Cycle the Delamere Loop

Grade: Long distance
Distance: 35km /22miles
Time: Approx. 2 days (from end to end)
Start: Whitegate Way car park, Clay Lane, Marton. Horse boxes should park at the far end of the car park.
Map: OS Explorer 267
Terrain: Varies from green bridleways and tracks to surfaced tracks and metalled roads. Some central sections can be wet/muddy in winter.
Barriers: All gates accessible to horse riders. Two horse stiles to negotiate on the route.
Toilets: Available at Whitegate Way car park, Linmere Visitor Centre (Delamere Forest) and at various locations en route (please ask for permission first) including: Summertrees Cafe (01829 751145), Eddisbury Fruit Farm (0845 0941023)

The Delamere Loop runs from partway along the Whitegate Way round in a circle, taking in Delamere Forest, Primrosehill Wood, and Little Budworth Country Park. The route is largely on flat ground with gentle hills in its western area. Some of the off-road sections of the route can be wet during winter months.

The route comprises some 12miles/19km of surfaced roads (mostly without verges), the southern and western areas of the route comprising most of the road work. The rest of the route is ‘off-road’, along public rights of way and routes which are permissive. You should expect to share these routes with walkers and cyclists and in the case of roads and some permissive tracks, with motor traffic. Agricultural vehicles also use some of the off-road sections.

The whole loop would be a challenge to complete in one day. Why not consider staying at one of the B&B accommodation providers for horse and rider.

The route can be followed by foot too. Walkers can avoid longer road sections by making the most of the footpath network in the area – refer to OS Map Explorer 267. Cyclists are advised that the surfaces of many sections of the route can make for difficult progress.