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
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⚠️ Canal & River Trust have confirmed to me that the Peak Forest Canal towpath between Marple and Disley will now remain closed right through to 30th January 2025.
Wholly understandable, the work is vital, but it remains a huge inconvenience to those of us who rely on the path as a transport route.
Wholly understandable, the work is vital, but it remains a huge inconvenience to those of us who rely on the path as a transport route.
Note that a now seemingly annual mega noisy tractor parade is happening today looping through High Lane, Marple, Strines, New Mills, Hayfield, Disley. Organised for the great cause that is The Christie cancer care. Embrace it or go elsewhere!
And here is an unrelated article.
And here is an unrelated article.
Air pollution causing 1,100 cases a year of main form of lung cancer in UK
Exclusive: Health experts and cancer charities say findings should serve as wake-up call to ministers
www.theguardian.com
December 28, 2025 at 10:04 AM
Note that a now seemingly annual mega noisy tractor parade is happening today looping through High Lane, Marple, Strines, New Mills, Hayfield, Disley. Organised for the great cause that is The Christie cancer care. Embrace it or go elsewhere!
And here is an unrelated article.
And here is an unrelated article.
Reposted by Peaks & Puddles 🚲
It’s not every day that a path near my home makes a major political announcement and national news… but the “Mersey Valley Way” has that honour this Boxing Day. /1
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
First of nine new river walks in England announced for north-west
Mersey Valley Way takes in Manchester and Stockport on its 13-mile route with other walks to be identified in 2026
www.theguardian.com
December 26, 2025 at 11:14 PM
It’s not every day that a path near my home makes a major political announcement and national news… but the “Mersey Valley Way” has that honour this Boxing Day. /1
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Tea towels for all the Cheshire towns at the Treacle Market today.
December 21, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Tea towels for all the Cheshire towns at the Treacle Market today.
⚠️ Canal & River Trust have confirmed to me that the Peak Forest Canal towpath between Marple and Disley will now remain closed right through to 30th January 2025.
Wholly understandable, the work is vital, but it remains a huge inconvenience to those of us who rely on the path as a transport route.
Wholly understandable, the work is vital, but it remains a huge inconvenience to those of us who rely on the path as a transport route.
December 19, 2025 at 11:06 AM
⚠️ Canal & River Trust have confirmed to me that the Peak Forest Canal towpath between Marple and Disley will now remain closed right through to 30th January 2025.
Wholly understandable, the work is vital, but it remains a huge inconvenience to those of us who rely on the path as a transport route.
Wholly understandable, the work is vital, but it remains a huge inconvenience to those of us who rely on the path as a transport route.
Heard the canal towpath at Strines Aqueduct may be open?
But the CRT stoppage page also states due to towpath side walls being in far worse state work will now continue to 30th January (half expected would happen 🙁): canalrivertrust.org.uk/notices/0196...
Anyone been along lately?
But the CRT stoppage page also states due to towpath side walls being in far worse state work will now continue to 30th January (half expected would happen 🙁): canalrivertrust.org.uk/notices/0196...
Anyone been along lately?
⛔️ Peak Forest Canal: vital towpath cycle route closed for many weeks south of Marple
Maps, tips, problems, end date. 👇
Maps, tips, problems, end date. 👇
Peak Forest Canal: vital towpath cycle route closed
A complete closure of the Peak Forest Canal towpath south of Marple is in place for many weeks ahead, blocking a vital safe route for cycling between
www.peaksandpuddles.com
December 15, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Heard the canal towpath at Strines Aqueduct may be open?
But the CRT stoppage page also states due to towpath side walls being in far worse state work will now continue to 30th January (half expected would happen 🙁): canalrivertrust.org.uk/notices/0196...
Anyone been along lately?
But the CRT stoppage page also states due to towpath side walls being in far worse state work will now continue to 30th January (half expected would happen 🙁): canalrivertrust.org.uk/notices/0196...
Anyone been along lately?
Not again, New Mills! 🎄🚲
(Fond memories of the Christmas I got verbally abused by former local cllr on Twitter for daring to suggest putting pointless metal barriers around the only cycle stands when local businesses need supporting is A Bit Bloody Stupid. These are unfixed and can be moved, but…🤷♂️)
(Fond memories of the Christmas I got verbally abused by former local cllr on Twitter for daring to suggest putting pointless metal barriers around the only cycle stands when local businesses need supporting is A Bit Bloody Stupid. These are unfixed and can be moved, but…🤷♂️)
December 14, 2025 at 11:34 AM
Not again, New Mills! 🎄🚲
(Fond memories of the Christmas I got verbally abused by former local cllr on Twitter for daring to suggest putting pointless metal barriers around the only cycle stands when local businesses need supporting is A Bit Bloody Stupid. These are unfixed and can be moved, but…🤷♂️)
(Fond memories of the Christmas I got verbally abused by former local cllr on Twitter for daring to suggest putting pointless metal barriers around the only cycle stands when local businesses need supporting is A Bit Bloody Stupid. These are unfixed and can be moved, but…🤷♂️)
A new addition to the Peak District cycle parking map! Brill work and thank you - perfect coffee stop on the Cheshire Mountains of Macclesfield now.
