Can You Tackle Macc? Cheshire town throws down gauntlet to fitness fans

Fitness fans keen to limber up after a week in the office can now get active in the shadow of the Peak District by taking to the highways and byways of Macclesfield, thanks to a new initiative from Marketing Cheshire titled Can You Tackle Macc?

From light hikes through Macclesfield Forest to gruelling cycle rides such as the famous ascent to the Cat and Fiddle inn, #TackleMacc offers the chance to spend the weekend getting physical in the beautiful surroundings of the foothills of the Peaks, just 20 miles south of Manchester. Plus there’s a reward for all those efforts in the shape of an ale trail to follow around the Cheshire town’s award-winning pubs and microbreweries.

The campaign has collated walking routes from 1km to 18km in length, catering for different levels of ability, courtesy of Walking Britain and the Peak District National Park Authority. For example, a gentle stroll around Macclesfield Forest contrasts with the more challenging Shining Tor and Axe Edge route across the moors, which takes walkers to the highest point in Cheshire, where they can look back on the plain.

Two cycling routes, courtesy of Cycling Uphill and CycleRoute.com, include the arduous 6.8-mile, 335-metre climb on the road from Macclesfield to the old Cat and Fiddle inn, and an on- and off-road route to Dark Peak that will challenge mountain bikers.  

Refreshment comes in the form of local brews such as Bosley Cloud from the Storm Brewing Company and Endurance from the Bollington Brewing Company, which can be tasted on the Macclesfield Ale Trail, courtesy of Macclesfield & East Cheshire CAMRA. The pubs and microbreweries featured on the trail include The Macc, The Treacle Tap and the award-winning The Wharf, which was named CAMRA’s pub of the year.

The #TackleMacc walking and cycling itineraries are available to download at www.visitcheshire.com/tackle-macc, where accommodation ideas can also be found.