Explore the Sutton Lane Ends Reservoir and Canal Circuit
Location: Macclesfield, England
This 6.2 km loop just south of Macclesfield combines paved country lanes with unpaved waterside paths. The 22 metres of total ascent is distributed so thinly that the route feels completely flat, making it a good option for a steady tempo effort or a relaxed leg-turnover run. It is a simple circuit that is typically run in an anticlockwise direction, and as a loop, you can start from any point that is convenient.
You will spend most of your time on unpaved ground, specifically the path around Sutton Reservoir and a long, straight section of canal towpath. The remaining third of the run uses the connecting country lanes, so be aware of occasional traffic. For footwear, road shoes are suitable for most of the year. After heavy or prolonged rain, the towpath sections can become soft and hold water, so you might want to wear an older pair of trainers.
The route is straightforward, following the reservoir perimeter before joining the towpath on the Macclesfield Canal. The open sightlines along the water make it easy to hold a consistent pace without having to check navigation. These two main sections are linked at either end by short stints on quiet roads, completing the circuit back to your starting point.