Explore the best cycling and bike touring routes in Raleigh, from scenic greenways to wooded trails and smooth city rides—perfect for a vacation on two wheels.
BEST CYCLING AND BIKE TOURING ROUTES IN MANCHESTER
Thinking about taking your bike to Manchester for a holiday? Great shout. This northern powerhouse is not just football and music — it’s also a brilliant base for cyclists. From scenic canal towpaths and urban greenways to rural escapes just beyond the ring road, Manchester has a bit of everything. Whether you're after chill sightseeing rides, long-haul day tours, or traffic-free adventures, you'll find a network of routes that are easy to follow, full of variety, and always an adventure. Let’s dive into Manchester’s best cycling spots.
Understanding Manchester’s cycling scene
Manchester has come a long way as a cycling city. With a growing number of protected lanes, well-signposted routes, and local cycling groups, it’s become a solid pick for both casual riders and serious tourers. The city’s famously flat core, surrounded by scenic hills and rivers, means you can build a route that fits any level of rider.
If you’re not bringing your own bike, no worries — there are rental options like Bee Network Bikes (formerly Mobike) and shops such as Popup Bikes near Victoria Station, where you can hire a hybrid or get help with gear. The Bee network is expanding fast, with docking stations popping up across the city centre and surrounding boroughs.
Neighbourhoods perfect for setting off
Castlefield: Historic canals, cobbled paths, and easy links to the Bridgewater and Rochdale towpaths.
Chorlton: South Manchester’s bohemian cycling hotspot, with direct access to the Fallowfield Loop and Trans Pennine Trail.
Salford Quays: Modern waterfront riding with trailheads leading into nature reserves and westward escapes.
Levenshulme: Midpoint on the Fallowfield Loop and close to the Manchester Cycleway.
Northern Quarter: Packed with independent cafes and cycle-friendly culture — great for starting your ride with a strong flat white.
Pro tip: Manchester weather is famously unpredictable, so pack a lightweight rain jacket, even in summer. Also, always bring lights — some sections of the trails go through tunnels or underpasses.
Best canal and city greenway rides
If you're looking for peaceful, mostly flat routes with great scenery and minimal traffic, Manchester's canal network and greenways are where it's at. These traffic-free corridors are ideal for both relaxed city rides and the perfect warm-up before a big countryside tour. They’re also great for families and less experienced riders who want to explore without stressing about cars.
Top traffic-free paths and loops
Bridgewater Canal Towpath: Ride west from Castlefield along the canal through Sale and Altrincham — up to 20 km of smooth, scenic pedalling. Great pubs along the way.
Rochdale Canal Trail: Stretching northeast out of the city through Ancoats and beyond, this route has an industrial-meets-nature vibe and connects well with other loops.
Fallowfield Loop: A 14 km greenway along a former railway line. Car-free, tree-lined, and perfect for connecting Chorlton, Levenshulme, and beyond.
Manchester Cycleway (National Cycle Route 60): Links together paths like the Fallowfield Loop, Stockport Trail, and Ashton Canal in a clever city ring.
Salford Looplines: Explore the old railway tracks turned trails in and around Worsley Woods and Monton — mostly shaded, quiet, and great for picnics.
These trails are easy to navigate with Komoot or Ride with GPS. Surfaces vary — expect a mix of tarmac, compact dirt, and the occasional cobbled bit. Hybrid bikes are ideal, but you’ll be fine on a road bike with wider tyres or a touring setup.
Many of these routes pass parks, bakeries, and riverside cafés — great for a break or a refuel. Be sure to lock your bike securely when stopping, as city spots can be busy.
Top long-distance and countryside rides
Ready to stretch those legs and get out of the city? Manchester is surrounded by rolling farmland, charming villages, and routes that lead straight into the Peak District or down scenic rail trails. With distances from 30 km to 100+ km, you can plan a relaxed day out or a proper touring adventure.
Best longer touring routes from Manchester
Manchester to Dunham Massey: A 40 km out-and-back ride via the Bridgewater Canal to a stunning stately home and deer park. Bring a picnic or stop for cake at the tearooms.
Trans Pennine Trail (westbound): Pick it up in Chorlton and head towards Warrington or Liverpool. Paved and gravel sections through countryside, about 65 km to Warrington.
Manchester to Hebden Bridge: A scenic 60+ km route via Rochdale and the Pennines. A bit of climbing, lots of reward. Expect canals, reservoirs, and a creative town full of character.
Loop to Lyme Park and back: Head south via Stockport and Marple, visit the historic estate and deer park, and return via the Peak Forest Canal. Around 55 km and full of variety.
Peak District Gravel Loop: If you’re on a gravel or touring bike, ride from Didsbury to Hayfield, into the Peaks and back via Chinley — around 70 km with killer views and pub options.
Most of these longer rides include train access if you want to go one-way — Manchester Piccadilly and Victoria stations both allow bikes on off-peak trains. Just double-check rail schedules if you're touring on a weekend.
Pro tip: Bring waterproofs, layers, and a solid saddlebag with snacks and repair gear. While the countryside is stunning, some stretches have few services, especially in the Peaks.
Manchester touring is all about variety: you can be in the heart of the city in the morning and deep in the hills by early afternoon. It’s one of the few UK cities where this level of contrast is possible — and it’s what makes cycling here so addictive.
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