Road · United Kingdom
Cat and Fiddle Road from Macclesfield
A mountainous 11 km road cycling route from Macclesfield through Hurdsfield and Walker Barn, with 445 m of climbing over the Hurdsfield climb and the Macclesfield climb.
At a glance
- Best for
- Short, climbing-heavy rides
- Distance
- 10.5 km
- Elevation gain
- 445 m
- Riding time
- 45 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Bike
- Road bike
- Surface
- Paved
- Best months
- Jun to Sep
- Navigation
- GPX download
- Start → finish
- Macclesfield
Map and elevation profile
Elevation profile
- 445 m
- 11 km
Route description
- Macclesfield
- Hurdsfield climb
- Hurdsfield
- Walker Barn
- Macclesfield climb
This route starts in Macclesfield at 138 m elevation and heads north through Hurdsfield at 1.1 km. The first significant climb begins at 0.6 km, lasting 5.5 km, gaining 294 m at an average gradient of 5.3% with a maximum of 8.8%. After a short descent from 6.1 to 7.7 km dropping 68 m, the second climb starts at 7.9 km, ascending 150 m over 2.6 km at 5.9% average and reaching a maximum gradient of 9.9%, topping out at 508 m at the finish near Walker Barn at 10.5 km.
The route is predominantly on minor roads (68%) with some major roads (28%), all but a small amount (about 2%) paved. Main roads lack cycle lanes over 2.9 km, with 1.5 km of roads with speed limits over 80 km/h. Facilities near start include cafes like Caffè Nero and shops, a water point at 1.1 km, and toilets at 3.8 km. There is a 4 km stretch from 3.8 to 7.8 km without cafés, shops, or water, so refuel before then. At the finish, Peak View Cafe is nearby.
Why ride this route?
- Climbs the Hurdsfield climb (5.8 km at 5.1 %) and the Macclesfield climb (2.5 km at 5.9 %).
- Tops out at 508 m, 10.5 km in.
Highlights
- Climb starts near Macclesfield at 0.6 km
- Maximum gradient 9.9% at 8.7 km
- Peak View Cafe near finish
- Elevation gain 445 m in 10.5 km
Along the route
Places passed
On the road
Climbs
| Climb | Starts at | On this ride | Full ascent | Top on this ride |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hurdsfield climb | 0.6 km | 5.5 km · 294 m · 5.3 % · max 8.8 % | 5.8 km · 292 m · 5.1 % | 432 m |
| Macclesfield climb | 7.9 km | 2.6 km · 150 m · 5.9 % · max 9.9 % | 2.5 km · 150 m · 5.9 % | 508 m |
Hurdsfield climb · full ascent, starts at 0.6 km
< 4%4 – 7%7 – 10%> 10%
Macclesfield climb · full ascent, starts at 7.9 km
Know before you go
- 2.9 km on main roads without cycle lanes
- 1.5 km on roads with 80 km/h+ speed limit
- 4 km without café, shop or water between 3.8 and 7.8 km