Geograph - photograph every grid square

The National Cycle Network is a network of cycle routes. It was created by the charity Sustrans Link (Sustainable Transport), aided by a National Lottery grant.

Many routes aim to minimise contact with motor traffic, though 70% of them are on roads. In some cases the NCN uses pedestrian routes, disused railways, minor roads, canal towpaths, or traffic-calmed routes in towns and cities.

National Cycle Route 551 is entirely contained within the borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme. It runs between the western extremity of Silverdale eastwards through Newcastle, terminating on the A52 east of the town centre. For the whole of its length the route runs along the former trackbed of the Newcastle-Market Drayton railway line.