Earlier in the year I had a chat to the Ranger up at Teggs Nose Country Park. This resulted in me sending him an email with design and siting ideas for better bike stands. He's just emailed me with photos of what he's installed. Cracking job! @owlernook.bsky.social more good news!
December 12, 2025 at 5:01 PM
A new addition to the Peak District cycle parking map! Brill work and thank you - perfect coffee stop on the Cheshire Mountains of Macclesfield now.
Crowden Clough to Ringing Roger refreshing the soul today.
December 11, 2025 at 7:08 PM
Crowden Clough to Ringing Roger refreshing the soul today.
One person can’t oppose £1 billion’s worth of destructive roadbuilding. Surely this isn’t the future we want.
Please do all you can to raise awareness and respond!
Please do all you can to raise awareness and respond!
🙌 Together we need to do all we can to raise alarm and rally opposition to more roads giving us more traffic, in even more sensitive areas.
✍️ Tell everyone, especially organisations, to prepare their responses.
💬 Do it yourself now in 2mins: (Delivery Plan, Map 3) www.gmconsult.org/transport/tr...
✍️ Tell everyone, especially organisations, to prepare their responses.
💬 Do it yourself now in 2mins: (Delivery Plan, Map 3) www.gmconsult.org/transport/tr...
December 11, 2025 at 6:53 PM
One person can’t oppose £1 billion’s worth of destructive roadbuilding. Surely this isn’t the future we want.
Please do all you can to raise awareness and respond!
Please do all you can to raise awareness and respond!
Reposted by Peaks & Puddles 🚲
🚨🚗💨 Thanks to Andy Burnham’s Greater Manchester, foothills and valleys of the Peak District fringe face the gravest threat of our lifetimes from huge new roadbuilding.
Two severely harmful old road proposals have been dug up for TfGM’s 2050 transport plan.
But you can choose a different way. 🌳👇
Two severely harmful old road proposals have been dug up for TfGM’s 2050 transport plan.
But you can choose a different way. 🌳👇
December 10, 2025 at 10:34 AM
🚨🚗💨 Thanks to Andy Burnham’s Greater Manchester, foothills and valleys of the Peak District fringe face the gravest threat of our lifetimes from huge new roadbuilding.
Two severely harmful old road proposals have been dug up for TfGM’s 2050 transport plan.
But you can choose a different way. 🌳👇
Two severely harmful old road proposals have been dug up for TfGM’s 2050 transport plan.
But you can choose a different way. 🌳👇
🚨🚗💨 Thanks to Andy Burnham’s Greater Manchester, foothills and valleys of the Peak District fringe face the gravest threat of our lifetimes from huge new roadbuilding.
Two severely harmful old road proposals have been dug up for TfGM’s 2050 transport plan.
But you can choose a different way. 🌳👇
Two severely harmful old road proposals have been dug up for TfGM’s 2050 transport plan.
But you can choose a different way. 🌳👇
December 10, 2025 at 10:34 AM
🚨🚗💨 Thanks to Andy Burnham’s Greater Manchester, foothills and valleys of the Peak District fringe face the gravest threat of our lifetimes from huge new roadbuilding.
Two severely harmful old road proposals have been dug up for TfGM’s 2050 transport plan.
But you can choose a different way. 🌳👇
Two severely harmful old road proposals have been dug up for TfGM’s 2050 transport plan.
But you can choose a different way. 🌳👇
Pivot! The Greater Manchester Transport 2050 consultation is now finally live and in the Delivery Plan doc an A6 High Lane and Disley bypass is no longer “promoted by Cheshire East.” 🤭
*Of course* it was only ever a Stockport Council Highways pipe dream.
www.gmconsult.org/transport/tr...
*Of course* it was only ever a Stockport Council Highways pipe dream.
www.gmconsult.org/transport/tr...
December 9, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Pivot! The Greater Manchester Transport 2050 consultation is now finally live and in the Delivery Plan doc an A6 High Lane and Disley bypass is no longer “promoted by Cheshire East.” 🤭
*Of course* it was only ever a Stockport Council Highways pipe dream.
www.gmconsult.org/transport/tr...
*Of course* it was only ever a Stockport Council Highways pipe dream.
www.gmconsult.org/transport/tr...
