9k Run Bollington: Charming Middlewood Way and Canal Loop

Route Overview & Local Insights

Experience the best of Cheshire's flat-ground running with this 9.4km loop starting from the iconic Adlington Road viaduct. This route offers a perfect blend of asphalt and well-maintained gravel, following the Middlewood Way—a former railway line—for a fast, uninterrupted out-section before looping back along the Macclesfield Canal towpath. With a minimal ascent of just 22 meters, it is an ideal choice for runners looking for a steady tempo session or a recovery run amidst lush greenery and serene waterside views. The terrain is forgiving on the joints, making it a local favorite for those transitioning from road to trail.

Bollington, affectionately known as the "Happy Valley," is steeped in industrial heritage, and this route takes you through the very heart of it. Running along the Middlewood Way, you are following the tracks of the old Macclesfield, Bollington, and Marple Railway, which served the bustling cotton mills in the 19th century. As you return via the canal, you’ll pass the towering Clarence Mill, a magnificent example of Victorian architecture that now stands as a landmark of the town's textile legacy. After your run, the vibrant local community offers plenty of independent cafes where you can refuel near the water's edge.