The best cycling in Manchester

If you've recently moved into an UNCLE apartment in Manchester and love cycling, you're in luck. Let's explore some of the best cycling this fantastic city has to offer.

The best cycling routes in Manchester

Latchford locks

Often referred to as the River Mersey loop from Ardwick, this 37.3-mile route takes just under 4 hours to complete. You'll start your ride at the Bridgewater Canal, and pass through the Trans Pennine Trail, Lockford Locks, Dainewell Woods, and end your journey at the River Mersey.

Bikers will experience a moderate ride on mostly paved surfaces, with scenic beauty throughout. The route is suitable for all skill levels, but you will need a certain amount of stamina to get through the entire journey. Additionally, the starting point is accessible via public transport.

Manchester Piccadilly to Marple Aqueduct

Considered a hard ride, this 44.7-mile pedal requires an excellent level of fitness. The Manchester Piccadilly to Marple Aqueduct will take you around 4.5 hours to complete, with plenty of elevation along the way.

This cycle journey is a mix of cycleways, paths and roads. There are some busier roads on this route, so it might not be suitable for nervous riders. Still, there are plenty of places on this route to get lost in nature. Part of the route follows the Middlewood Way, a disused railway line between Marple and Macclesfield. You will start at Manchester Piccadilly Station, pass through Middlewood Way and Aldeli Café, and finish at Marple Aqueduct.

Whitworth Park

Known as the University of Manchester loop from West Didsbury, Whitworth Park is a 7.57-mile route. The starting point is accessible by public transport. As you embark on your journey, pass Whitworth Park, followed by the University of Manchester, and end up at the Shakespearean Garden, Platt Fields Park.

Cyclists find this route relatively easy, but you will still need to have a good fitness level. Enjoy mostly paved surfaces, but as you pass by the University of Manchester, expect more cycle traffic. It's best to be aware of lights and signals, and to consider dismounting at tricky points.

Bridgewater Canal

The Bridgewater Canal that covers the Walton Park Café narrowboat loop from Deansgate. Bridgewater Way is a series of resurfaced canal towpaths linking Manchester city centre to Altrincham, Castlefield, and into the Trafford Centre. This ride covers 23.6 miles of moderate cycling. Again, you will need to have a good fitness level to complete the entire route.

With plenty of access points, it's easy to join the route and begin to absorb some of the city's proud heritage Landmarks.  This completely traffic-free route has an all-weather surface, so you can hop on your bike whatever the weather, and enjoy a scenic, peaceful ride.

Ashton Canal

Experience 13.6 miles of cycling from Ashton Canal Cycleway through the canal between Ashton-under-Lyne and Manchester city centre. The starting point is accessible by public transport as you pass Highfield County Park, Woodland Trails, Gordon Lower Reservoir, Aston Canal, and Fallowfield Loop. There's a specific Ashton Canal Cycleway, a traffic-free section with solar-powered lighting on parts of the towpath.

This route is relatively easy and suitable for all fitness levels. The towpath is well maintained and accessible for walkers, cyclists and wheelchair users.

Oxford Road Cycle Way

Oxford Road Cycle Way is part of a significant sustainable transport corridor in Manchester. It runs along Oxford Road and the Wilmslow Road Corridor, linking Manchester city centre with the University District, hospitals, and further south. It was developed under Transport for Greater Manchester (TFGM). Spanning three miles and taking 35 minutes to complete the entire journey. The route is part of a broader sustainable transport/cycle scheme, and general traffic is restricted on parts of Oxford Road.

The lanes are described as Dutch-style, as they are physically separated from car traffic in many places. There are also bypass lanes at bus stops, which prevent buses from blocking rides. Overall, this is a safe and pleasant peddle.

Heaton Park

Riding in and around Heaton Park in Manchester gives fitness fans a mix of formal woodlands, parklands, and open grass areas. Paths in the park include both paved and unpaved sections. Enjoy peddling for 17.5 km of traffic-free riding from Heaton Park to Wanderer, through to the circular, then finishing off at Prestwich, Radcliffe/Clifton. It should take you roughly two hours to complete this section.

However, if you fancy a quick, relaxing ride, why not stick to inside the park, which totals 2.9 miles. While at the park, why not take this opportunity to jump off your bike and enjoy what Heaton Park has to offer? You'll be able to experience and enjoy live music, fun fairs, running clubs, stargazing, beekeeping, and even a tree-park adventure site. 
Check out this blog to explore the best parks in Manchester. If you want a more extended tour and don't mind road cycling, the 10.9-mile Wanderer offers a good mix of parkland, paths, and suburban roads.

Snake Pass and Winnat's Pass

A little bit further afield, Snake Pass is the A57 road that crosses the Pennines between Glossop, near Manchester and Sheffield, and it's within the Peak District. This popular cycle route provides an average gradient of around 7%. Because of its scenery and difficulty level, pros refer to this journey as "cycling utopia," especially as traffic is light along the way.

Winnat's Pass is a very steep, narrow road that passes near Castleton in the Peak District. The road length is about 5.8 miles from one end to the other. It's considered relatively steep, with a maximum gradient of 28% in places.

Popular parts include the cycling loop that includes Winnats Pass, Millers Dale, and Tideswell. Another route to try is Winnats Pass, Peak Cycle Tunnels loop from Bakewell. We suggest checking the weather and any possible road closures before you embark on your ride.

Move closer to your favourite cycle route.

Manchester has it all. From fantastic cycle routes, excellent public transport, world-class football teams, and fantastic shopping centres. Want to be in the midst of all this goodness? UNCLE has a collection of stunning apartments ready to move into. Contact us today to arrange a booking.