akesmoor Lane (quiet road). This is when you start your climb. Turn right at Tower Hill road (keep climbing). Turn right at Congleton Road and suck in the air as you gently descend. Fork left at Mow Lane. At bottom of road look for sandy track at 2 o'clock. Climb a little then descend over bumpy terrain (sometime muddy/icey). When you reach Congleton Edge Road head left and descend (quickly - watch ice in Winter). At Biddulph Road head left (main road) then at traffic lights turn right on to Reade's Lane (quiet steep road) which becomes Dial Lane. Look for Gosberryhole Lane on left (you're off road here effectively). There's a short descent then a short climb then a long descent (all pretty bumpy) until you get to Acorn Lane then right on to Weathercock Lane, left on to Crouch Lane, left on to Middle Lane (all quiet roads) then left on to Buxton Road (care traffic) and mostly downhill until your start point.
Allow 2 to 3 hours. Some steep climbs. Can be hairy in Winter. |