Urban riding is one of the best ways to get around. If you’re a city dweller, you probably spend most of your commute in a car, travelling via tram or catching one of Manchester’s free buses. While it’s true that these are all affordable transport options, every cyclist knows the truth: there’s no greater way to enjoy Manchester than on two wheels.

Manchester is certainly cycle-friendly, with the city making significant investments in infrastructure over the years. But those new to the area may have no idea where to start. If this sounds like you, grab your helmet and head to one of the best cycling routes in Manchester. 

1. Manchester Piccadilly to Marple Aqueduct loop

What better way to enjoy the summer than with a roundtrip cycling route? Starting and ending at Manchester Piccadilly Station, this 44.7-mile bike ride will take you through areas like Woodley, Compstall, Bollington and Alderley Edge. 8 miles in, you’ll travel through the beautiful Bruntwood Park. The area is full of lush greenery and a cafe for those much-needed pit stops! It’s also close to other off-road cycling routes.

14 miles later, you have another chance to refuel at the Aldeli Brunch stop. With plenty of quick bites, you can choose to dine inside the cafe or enjoy the views from an outdoor seat. More than halfway through your journey at 30 miles, you’ll travel through the town of Marple. Cycle alongside scenic barges, and after another four miles, be prepared to dismount your bike to traverse the Woodley Tunnels, where you’ll soon arrive back at Manchester Piccadilly. 

2. Salford Quays to Tatton Park loop

The Salford Quays to Tatton Park loop is an intermediate route that takes you across 34.2 miles of Manchester. Cyclists will start their journey at Salford Quays, near the Manchester Ship Canal. After just a short 1.44 miles, you’ll get to enjoy the peaceful towpath through the Bridgewater Canal. First built in the 18th century, this area is ideal for history and nature lovers. But the scenic views don’t stop there!

12 miles later, you’ll cycle through Tatton Park. This 50-acre grand estate is home to a neo-classical mansion and a deer park. You can spot more wildlife 14 miles in as you make your way through Rostherne Mere, a peaceful lake in the Cheshire area. Finish your journey with an adventure past the Irlam Locks and Barton Swing Aqueduct before heading back to the Manchester Canal! 

3. Bury to Hebden Bridge loop via the Craig Vale climb

Take the Bury to Hebden Bridge loop via the Craig Vale climb, and you’ll see 47.6 miles of Manchester’s natural beauty. Beginning at Bolton Street in Bury, this route takes cyclists to Rochdale Canal after 7 miles. This canal, which became operational in 1804, is an exciting part of Manchester’s industrial history. Pass by rowboats, ducks, and luscious trees as you make your way to Hollingworth Lake.

The country park is home to a picnic site, toilets, and plenty of cafe stops for mid-journey breaks (you’d be wise to refuel before you reach the Craig Vale climb!). Once you’ve completed your uphill challenge, why not reward yourself with an ice cream 15 miles in? Cyclists still feeling peckish (or looking for another opportunity to explore) can stop at the vegetarian/vegan Lintern Bistro.

To loop back to Bury, you can avoid busy roads by travelling 290 yards through the Newchurch Tunnels.

4. Fallowfield Loop trail – Bridgewater Canal loop from Ale Moor

Those looking for shorter summer cycling routes can traverse the Fallowfield Loop trail (otherwise known as the Bridgewater Canal loop from Ale Moor). This 22.8-mile journey starts at Sale Moor, Derbyshire Road, opposite Cumberland Road.

5 miles in, cyclists will arrive at the Fallowfield Loop trail, a former railway line that passes several parks and runs for four kilometres. For the next 10 miles, you’ll have the opportunity to take in the sights of both Debdale Park and Throstle Nest Bridge. History buffs will get the perfect view of Old Trafford at the Bridgewater Canal Towpath, which then connects to the Bridgewater Canal & Stretford Marina (an area also featured in the Salford Quays to Tatton Park loop).

From there, you have exactly a mile to go before you return to Sale Moor.

5. Manchester loop

If you’ve recently moved into a new apartment or flat in the city centre, the Manchester Loop should be your first cycling route! A 45.7-mile journey that starts in the very centre of the city, this route takes you past and through some of Manchester’s most beautiful, historic areas. Enjoy the sites of Bridgewater Canal & Stretford Marina at the 4-mile mark before travelling uphill to one of the city’s highest points: Heaton Park.

Take in the views before gravel riding through Rochdale Canal and, 33 miles into your journey, Highfield Country Park. Revel in the beauty of Chorlton Lake a final time before cycling another 7 miles to the Manchester city centre.

Looking for an apartment near Manchester this summer?

Manchester cycling enthusiasts have plenty of options when it comes to two-wheeled travel. You can ride across the whole city and explore urban areas, all while delighting in some of the North West’s finest green spaces. So, if you’re eager to put the pedal to the pavement, why not relocate?

Our Bromley Street complexes and Crown View Apartments will put you in the beating heart of Manchester. Just remember to bring your bike!