The best cycling routes around Manchester

Komoot offers over 40 touring cycling routes around Manchester. These routes cater to various skill levels, with 20 easy, 16 moderate, and 4 difficult options, ensuring there's a ride for every touring cyclist.

Manchester's touring cycling routes offer a diverse range of terrain. You can find challenging climbs and wild moorlands in the nearby Peak District and Pennines, gentle country lanes in the Cheshire countryside, and traffic-free paths along extensive canal and river networks like the Bridgewater Way or Rochdale Canal. Many routes also traverse parks and woodlands, providing varied surfaces and scenery.

Yes, Manchester offers several family-friendly options. The extensive canal networks, such as the Bridgewater Way, provide traffic-free and relatively flat paths suitable for all ages. Parks like Heaton Park, Chorlton Water Park, and the Fallowfield Loop also offer green spaces and gentle trails perfect for a leisurely family ride.

Touring cyclists can enjoy diverse scenery, from urban vistas to open meadows, quiet lakes, and moorlands. Routes often pass through quaint settlements, historic mill towns, and nature reserves. For specific points of interest, you might encounter places like Libby Hill Park for views, or historical sites such as the Virginia State Capitol. The region's proximity to the Peak District also means breathtaking vistas are often just a ride away.

Yes, many touring cycling routes around Manchester are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Richmond to Pocahontas State Park loop via the East Coast Greenway & US Bike Route 1 is a challenging 48.5-mile option. The canal paths and routes within larger parks also often offer circular sections.

Many routes are easily accessible directly from Manchester city center. The extensive network of canal paths, such as the Ashton Canal and Rochdale Canal, start within the city. For routes further afield, you can often take short train rides to more rural starting points, especially for accessing areas like the Peak District or Cheshire countryside.

The touring cycling routes around Manchester are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 5 reviews. Over 3,600 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the diverse landscapes, from urban green spaces to challenging hills, and the well-maintained infrastructure.

Absolutely. Manchester's proximity to the Peak District and Pennines means there are plenty of routes with significant elevation gain. For instance, the Richmond to Pocahontas State Park loop features a substantial 1,734 feet (529 m) of elevation gain, making it a difficult and rewarding ride. Areas like Snake Pass and Holme Moss are also known for their challenging climbs.

Yes, Manchester is a great starting point for longer touring adventures. The Trans Pennine Trail, a long-distance coast-to-coast route, has sections accessible from Manchester. Additionally, routes like the East Coast Greenway, at 64.7 miles (104.1 km), offer extended rides through varied terrain.

Greater Manchester boasts numerous traffic-free cycling paths, particularly along its extensive canal and river networks. The Bridgewater Way is a notable example, offering a picturesque and safe route. The Ashton Canal and Rochdale Canal also provide traffic-free sections, as do many routes within parks like the Fallowfield Loop, Prestwich Forest Park, and Philips Park.

For moderate touring cycling, you'll find a good balance of distance and elevation. An example is the Richmond to Robious Landing Park via US Bike Route 1, which is 32.1 miles (51.6 km) with a moderate elevation gain of 1,312 feet (400 m). Many routes through the Cheshire countryside also offer a moderate challenge with charming scenery.

Absolutely. Manchester's touring routes provide ample opportunities to explore natural features. You can cycle through woodlands in Prestwich Forest Park or Philips Park, or enjoy routes around scenic lakes such as those found near Pocahontas State Park or Chorlton Water Park. The Peak District also offers wild moorlands and breathtaking natural vistas.