Wheelock Rail Trail

The Wheelock Rail Trail is a popular 2km traffic free route for walkers and cyclists on the outskirts of Sandbach and runs between  Ettiley Heath and Malkins Bank. 

The Wheelock Rail Trail was officially opened in 2002  and is part of the  National Cycle Network.

The trail is up to 3 metres wide and is a well surfaced flat trail, with local access points in Wheelock. There is no official car parking for this facility.

History

After the railway closed in 1966 the track lay derelict for many years, gradually becoming more and more overgrown. Since February 2000 the Countryside Management Service have been working closely with the local community through the Wheelock Rail Trail Association to develop the track into a multi-user trail.

The whole route has now been upgraded with improved access points, better surfacing and new information boards to provide a high quality facility for walkers, cyclists and horse riders alike. The Trail forms part of Route 5 of the National Cycle Network, linking Middlewich with Alsager.

The scheme was made possible by a grant of £50,000 awarded to the project by WREN (Waste Recycling Environmental Network) using the Landfill Tax credits of Waste Recycling Group plc and funding from the Council's  Local Transport Plan budget for the National Cycle Network.

Activities

For a longer walk why not follow the towpath of the Trent and Mersey canal to Hassall Green and then join the Salt Line which provides off road walking and cycling as far as Alsager. 

There is a good network of local routes for walking and cycling. To print off a circular cycle ride leaflet or walking leaflet visit Discover Cheshire where you can print off a recommended circular route for the area.

Wildlife

The Rail Trail is rich in wildlife. Look for frog spawn amongst the watercress in the ditches during early spring.Freshwater Shrimps and Sticklebacks also make their home in the clear water.Wild Daffodil and Lesser Celendine brighten the banks by the old station whilst later in the year Red Campion, Foxglove and Dog Rose flower along the trail. Comfrey and Weld thrive in drier soils on top of the embankments. Thrushes, Redwing and Fieldfare feast on hawthorn berries during the winter.

Local Involvement

The Wheelock Rail Trail Association is a local voluntary group who work closely with the Ranger Service to manage and improve the Trail for people and wildlife alike. If you would like to find out more about the association contact the Rangers.