Cycling and Bikes on Trains

Cheshire encourages cycling as it is provides a healthy alternative to most modes of transport.

With Cheshire’s quiet, tree lined lanes through gentle countryside and sleepy villages, cycling provides a real alternative to the car for those visiting Cheshire and its hinterland.

There are several Cycle Network signed routes in the county including the 176 mile Cheshire Cycleway (Regional Route 70).

Railway Stations on or near the Cheshire Cycleway include Chester, Capenhurst, Neston, Hooton, Little Sutton, Overpool, Ellesmere Port, Mouldsworth, Delamere, Cuddington, Acton Bridge, Ashley, Mobberley, Alderley Edge, Prestbury, Congleton, Alsager, Crewe and Wrenbury.

Cheshire operates a Cycle Welcome Scheme. Look out for this sign at hotels, B&Bs, pubs and cafes. If you see it you will know that the establishment actively encourages cyclists to visit them. 

National Cycle Routes that pass through Cheshire include:

National Route 5 – the long distance route connecting Reading and Holyhead via Oxford, Banbury, Stratford-upon-Avon, Redditch, Bromsgrove, Birmingham, Walsall, Stafford, Stoke-on-Trent, Chester, Colwyn Bay and Bangor.

In Cheshire, this is signed between Kidsgrove and Connah's Quay via Northwich, Runcorn and Chester.

National Route 45 - connects Salisbury in Wiltshire with Chester via Swindon, Cirencester, Gloucester, Worcester and Whitchurch.

In Cheshire, this is signed between Chester and Whitchurch, Shropshire.

National Route 55 – when complete will connect Ironbridge to Preston via Stafford, Macclesfield, Stockport and Wigan or Bolton. 

In Cheshire, this is signed between Congleton and Marple via Macclesfield and includes the traffic-free Middlewood Way.

National Route 56 – connects Chester to Wallasey and onward to Liverpool via the Mersey Ferry.

In Cheshire, this is signed between Chester and Neston.

National Route 70 – The Cheshire Cycleway is a 176 mile circular journey through some of Cheshire's finest scenery from Chester to Chester via Neston, Acton Bridge, Bollington, Macclesfield Forest, Shavington and Malpas and can be ridden in both directions.

Regional Route 71 - crosses Cheshire east to west in 62 miles from Tegg's Nose (near Macclesfield) to Parkgate (near Neston) via Winsford passing through several country parks.

Regional Route 73 - is an 18 mile route between Congleton and Davenham linking National Route 55 and National Route 5.

Regional Route 74 - is a 15 mile route between Wrenbury and Sandbach via Crewe. 

Regional Route 75 - runs between Winsford and Audlem and continues south to Market Drayton and Newport in Shropshire.

 

Bringing your Cycle on the Train

National Rail encourages the integrated use of cycles and trains - two convenient and environmentally friendly forms of transport.

Most Train Companies have restrictions on when accompanied cycles may be carried, especially at busy times.

Where accompanied cycles are carried there is no charge. 

When bringing your cycle to Cheshire by Train, note the following:

» If a cycle reservation is required, please make it well in advance

» When reservations are not accepted, cycle space will be on a first come, first served basis.

» In most cases this means two cycles per train.

» Cycles are not carried during periods of restriction

» Your cycle should be clearly labelled  

» Folded cycles should be covered

» In most cases, tandems, tricycles and bicycle trailers cannot be conveyed on trains

» Unaccompanied cycles cannot be carried on rail services

» Motorcycles cannot be carried on any services

» When on the train, cycles must be in the designated area on trains and must not obstruct doors or aisles

» Cycles are always carried on the train at the owner’s risk