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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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
⛔️ Peak Forest Canal: vital towpath cycle route closed for many weeks south of Marple
Maps, tips, problems, end date. 👇
Maps, tips, problems, end date. 👇
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.)
⛔️ 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...
Reposted by Peaks & Puddles 🚲
🚲 Get 10% off your bike hire when you book online this half term with code HALFTERM10 at checkout!
👉 Book now! https://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/bikehire
Valid for all of our Bike Hire Centres at #Ashbourne, #Derwent, and #ParsleyHay with advanced online booking from 18 October until 2 November.
👉 Book now! https://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/bikehire
Valid for all of our Bike Hire Centres at #Ashbourne, #Derwent, and #ParsleyHay with advanced online booking from 18 October until 2 November.
October 29, 2025 at 8:30 AM
🚲 Get 10% off your bike hire when you book online this half term with code HALFTERM10 at checkout!
👉 Book now! https://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/bikehire
Valid for all of our Bike Hire Centres at #Ashbourne, #Derwent, and #ParsleyHay with advanced online booking from 18 October until 2 November.
👉 Book now! https://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/bikehire
Valid for all of our Bike Hire Centres at #Ashbourne, #Derwent, and #ParsleyHay with advanced online booking from 18 October until 2 November.
Thought I’d try requesting a local 20mph limit with Derbyshire Council.
Received a reply from Philip Braisby, ‘Senior Technician - Traffic and Safety’ which basically reads as a copy-paste response that the council will not be implementing 20mph anywhere. They do not believe in it as a concept.
Received a reply from Philip Braisby, ‘Senior Technician - Traffic and Safety’ which basically reads as a copy-paste response that the council will not be implementing 20mph anywhere. They do not believe in it as a concept.
October 28, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Thought I’d try requesting a local 20mph limit with Derbyshire Council.
Received a reply from Philip Braisby, ‘Senior Technician - Traffic and Safety’ which basically reads as a copy-paste response that the council will not be implementing 20mph anywhere. They do not believe in it as a concept.
Received a reply from Philip Braisby, ‘Senior Technician - Traffic and Safety’ which basically reads as a copy-paste response that the council will not be implementing 20mph anywhere. They do not believe in it as a concept.
Imagining Cheshire East’s active travel photo library.
Alt text: A person cycling on the A6 at Disley, teeth gritted, eyes filled with terror, as the unprotected painted lane ends at a pointless traffic island and the speed limit increases to 40mph, an HGV about to swerve into their path.
Alt text: A person cycling on the A6 at Disley, teeth gritted, eyes filled with terror, as the unprotected painted lane ends at a pointless traffic island and the speed limit increases to 40mph, an HGV about to swerve into their path.
Thrilled to discover that CEC is intending spending some of their little funding for active travel on a project to photograph active travel in the area. I suppose it's an easy and uncontroversial way to spend the money.
October 20, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Imagining Cheshire East’s active travel photo library.
Alt text: A person cycling on the A6 at Disley, teeth gritted, eyes filled with terror, as the unprotected painted lane ends at a pointless traffic island and the speed limit increases to 40mph, an HGV about to swerve into their path.
Alt text: A person cycling on the A6 at Disley, teeth gritted, eyes filled with terror, as the unprotected painted lane ends at a pointless traffic island and the speed limit increases to 40mph, an HGV about to swerve into their path.
Good news that Cheshire Wildlife Trust has acquired land between Jenkin Chapel and Lamaload for a second nature reserve in the area. Such a lovely undiscovered part of the Peak but where management has previously failed nature and flood resistance. www.cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/nature-reser...
Aldred's Lea | Cheshire Wildlife Trust
Aldred’s Lea is one of our newest nature reserves, located within a secluded area of the Peak District.
www.cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk
October 18, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Good news that Cheshire Wildlife Trust has acquired land between Jenkin Chapel and Lamaload for a second nature reserve in the area. Such a lovely undiscovered part of the Peak but where management has previously failed nature and flood resistance. www.cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/nature-reser...
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.
