The best cycling routes around Manchester

There are over 320 touring cycling routes around Manchester, offering a wide variety of options for all skill levels. You'll find everything from easy, flat paths to more challenging rides with significant elevation gain.

The touring cycling routes around Manchester are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 460 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse scenery, from urban canals to natural green spaces, and the well-maintained paths.

Yes, Manchester offers many easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners. Over 200 routes are classified as easy, often following flat canal towpaths or former railway lines. A great option is the Ashton Canal – Fallowfield Loop loop from Chorlton-cum-Hardy, which is 13.7 miles (22 km) long with minimal elevation.

You can expect a diverse range of terrain. Many routes utilize extensive canal networks and riverside paths, offering flat, traffic-free surfaces. Other routes venture into green spaces, woodlands, and even towards the rugged gritstone and limestone landscapes of the nearby Peak District, providing more challenging hilly sections and moorland trails.

Yes, many touring cycling routes around Manchester are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Manchester to Pennington Flash loop via the Bridgewater Canal is a popular 30.7-mile (49.4 km) circular route.

Absolutely. Many of Manchester's canal paths and former railway lines, like sections of the Fallowfield Loop, are traffic-free and relatively flat, making them ideal for families. These routes often pass through parks and green spaces, providing safe and enjoyable cycling experiences for all ages.

Manchester's touring cycling routes often pass by beautiful natural attractions and historical landmarks. You might cycle past Chorlton Water Park Lake, the historic Mamucium Roman Fort, or the scenic Gorton Lower Reservoir. The region also boasts numerous woodlands and green spaces like Sale Water Park and Heaton Park.

Many of the canal towpaths and designated cycle paths in Greater Manchester are dog-friendly, provided your dog is well-behaved and kept on a lead. Routes through parks and woodlands, such as those near Sale Water Park or Chorlton Water Park, are often suitable for cycling with dogs. Always check local regulations for specific areas.

Manchester has a well-connected public transport network, including trains and trams, which can help you access various cycling routes. Many routes, like the Fallowfield Loop – Sale Water Park loop, are accessible from city center stations like Manchester Oxford Road. Check with transport providers for their bike carriage policies, especially during peak hours.

Parking availability varies by route. For routes starting closer to the city center, public car parks are an option, though they may incur a fee. For routes venturing further out, such as those near the Peak District or larger country parks, dedicated parking facilities are often available. It's advisable to research specific starting points for parking information.

Yes, experienced cyclists looking for a challenge will find several difficult routes around Manchester. The Manchester and Middlewood Way Cycle Loop is a demanding 44.7-mile (72 km) route that showcases diverse scenery from the Cheshire countryside with significant elevation gain. The proximity to the Peak District also offers more rugged and hilly options.

Manchester is renowned for its extensive network of canals and rivers, many of which have been converted into excellent cycling paths. The Bridgewater Canal offers traffic-free routes, and the Ashton Canal provides a scenic waterside journey. The Bridgewater Canal – Walton Perk Café Narrowboat loop from Deansgate is a great example of a route along these historic waterways.