TfGM‘s Head of Strategic Planning has confirmed to me the surprisingly defined line of a High Lane and Disley bypass will be updated to a vague arrow in their final Transport Plan Draft.
Consultation - and the fight against such ridiculously counterproductive roadbuilding plans - now begins Monday.
Consultation - and the fight against such ridiculously counterproductive roadbuilding plans - now begins Monday.
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.
December 4, 2025 at 11:52 AM
TfGM‘s Head of Strategic Planning has confirmed to me the surprisingly defined line of a High Lane and Disley bypass will be updated to a vague arrow in their final Transport Plan Draft.
Consultation - and the fight against such ridiculously counterproductive roadbuilding plans - now begins Monday.
Consultation - and the fight against such ridiculously counterproductive roadbuilding plans - now begins Monday.
Oh good, another Transport Plan. Seems to lack any specific targets and vague on whether ever-increasing private car journeys are actually bad.
“Road transport is an important part of our mix. 62% of journeys to work under 6 miles are done by car.”
www.eastmidlands-cca.gov.uk/mayors-trans...
“Road transport is an important part of our mix. 62% of journeys to work under 6 miles are done by car.”
www.eastmidlands-cca.gov.uk/mayors-trans...
The East Midlands mayor has launched an important consultation on transport matters entitled "The Mayor's Big Transport Conversation"
You can have your say by accessing it here...
chinleybuxworthtg.co.uk/blogs/the-ea...
@whaleychronicle.bsky.social @paultattam.bsky.social @peaksandpuddles.com
You can have your say by accessing it here...
chinleybuxworthtg.co.uk/blogs/the-ea...
@whaleychronicle.bsky.social @paultattam.bsky.social @peaksandpuddles.com
November 29, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Oh good, another Transport Plan. Seems to lack any specific targets and vague on whether ever-increasing private car journeys are actually bad.
“Road transport is an important part of our mix. 62% of journeys to work under 6 miles are done by car.”
www.eastmidlands-cca.gov.uk/mayors-trans...
“Road transport is an important part of our mix. 62% of journeys to work under 6 miles are done by car.”
www.eastmidlands-cca.gov.uk/mayors-trans...
Reposted by Peaks & Puddles 🚲
Compare and contrast the Government language.
£3,750 EV grant on a £35k car: ‘helping families’.
Cycle to Work: ‘subsidising leisure’.
And yet cycling delivers TEN TIMES the impact of electric cars for reaching net zero. It’s almost like narrative, not data, is driving policy.
£3,750 EV grant on a £35k car: ‘helping families’.
Cycle to Work: ‘subsidising leisure’.
And yet cycling delivers TEN TIMES the impact of electric cars for reaching net zero. It’s almost like narrative, not data, is driving policy.
November 21, 2025 at 9:45 AM
Compare and contrast the Government language.
£3,750 EV grant on a £35k car: ‘helping families’.
Cycle to Work: ‘subsidising leisure’.
And yet cycling delivers TEN TIMES the impact of electric cars for reaching net zero. It’s almost like narrative, not data, is driving policy.
£3,750 EV grant on a £35k car: ‘helping families’.
Cycle to Work: ‘subsidising leisure’.
And yet cycling delivers TEN TIMES the impact of electric cars for reaching net zero. It’s almost like narrative, not data, is driving policy.
Why is Greater Manchester putting two hugely destructive greenbelt road building projects back on the agenda, ploughing even more traffic into the Peak?
Let’s call it Andy Burnham’s Big Greenbelt Roadbuilding Plan. Down with the Clean Air Zone signs, in with the diggers. @andyburnham.bsky.social
Let’s call it Andy Burnham’s Big Greenbelt Roadbuilding Plan. Down with the Clean Air Zone signs, in with the diggers. @andyburnham.bsky.social
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 20, 2025 at 10:18 AM
Why is Greater Manchester putting two hugely destructive greenbelt road building projects back on the agenda, ploughing even more traffic into the Peak?
Let’s call it Andy Burnham’s Big Greenbelt Roadbuilding Plan. Down with the Clean Air Zone signs, in with the diggers. @andyburnham.bsky.social
Let’s call it Andy Burnham’s Big Greenbelt Roadbuilding Plan. Down with the Clean Air Zone signs, in with the diggers. @andyburnham.bsky.social
⚠️ Strines, Disley, Newtown, New Mills, Furness Vale:
Greater Manchester is looking to resurrect the long-dead A6 High Lane and Disley bypass which would utterly trash the Goyt valley and only make traffic worse and more harmful to this area.
Greater Manchester is looking to resurrect the long-dead A6 High Lane and Disley bypass which would utterly trash the Goyt valley and only make traffic worse and more harmful to this area.
