Manchester, as well as its surrounding areas, features numerous cycling routes that pass some very attractive sights, including the National Cycle Networks routes 6 and 60. The Trans Pennine Trail passes through the area with several traffic free areas to enjoy. Here are the top 10 Manchester cycling routes as voted by Social Circle.
Social Circle voted 10/10 for…Manchester to Macclesfield
On this scenic ride from Manchester to Cheshire, you will start at the Manchester Oxford station which heads south along Chorlton to the River Mersey. From this point, you will be riding along, traffic free, along the Trans Pennine Trail before heading to Stockport, passing Chorlton Water Park along the way. After passing through Bredbury, you will join an off road area by the River Goyt, which will see you in Marple. You will then connect to the Middlewood Way- a pleasant off road cycle which runs from Macclesfield to Marple. You will also pass by the Macclesfield Canal.
Social Circle voted 10/10 for…Trans Pennine Trail
This cycling and walking trail which runs from coast to coast to across the North of England on entirely surfaced paths. It begins at Hornsea on the Yorkshire coast before passing through Yorkshire itself, Derby and Manchester. You will end up at the Merseyside coast, Southport.
Social Circle voted 9/10 for…Fallowfield Loop
The traffic free ride takes its route from the National Cycle Network, starting at Chorlton-cum-Hardy and ending up at Debdale. The route travels an old railway line before passing Fallowfield and Levenshulme, finishing at Debdale Park with its off-road trails by Gorton’s reservoirs.
Social Circle voted 9/10 for…Manchester Loop
Tour Manchester along the NCN routes 6 and 60. You will enjoy largely a traffic free ride, which makes it a fantastic way of touring the city. You will begin the ride at Manchester Oxford Road train station before passing through Chorlton, Levenshulme and Openshaw. The ride will end at Manchester Piccadilly station. Along the way, you will see such highlights as views of the City of Manchester Stadium and the Gorton Reservoir.
Social Circle voted 9/10 for…Heaton Park
Enjoy walking and cycling in this sizeable park in Prestwich. Covering more than 600 acres, it is Manchester’s largest park in fact and Europe’s largest municipal park. Park attractions include a tram system, an observatory, ornamental gardens, woodlands, an animal farm, a boating lake, a gold course, and Heaton Hall, which dates back to the 18th century.
Social Circle voted 8/10 for…Manchester to Warrington
Here, you will ride from Manchester to Cheshire along NCN route 62 and the Trans Pennine Trail. You will start from Manchester Oxford Road Station before riding South through Chorlton on the way to the River Mersey. There will also be quiet roads and off road areas on your way through Trafford to Altrincham. The final part of the ride into Warrington takes you along the Manchester Ship Canal.
Social Circle voted 8/10 for…Prestwich Forest Park
Bury’s pretty park is the perfect choice for a peaceful cycle or walk. The park covers around 500 acres, including woodland trails along with a waterside path that runs by the River Irwell.
Prestwich Forest is on the Irwell Sculpture Trail, if you can afford the time to investigate more interesting sights. There is also a mountain bike trek at Philips Park, which is located on the western side of Prestwich Forest.
Social Circle voted 7/10 for…Manchester to Altrincham
This cyles takes the NCN route 62 along Manchester to Altrincham. You will start at Manchester Oxford Road station before heading south to the River Mersey. You will pass through Chorlton and Sale Water Park along the way. You will ride through Trafford before finishing up at Altrincham train station.
Social Circle voted 7/10 for…Manchester to Marple
In this cycle, you will follow NCN routes 6,62 and 55 through Manchester and Cheshire. You will enjoy some traffic free time on the Trans Pennine Trail on the way to Stockport. You will then pass through Bredbury and an off road area by the Rover Got before finishing at Marple train station.
Social Circle voted 7/10 for…Manchester to Liverpool
This ride sees you ride along NCN route 62, as well as the Trans Pennine Trail, between the two cities. You will enjoy a traffic free area from Trafford to Altrincham along the River Mersey which will see you cycle through Warrington and Widnes. You will cycle thrugh the outskirts of Liverpool through quiet roads before taking your final stretch along the Mersey, ending up at the Albert Dock.
