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Morning all. I've been in Congleton 2 months now and only managed 1 MTB ride up to Bosley Cloud. I'd like to get a bigger loop in and I believe you can get over to Mow Cop/Congleton Edge on the Biddulph Valley Way. Is anyone here local or can advise the best way to put a big loop together? I'm based at the very top end of Congleton. I've also been wondering what other MTB rides are possible in the area.
Watching with interest, moving to Macclesfield in the next month or so!
Firstly, welcome to Congleton! I've been here just over 6 years now and love it (28 years prior we're in Stoke though so pretty much anywhere would've been a significant upgrade)
Without a load of Road/the old railway line then there's no particularly way of getting to Mow Cop etc.
It's just far easier to drive 15 minutes on the A54 and do some White Peak routes over to Macc Forest etc.
Moving to Macc I wouldn't even consider coming over to Congleton for a mtb ride!
I was thinking of heading over to Macc Forest actually, but would like to suss out some riding from the door. Getting to Bosley Cloud is only 3/4 miles for me so no big deal.
Is there much at Bosley Cloud? I'm working nearby - worth a night ride?
Couple of short trials, nothing much to write home about, but nice to have them local to me. I'd imagine it will be a mudbath at the moment. I was there about a month or so ago before this recent spell of rain.
Get in touch with Congleton MTB club:
(Technically you should be a member to ride The Cloud anyway).
They are doing loads to negotiate access locally, (as well as maintaining the trails) so they are the guys to ask. I think it's like £20 a year.
Yeah you can get over Congy edge. Probably best to go up Congleton Edge Road, to Nick of the hill. You can then go right (towards Mow Cop) over the Bridleway. There are some cheeky tails up there but they do have access problems.
From Nick o Hill, you could also go left over the footpath, look out for tiny northshore bridge which will take you on to the downhill/moto x track. This then leads back onthe Biddulph Valley Way (known locally as The Tracks).
You can alo ride the footpath to Mow Cop (Gritstone Trail).
I'm not up to date with current access, I think they have negotiated some at Mow Cop recently.
Yeah, Bosley Cloud is worth exploring, it is a good place to "session". Might be sloppy now but I know the club are working to fix this.
And yeah, I agree it's better to jump in the car and head to The Peak. Goyt Valley, Macc Forest ad Gradbach are the closest.
Mick
Thanks Mick. Yes, I have been in touch with the Congleton MTB club on Facebook. I will likely join up.
I'm going to head over to Macc Forest in the morning with plans to do a bigger ride over towards Errwood, but I struggle route over there. I'm trying to figure a way from Errwood back up to the Cat'nFiddle which isn't on the road. Then descend down Cumberland Brook and back into Macc to finish. It's bloody complicated riding in this country!
Yeah Errwood to Derbyshire Bridge is up the road. https://www.bikemaps.co.uk/peak-district-mtb/goyt-valley-mountain-biking.htm
I’m trying to figure a way from Errwood back up to the Cat’nFiddle which isn’t on the road
Depends what you've descended but there are 2 options (both footpath mind).
1) B4st4rd Zig Zags up Shooters Clough from near Errwood Hall Ruins
2) B4st4rd Grass from carpark on Right just after the bridge. Climb obvious track and then onto grass up to join Shooters Clough then up along the wall past just East of Stake Farm to join track to Cat & Fiddle (makes a good descent by the way)
Moving to Macc I wouldn’t even consider coming over to Congleton for a mtb ride!
I live in Macc and didn’t know there was anything worth riding in Congleton
So, now moved to Macc. Been out to the Forest a few times and found bits and pieces, but would be keen to get out with a more local guide, rather than relying on the top lads at United Utilities for finding the good stuff. Does anyone have any tips/know of any local riding groups?