Reposted by Peaks & Puddles 🚲
It would be great if we could take a whole country and change the default speed limit to 20mph and then compare it to one left at 30mph. What if it reduced casualties by 25% and with lower risk reduced insurance premiums by £45 a year? Well it did! bit.ly/4gIBPlJ
October 5, 2025 at 7:12 AM
It would be great if we could take a whole country and change the default speed limit to 20mph and then compare it to one left at 30mph. What if it reduced casualties by 25% and with lower risk reduced insurance premiums by £45 a year? Well it did! bit.ly/4gIBPlJ
United Utilties have replied: “We believe that the no cycling signs may have also been installed at the same time [as the new gates], by the [Peak District National Park] staff. The message conveyed by the signs is correct, as the path has never been an official cycle path, as aforementioned.”
Fernilee reservoir old railway trail. If like me you thought the battle for this to be a defacto bridleway was won when the kissing gates were replaced by easy open bridleway gates: no.
The saga continues and we must fight this absolute nonsense from United Utilities and @peakdistrict.bsky.social.
The saga continues and we must fight this absolute nonsense from United Utilities and @peakdistrict.bsky.social.
October 1, 2025 at 4:33 PM
United Utilties have replied: “We believe that the no cycling signs may have also been installed at the same time [as the new gates], by the [Peak District National Park] staff. The message conveyed by the signs is correct, as the path has never been an official cycle path, as aforementioned.”
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.
Headstone, Cressbrook and Litton tunnels on the Monsal Trail will be closed this Wednesday 17th September from 9am to 1pm, due to National Grid works cutting the power supply.
September 15, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Headstone, Cressbrook and Litton tunnels on the Monsal Trail will be closed this Wednesday 17th September from 9am to 1pm, due to National Grid works cutting the power supply.
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...
Winding roads to Windgather
September 12, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Winding roads to Windgather
Reposted by Peaks & Puddles 🚲
Fed up with pavement parking?
We're supporting @livingstreets.bsky.social to show where pavements are used as car parks to the detriment of all who walk/wheel.
Go & take photos (make sure you cover over reg numbers) & upload them to the Living Streets map: lnkd.in/ekEmPn3q
Contribute by 22 Nov
We're supporting @livingstreets.bsky.social to show where pavements are used as car parks to the detriment of all who walk/wheel.
Go & take photos (make sure you cover over reg numbers) & upload them to the Living Streets map: lnkd.in/ekEmPn3q
Contribute by 22 Nov
September 9, 2025 at 10:17 AM
Fed up with pavement parking?
We're supporting @livingstreets.bsky.social to show where pavements are used as car parks to the detriment of all who walk/wheel.
Go & take photos (make sure you cover over reg numbers) & upload them to the Living Streets map: lnkd.in/ekEmPn3q
Contribute by 22 Nov
We're supporting @livingstreets.bsky.social to show where pavements are used as car parks to the detriment of all who walk/wheel.
Go & take photos (make sure you cover over reg numbers) & upload them to the Living Streets map: lnkd.in/ekEmPn3q
Contribute by 22 Nov
These Steel Cotton Rail Trail walking guides are superbly good!
Sheffield to Manchester station to station with so much local interest and stunning scenery.
Sheffield to Manchester station to station with so much local interest and stunning scenery.
The Steel Cotton Rail Trail - Visit the Peak District by train
In the first half of the 20th Century, Sheffield’s steel workers and Manchester’s cotton mill workers escaped their polluted cities to reach the clean air of the Peak District. They travelled by train...
peakdistrictbytrain.org
September 5, 2025 at 11:14 AM
These Steel Cotton Rail Trail walking guides are superbly good!
Sheffield to Manchester station to station with so much local interest and stunning scenery.
Sheffield to Manchester station to station with so much local interest and stunning scenery.
Fernilee reservoir old railway trail. If like me you thought the battle for this to be a defacto bridleway was won when the kissing gates were replaced by easy open bridleway gates: no.
The saga continues and we must fight this absolute nonsense from United Utilities and @peakdistrict.bsky.social.
The saga continues and we must fight this absolute nonsense from United Utilities and @peakdistrict.bsky.social.
September 2, 2025 at 11:14 AM
Fernilee reservoir old railway trail. If like me you thought the battle for this to be a defacto bridleway was won when the kissing gates were replaced by easy open bridleway gates: no.
The saga continues and we must fight this absolute nonsense from United Utilities and @peakdistrict.bsky.social.
The saga continues and we must fight this absolute nonsense from United Utilities and @peakdistrict.bsky.social.