The Wheelock Rail Trail and Salt Line

Grade: Traffic free
Distance: 2km/1.24miles (Wheelock) 3km/1.8miles (Salt Line) end to end
Time: Approx. 1-2 hours
Start: Hassall Green car park
Map: OS Explorers 257 & 268
Terrain: Flat and well-surfaced

The Wheelock Rail Trail and Salt Line are both part of NCN Route 5 linking Middlewich with Alsager.

The Wheelock Rail Trail is a 2km multi-user route from Ettiley Heath to Malkins Bank, which officially opened in September 2002.

After the railway closed in 1966 the track lay derelict for many years, gradually becoming more and more overgrown. After February 2000 the then County Council worked closely with the local community through the Wheelock Rail Trail Association to develop the track into a multi-user trail.

The whole route has now been upgraded with improved access points, better surfacing and new information boards to provide a high quality facility for cyclists.

The Salt Line, further to the south-east, is a multi-user track running through farmland and woodlands, with streams, pools and rough grassland. Wild primroses brighten up the steep cutting at Roughwood Hollow while later in the year the delicate flowers of scabious and harebell can be seen on the banks.

Route directions:
Both the Wheelock Rail Trail and the Salt Line are flat, well surfaced linear trails. Parking is available at the Salt Line at Hassall Green (1).

The two routes are linked by a 2km stretch of road between Malkin’s Bank (2) and Hassall Green (3). Cyclists should take care when crossing the A534 (4).

If you want to explore the surrounding area and are confident cycling on roads, why not try Cycling the Salt Ride?