The draft GM 2050 Transport Strategy is out. It's 272 pages so forgive the focus on one detail.
In the map of long-term transport priorities, two ancient road schemes just won't die. The A6–M60 bypass and, somehow, the Disley and High Lane Bypass, which has been dead 30 years.
In the map of long-term transport priorities, two ancient road schemes just won't die. The A6–M60 bypass and, somehow, the Disley and High Lane Bypass, which has been dead 30 years.
November 19, 2025 at 10:31 AM
⚠️ Strines, Disley, Newtown, New Mills, Furness Vale:
Greater Manchester is looking to resurrect the long-dead A6 High Lane and Disley bypass which would utterly trash the Goyt valley and only make traffic worse and more harmful to this area.
Greater Manchester is looking to resurrect the long-dead A6 High Lane and Disley bypass which would utterly trash the Goyt valley and only make traffic worse and more harmful to this area.
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...
Reposted by Peaks & Puddles 🚲
I FOI'd English councils whether they use legal land purchase powers to create traffic-free paths. Just 1% said they have successfully.
Why is something that's so common for roads almost never done for cycle routes? And what does it mean for cycling?
lauralaker.substack.com/p/cycleways-...
Why is something that's so common for roads almost never done for cycle routes? And what does it mean for cycling?
lauralaker.substack.com/p/cycleways-...
November 13, 2025 at 2:18 PM
I FOI'd English councils whether they use legal land purchase powers to create traffic-free paths. Just 1% said they have successfully.
Why is something that's so common for roads almost never done for cycle routes? And what does it mean for cycling?
lauralaker.substack.com/p/cycleways-...
Why is something that's so common for roads almost never done for cycle routes? And what does it mean for cycling?
lauralaker.substack.com/p/cycleways-...
Our green and industrious Peak borderlands featured in the Guardian! And if you’d like to explore by bike instead, that’s where peaksandpuddles.com/cycle-routes comes in handy.
From Steel City to Cottonopolis: a new walking trail through a post-industrial Peak District
The nostalgic Steel Cotton Rail Trail between Sheffield and Manchester has 14 day-length sections, with walks for urban explorers and summit-bagging hikers alike
www.theguardian.com
November 11, 2025 at 11:43 PM
Our green and industrious Peak borderlands featured in the Guardian! And if you’d like to explore by bike instead, that’s where peaksandpuddles.com/cycle-routes comes in handy.
Reposted by Peaks & Puddles 🚲
Back in 2020, Stockport Council consulted on a walking and cycling scheme along (or occasionally parallel to) the A34. It was a mixed bag, but local campaigners supported it with several caveats.
It’s back for another consultation – because part of the scheme is being dropped.
It’s back for another consultation – because part of the scheme is being dropped.
November 9, 2025 at 1:12 PM
Back in 2020, Stockport Council consulted on a walking and cycling scheme along (or occasionally parallel to) the A34. It was a mixed bag, but local campaigners supported it with several caveats.
It’s back for another consultation – because part of the scheme is being dropped.
It’s back for another consultation – because part of the scheme is being dropped.
⛔️ Peak Forest Canal: vital towpath cycle route closed for many weeks south of Marple
Maps, tips, problems, end date. 👇
Maps, tips, problems, end date. 👇
Peak Forest Canal: vital towpath cycle route closed
A complete closure of the Peak Forest Canal towpath south of Marple is in place for many weeks ahead, blocking a vital safe route for cycling between
www.peaksandpuddles.com
November 8, 2025 at 9:23 AM
⛔️ Peak Forest Canal: vital towpath cycle route closed for many weeks south of Marple
Maps, tips, problems, end date. 👇
Maps, tips, problems, end date. 👇
Reposted by Peaks & Puddles 🚲
Another fantastic Farming in Protected Landscapes #FiPL funded project. 👏
These lovely new gates at Ringstones Clough & Stoneheads are now in place which will make things much easier for walkers, runners, mountain bikers & horse riders who use this ancient route between Whaley & Furness Vale. 🥾🚲🐴
These lovely new gates at Ringstones Clough & Stoneheads are now in place which will make things much easier for walkers, runners, mountain bikers & horse riders who use this ancient route between Whaley & Furness Vale. 🥾🚲🐴
November 5, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Another fantastic Farming in Protected Landscapes #FiPL funded project. 👏
These lovely new gates at Ringstones Clough & Stoneheads are now in place which will make things much easier for walkers, runners, mountain bikers & horse riders who use this ancient route between Whaley & Furness Vale. 🥾🚲🐴
These lovely new gates at Ringstones Clough & Stoneheads are now in place which will make things much easier for walkers, runners, mountain bikers & horse riders who use this ancient route between Whaley & Furness Vale. 🥾🚲🐴
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.)