The best cycling routes around Wigan

Wigan offers a wide variety of touring cycling routes, with over 300 available on komoot. These routes cater to all skill levels, from easy, flat rides along canals to more challenging trails with significant elevation gains.

The terrain around Wigan is quite diverse. You'll find many routes along the historic Leeds & Liverpool Canal, which offer mostly flat, scenic towpaths. Other areas, like the Douglas Valley, provide picturesque cycling roads. While many routes are gentle, some areas, such as Haigh Woodland Park, feature moderate climbs, and routes like Rivington Pike – Lower Rivington Reservoir loop from Hag Fold include significant elevation changes.

Yes, Wigan has plenty of easy touring cycling routes, with over 150 classified as easy on komoot. Many of these follow the flat towpaths of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, which are ideal for a relaxed ride. A great option for an easy, family-friendly ride is the Worsley Village and Delph – Bridgewater Canal loop from Atherton, which covers 28.1 km with minimal elevation.

Wigan's touring cycling routes pass by a wealth of natural features and historical landmarks. You can explore the tranquil waters of Scotman's Flash and Pennington Flash, both known for their birdlife. Routes also take you through expansive green spaces like Haigh Woodland Park, offering magnificent views, and the unique Three Sisters Recreation Area, a former spoil heap transformed into a green oasis. The historic Wigan Pier is also a notable starting point for many canal-side explorations.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in Wigan are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Lingard's Bridge – Worsley Village and Delph loop from Leigh offers a pleasant 26.2 km circular ride. Another option is the Worsley Village and Delph – The Bridgewater Way loop from Tyldesley, which is an easy 17.1 km loop.

The touring cycling routes in Wigan are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 260 reviews. Cyclists often praise the region's diverse landscapes, from the peaceful canal towpaths to the green country parks, and the well-maintained paths that make for enjoyable rides. The blend of natural beauty and historical industrial heritage is frequently highlighted.

Many of Wigan's outdoor spaces, including canal towpaths and country parks like Haigh Woodland Park and Pennington Flash, are dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially in nature reserves to protect wildlife, and to be mindful of other path users. Always check specific park rules before you go.

Yes, many routes, especially those along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal and through country parks, offer opportunities to stop for refreshments. Areas like Wigan Pier and Haigh Woodland Park have facilities, and you'll find various pubs and cafes in the villages and towns that the routes pass through. For example, the Worsley Village and Delph – Scotman's Flash loop from Hindley passes through areas with amenities.

Spring and summer generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in Wigan, with milder weather and longer daylight hours. However, the region's diverse landscapes, particularly the canal towpaths and woodland trails, can be enjoyed year-round. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, while winter rides can be crisp and quiet, though some paths might be muddy or icy.

Yes, many popular starting points for touring cycling routes in Wigan offer parking facilities. Country parks like Haigh Woodland Park and Pennington Flash have dedicated car parks. Additionally, many routes are accessible from town centers where public parking is available. It's advisable to check specific starting points for parking details.

Wigan has a good public transport network, including train and bus services, which can provide access to various starting points for cycling routes. Many routes are accessible from urban centers. For information on bringing bikes on public transport, it's best to check with the specific transport provider, as policies can vary. The Wigan Council also promotes active travel and provides information on cycling infrastructure on their website: wigan.gov.uk/Cycling.

Absolutely. Wigan's industrial past is woven into its landscape, and many touring cycling routes utilize former railway lines and canal towpaths. The Leeds & Liverpool Canal, in particular, is a historic waterway that offers a glimpse into the region's industrial heritage. The 'Wigan Hills and History' route, though not listed here, is known for incorporating sections of the Lancashire Cycleway and National Route 55, which follows an old colliery railway.

The Bridgewater Way is a multi-user route that follows the historic Bridgewater Canal. It's a fantastic resource for cyclists, offering mostly flat, traffic-free paths. You can find sections of it integrated into touring cycling routes around Wigan, such as the Lingard's Bridge – The Bridgewater Way loop from Ince, which is a moderate 39.6 km ride. It's an excellent way to explore the region's waterways and green corridors.