Conmac two

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

Walked during Autumn 2023 starting at Macclesfield. We started from the station but instead of following the gpx route via the streets of Macc, we headed up the A537 and joined the canal at The Puss in Boots Inn. Distance is very similar.
From there it’s a pleasant canal side walk on good terrain until the canal services at Bull Gate Lane where we took a break (about 9.5km).
After that you follow the Bosley Lock flight which drops downhill and then crosses the Bosley Aqueduct before the route exits the canal nr Buglawton (a further 5.6km). The latter part of this section can be muddy underfoot - and was when we walked it.
After turning away from the canal the route follows footpaths through a housing estate before crossing the river Dane, passing a small industrial estate (while still following the River Dane) and then enters Congleton Town Park, after the park you cross the A54 Mountbatten Way and the route then finishes at Congleton Bus Station.

Lovely mostly canalside route from Congleton to Macclesfield. I'm not from Cheshire and had no idea this part of the world was so beautiful. Peaceful canalside woods, little pastures, some lovely old locks and beautiful curvaceous stone bridges on the Telford-designed canal. The route out of Congleton is sensible too, weaving through a nice park and on quiet residential streets before getting you onto the canal.

I've just finished this route.

This is a good Slow Way. Everyone from Congleton and Macclesfield who likes a walk should give it a go. The route is almost entirely on the canal, making it super-easy to navigate. The autumnal leaves were turning when we walked it, making the trees exceptionally beautiful.

I'll come back and add some more words and some photos - but I'd 100% walk this route again.

Offroad, safe and very easy to follow. Only loses a mark for the lack of rest stop en route. Wondered about whether the A523 would have been a better way in to Macclesfield, but it would only save you about 700m of distance and the section of canal beyond is a lovely stretch (and not plagued by the noise of said road!). Lovely surroundings and views. The River Dane makes numerous appearances and The Cloud (a hill) serves as a backdrop to the early sections.

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