Nantwich to Crewe

The Nantwich to Crewe Greenway is only 5 miles long, forming a length of the National Cycle Network and being designated as Route 451
It has a  tarmac surface all the way and  is almost entirely off-road, passing through beautiful public parks and wooded areas.
The A534 road which connects the two towns appears to be a dangerous road having been subject to no less than 186 collisions over three years and the greenway runs alongside for much of it's length, keeping cyclists, walkers and horses on the safe side of a separating hedge. Where it is necessary to cross the highway, toucan crossings are provided.
There are some beautiful old buildings in Nantwich

We start the ride in Nantwich following NCN 451 signs .......................

..............from Mill Street which is opposite Nantwich Riverside and Mill Island.

This sign in the park shows other cycle routes in Nantwich.

                                                       Through the Market Place.

The problem with the signing is that it points to local places which strangers would not know.

However Route 451 is the way to Crewe.

                             This is the start of the roadside section. Path left, road right.

                                                             This is King's Shilling Way.

                        Here a typical view of the path, with the main road behind the hedge on the right.

This sign is on the road alongside the path and shows the nature of the problem hereabouts.

 Alongside the path is one of the Sustrans Portrait Benches which have silhouettes of local characters from the past. Here they are a railway fireman, a Roundhead and a Roman Legionnaire. The life size figures are laser cut  in 15mm thick mild steel

This is the Rising Sun public house where a pedestrian crossing takes us over to the right hand side of the road.

Cross this minor side road to enter the path through Bluebell Wood.

                             This large diameter pipe crosses the path, and does little to enhance the scene.

                                             The path takes us round the golf course.

Route 451 passes through Queens Park which is quite beautiful and has a multitude of facilities. 

Behind the bandstand is the boating lake.

Behind the tall war memorial there is an excellent café and two lions will guard your bike, but lock it up just to be sure.

Exit Queens Park through the gates behind the Clock Tower, turn right and follow the cycle lanes on into Crewe town centre.

Verdict on the route
A nice short mainly traffic free ride between the two towns. Access from Derby by train to Crewe as Nantwich has no train station. Hourly trains both ways and reasonable fare at £7.20 with railcard
Highlights of the ride are Nantwich town centre and Queen's Park Crewe.