facilities ...
You can reach Macclesfield Forest by bus (Langley Village), car, cycling or via longer walks linking Macclesfield and Buxton for example through the Goyt Valley, Teggs Nose, Wildboarclough and the nearby Gritstone Trail. The map reference for the Visitor Centre is: Map ref: SJ 961711.
Weather
Bus & Rail
A bus service runs from Macclesfield as far as Langley Village which is close to the forest. For up to date information on bus timetables contact Traveline:
Telephone 0871 200 22 33 - 8am to 8pm daily.
Email: traveline@cheshire.gov.uk
Calls from BT landlines cost 10p per minute plus 6p set-up fee per call. Mobile and other providers' charges vary.
Bus timetables can also be obtained from local bus enquiry offices and tourist information centres in Macclesfield and Buxton.
There are railway stations in nearby Macclesfield Town and further away in Buxton to the east of the forest.
Road Links & Car Parks
Access to the forest by road is easiest from Macclesfield through the village of Langley to the west of the forest, there are other minor roads from Wildboarclough but these are single track routes and are quickly blocked in winter conditions.
The roads through the forest are designated as quiet lanes in an effort to improve the way walkers, cyclists and horse riders share the roads with motorists.
There is a pay and display car park at the Visitor Centre near Trentabank Reservoir and another small car park at Standing Stone. There are also other minor car parking areas in lay-bys in the forest.
Information
Up to date information about the forest can be found at the Visitor Centre near Trentabank Reservoir where there is a dedicated ranger service who organise many activities for all ages throughout the year.
There is also an information board at the Heronry viewpoint lay-by overlooking Trentabank Reservoir.
Food
There is a picnic area and the Nice Nosh food stall offering local produce next to the Visitors Centre.
Toilets
Toilets including disabled access can be found at the Visitor Centre near Trentabank Reservoir and car park.
Nearby
There are a number of pubs in the area serving food and drink, the closest is the Leather's Smithy which overlooks Ridgegate Reservoir. A little further away is the Crag Inn at Wildboarclough and the Stanley Arms at nearby Bottom-of-the-Oven. The Church House, Hanging Gate and the Ryles Arms are all located within a couple of miles of the forest.
Blaze Farm to the south of the forest off the A54 Buxton to Congleton road has a tea room, home made ice-cream and a nature trail for visitors.
Other local highlights for walkers include nearby Teggs Nose Country Park where there is a Visitor Centre and the nearby Goyt Valley, also popular for cycling.
