A cycling/pedestrian route was created parallel to the A34 between Summerfields (Dean Row) and Wilmslow town centre. We understand that the designs which went through planning and public enquiry process would not have been submitted today - sadly the wheels were already in motion and the steps were built.  The majority of local authority representatives that we deal with today have inherited this situation.

The bulk of the route is pleasant, wide and well lit. It links in to other cycling facilities leading to Colshaw and Dean Row. Sustrans hope that one day it will form part of a regional cycle route (called NCN87).

  However as you approach Wilmslow town centre and the Bollin Valley you are faced with 81 steps. 

Photos: Top: Approching the steps  Middle: Mid-way up the hill.  Bottom:  The bottom of the flight near the River Bollin. 

There is no alternative "wheeling ramp" to push your bike up so cycling along this route ,unless you are strong enough to lug a bike, becomes impossible.  Similarly wheelchair, pushchair or shopping cart use is very difficult.

For the past 5 years local cycling campaigners, encouraged by Sustrans (the charity behind the National Cycle Network) and others have been trying to get an alternative facility constructed for this potentially very useful and popular route.  

The Proposed Solution

How do the "unblock" this obstacle on the route?

We think there is a feasable scheme:

• A sloping path down the side on the A34 cutting the by-passes the steps.
• The path would follow a "berm" cut into the side of the A34 cutting and rejoin the existing cycle path at the bottom of the steps near the River Bollin bridge.

Hedge trimmers might be required! - The view from the "berm" towards the Ford Garage. 

The Benefits of a Ramp

• Suitable for cyclists, wheelchair users and pedestrians with shopping carts or prams.
• A link in a safer route to Wilmslow High School would be created.
• Encourages students to walk or cycle to school
• Promotes cycling or walking to Wilmslow for Handforth, Colshaw and Summerfields residents.

Progress to date

Progress has been slow unfortunately with funding and staff time lacking....not to mention Great Crested Newts!

• The issue has been raised by individuals and Sustrans since approximately 2001 with officials and local politicians.
• A site visit was made circa 2003 and Sustrans offered a grant towards the project.
• The requirement for a Great Crested Newt survey threw out the timescales and the funding was lost.
• The issue was been raised again at Macclesfield Borough Cycle Panel in early 2006.
• The Cheshire County Council (CCC) Area Highways Engineer, Rob Cramer, met MaccBUG on-site in September 2006.
• A further site meeting took place in March 2007 with MaccBUG, Sustrans and CCC Highways Engineering and Safer Schools Route Officers present.

• At the site visit CCC Highways sought an assuance of financial support from Sustrans before considering progressing this scheme. CCC also expressed a desire to consider other aspects of the route into the town centre/High School before committing to anything.
• Sustrans believe that initial design work should be progressed in case funding does appear.
• Currently little progress is being made with no money made available and CCC staff time being allocated elsewhere.

So Where Are We At?

We believe that this scheme can benefit the local community and that it is deliverable if the backing is there (financial,political and from the local community). We want to work with local authority officials and the community to make it happen.

Have Your Say!

• Do you use this route into Wilmlsow?
• Does your child commute from north Wilmslow/Handforth to Wilmslow High?
• If you want to help make this scheme a reality please get in touch:
• Email your support to:   This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it    - we'll add your name to a petition
• Phone 01625 527577 for more information
• Contact your local County Councillor to air your viewpoint
• Email Cheshire County Council Highways:  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Write a letter in the Wilmslow Express by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

UPDATE 18 September 2007

Please find new photos attached taken of the 81 steps on the route from Wilmslow town centre to Summerfields/Dean Row/Handforth and beyond.

The steps themselves appear to lack basic maintenance with broken fencing and overgrown vegetation. This has been reported to the CCC Highways (week commencing 17 September 2007)

If you think something needs doing about the upkeep of the route please contact MaccBUG at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or report it via the website: www.cheshire.gov.uk.

Click here for latest photos:  A34_steps_photos_Sep. 07

UPDATE 03 OCTOBER 2007

Chesire County Council advise us that sweeping the existing route, fence maintenance and vegetation clearance lies with the landowner - Macclesfield Borough Council. The request has been passed to them to take remedial action. 

UPDATE  05 OCTOBER 2007

Macclesfield Borough Council advise us that Cheshire County Council will take the necessary action.  We await clarification of this.