Alderley Edge, which was home to the David and Victoria Beckham before they moved abroad, is a well-to-do area with shops to match.

The Anderton boat lift solved the problem of moving boats between two waterways that are 50ft (15m) apart height-wise. Derelict for many years, it was restored in 2002, and interesting to see in action so make the detour if you have time.

Pretty gardens and refreshments are on offer at Arley Hall, a short detour off the cycleway.

If the weather's foul or you just need a break from cycling, this provides a complete change of scene with sea and freshwater life.

Find out more about the canals that the cycleway follows.

Have a day off the bike to see all the animals.

Not very close to the cycleway but Jodrell Bank's largest radio telescope often draws the eye when looking over the Cheshire plain. If you're tempted to visit it's accessible via quiet lanes that provide pleasant pedalling - it's easy to plot a route that avoids the main roads.

Knutsford is skirted around by the cycleway but there are plenty of shortcuts to it that are obvious from the Ordnance Survey map, including going through Tatton Park. Plenty of facilities here plus a railway station.

This National Trust property is a must see, and not too far off the cycleway. Just go south along the A34 for a mile or so.

You may not visit it, but you'll certainly see it from afar. This artistic ruin is a landmark for miles.

If you're feeling energetic take the lanes and a track through the Peckforton hills to the village of the same name to view this unusual garden ornament. It beats gnomes hands down.

A lonely church marks the survival of a fisherman not far from the cycleway.

There's an entrance to Tatton Park just south of Rostherne and not far off the cycleway route. Deer, farm animals, gardens, ice cream and most of Cheshire are here at the weekends, but there's plenty of space for all.

It's a steep haul off the cycleway up narrow lanes to this country park, but the views are spectacular. Just choose a good day.