Oldham to Chester route advice?

[pineapple bod]

I want/need to ride from Oldham to Chester.  I have done it once before, using the Rochdale Canal to Manchester, through the city centre, and then the Bridgewater Canal, but found that rather unsatisfactory (too slow and poor surface), so would rather stick with roads this time.  Can anyone suggest a route?  Fast is more important than scenic.  I don't mind mixing it with traffic and using A-roads, but don't want to die.  Is the A56/A556 viable or is that madness?

[Torslanda]

Between Bowden roundabout and the M6 the road has been rebuilt. Nominally it's a 60 limit but actually it's a motorway in all but name. I have driven along it several times, if there is any provision for cyclists they've hidden it well. i'd be inclined to take the old A56 to Lymm then either wibble a bit to get to Northwich and back on track or head for Daresbury and through Preston Brook thence Frodsham and Stanlow.