The final link to one of the North West's key walking and cycling routes is complete, connecting Macclesfield to Greater Manchester along a rural route of outstanding natural beauty.

It is expected that now this popular 11-mile traffic-free path has been fully opened, that it will encourage visitors from far beyond Cheshire East.

Access to Macclesfield railway station has been signifcantly improved with the opening of this scheme and many people can now choose to arrive by bike and explore the beautiful surroundings.

Cheshire East Council worked with the UK's walking, wheeling, cycling charity Sustrans to install two upgraded crossing points, on Black Lane and Hurdsfield Road to help bring this outstanding space back into wider use.

The footpath on Black Lane was widened to give space for people on bikes, wheelchairs or mobility scooters, as well as those on foot.

A busy exit junction for Tesco store was also modified into a controlled crossing. This allows people to safely cross over to the Middlewood Way, and to walk, wheel or cycle to the railway station.

These upgrades mean people on foot or cycle can now explore the magnificent scenery of Cheshire East, calling at the many picturesque towns and villages en route without having to compete with traffic.

As well as improved access, it's also a great path for people actively commuting to the Astra Zeneca factory in Macclesfield and for children on a healthier school run to Tytherington School.

The Middlewood Way was created with support from Sustrans, as part of the National Cycle Network. The improvements that have been made on this transformative scheme were funded by the Department for Transport as part of a national programme led by Sustrans to raise the quality of the National Cycle Network and create accessible paths for everyone. There was also additional funding from the government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Councillor Mark Goldsmith, chair of Cheshire East Council's highways and transport committee, said: "I know local residents will love using this new route, while many others will now visit Macclesfield for a beautiful day out in the Cheshire countryside.

"The new scheme will also increased activity all along the Middlewood Way by bringing more people directly to and from the town centre.

"Finally, it also provides a far nicer commute for pedestrians and cyclists to AstraZeneca and the Hurdsfield Industrial Estate. Overall, it's a brilliant addition to the lovely Middlewood Way that we are rightly proud to have within Cheshire East."

Councillor Chris Hilliard, Cheshire East Council's walking and cycling member champion, who attended the event, said: "This is great news for pedestrians and cyclists. The sharp bend that was on the southern side of Hurdsfield Road and potentially off-putting for many road users, has now been removed and has been replaced with a far more suitable and better quality route.

Rosslyn Colderley, director for Sustrans in the North of England, who also attended the event, said: "I'm delighted these improvements on the Middlewood Way are now complete. The new crossing points and shared use path are key to enabling people in wheelchairs, mobility scooters and other mobility aids to safely accessing this beautiful route, as well as those on foot or bike.

"It's a beautiful path for leisure and also a practical, direct route for people to travel in a healthier way to work, school or to the shops.

"The Middlewood Way is part of the National Cycle Network. Sustrans is working across the UK to improve the quality of the network and create paths that everyone can enjoy, whatever their age or ability."

The opening event was attended yesterday by Cheshire East Council's leader, Councillor Sam Corcoran, chair of the highways and transport committee, Mark Goldsmith and deputy chair of the committee, Laura Crane. Volunteers from Sustrans were also there to support.

The ward member for Macclesfield Hurdsfield, Councillor Sarah Bennett-Wake (Labour), cut the ribbon on the day. 

The Middlewood Way is part of the National Cycle Network Route 55 and comprises 11 miles of the former Macclesfield, Bollington and Marple Railway through Cheshire East and Stockport.