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Rush Hour IN MANCHESTER

CYCLE GUIDE

The Manchesters Countryside Project would like to acknowledge the support of its partners; the Greater Manchester Local Authority Tourism Offices, Visit Manchester and Defra, in producing this guide. The Manchesters Countryside Project is part financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas.

Swapping double yellows for road side inns, metropolis for lush landscape, the multi-storey for the moor.
Over 500 square miles of surprising and picturesque countryside await you and your bike. Cycle trails, tracks, and rural roads cut through hidden gems of villages, over hills and moors and along canal-sides. Welcome to Manchesters Countryside. This guide contains a variety of rides. There should be something for everyone, no matter what your ability. There are family-friendly rides, the more challenging mountain bike rides and longer distance road bike rides. All the rides in this guide share one common theme: they each provide an opportunity for you to explore and enjoy the beauty, charm and character that makes up Manchesters Countryside.

Your Cycling Guide to Manchesters Countryside

Halls and R ID E 1 Heather
A 26-mile road ride that includes Haigh Hall, Smithills Hall and the stunning West Pennine Moors.

The Flatlands RIDE 5 of Dunham

A fantastic 3-mile family ride which takes in gorgeous Dunham Massey.

R ID E 2 The Littleborough Lake to Lake

A classic mountain biking route thats tough and scenic, on tracks and paths that take you from low-lying farms to high up in the moors. Choice of 20-mile or 10-mile rides.

RIDE 6 The Diggle Jiggle

A tough 11-mile mountain bike ride with technical descents and a handful of climbs, taking in Delph, Dobcross and Diggle.

R ID E 3 The Saddleworth Rail Trail

A 6-mile, family-friendly ride which follows two interesting and popular recreational routes for walking, horse riding and cycling in Saddleworth.
When cycling on towpaths and bridleways:

RIDE 7 Halls route

A 17-mile ride around glorious Stockport, taking in seven halls and 300 years of heritage.

SAFE CYCLING
Before you set off cycling around Manchesters Countryside, please take a few moments to read the following for safe cycling guidance.

Make sure your bike is in good working order Check your brakes and tyres before every ride Obey traffic signs and signals and avoid riding on the pavement Always wear a helmet Be seen and be safe. Use lights after dark and use reflective or fluorescent clothing and accessories Carry a spare inner tube, tyre levers and a pump if travelling far from home Study your route before you depart Let someone know where you are going

Pedestrians have priority Give way to oncoming users at bridges Take care on uneven and slippery surfaces Slow down when riding under and over canal bridges Give way to walkers and horse riders, and pass horses wide and slow Remember that you need a permit to cycle on canal towpaths. This is available as a free download from: www.waterscape.com

R ID E 4 The Monton Green Loop

A family-friendly 7-mile loop-line ride through rural Salford.

The Bury RIDE 8 Circular

A 13-mile leisure ride around and across the rural West Pennine Hills north of the Black Pudding capital of Bury.

Other useful cycling and visitor websites:

www.sustrans.org.uk www.ctc.org.uk www.britishcycling.org.uk www.cyclegm.org www.loveyourbike.org www.gmcc.org.uk

Important note. The maps that accompany the ride commentaries contained within this guide are for illustration only. You should research and rehearse your route before you start. Visit maps.google.co.uk

www.manchesterscountryside.com

Halls and Heather

Rich in heritage and colour, this ride showcases; Haigh Hall, Wigans Grade II listed Georgian Manor House, Smithills Hall one of Boltons oldest Manor Houses with parts dating back to the 15th Century, and Rivington Hall and Barn. The ride introduces rural delights like Lever Park which in turn gives way to the West Pennine Moors. Villages en route including Belmont and Horwich provide character filled tearooms and other stop-offs.

A673 Bolton Road

RIDE 1
Optional route via dunscar golf club (This section is off-road)
A675 Belmont Road

RIVINGTON RESERVOIR

A6 CHORLEY ROAD

M62

RIVINGTON HALL BARN

WINTER HILL

Ride and difficulty:

Moderate to difficult. A road bike ride for the proficient cyclist. Involving some testing climbs and fast descents.

delph RESERVOIR

Distance:
26 miles.

Optional route to winter hill

DUNSCAR GOLF CLUB

Start/Finish point:
Although we begin this ride at Haigh Hall and Country Park (WN2 1PE) this is a loop ride and as such you can start at any of the other Historic Halls: Rivington Hall (BL67SB) or Smithills Hall (BL17NP).

START
HAIGH HALL

B622

6
SMITHILLS Hall

Refreshments and toilets:

Haigh Hall has a caf, Information Centre and toilets. There is a caf at both Smithills Hall and Rivington Hall Barn. Horwich has cafs and pubs including Bobs Smithy and The Black Dog along the route. There is also a pretty tea shop in Rivington.

THE ride
Take a left out of Haighs main gates heading down to Red Rock. Take in the views of Wigan to your left. Turn right at the junction (onto Meadow Pit Lane) and travel three-quarters of a mile before taking a left turn just after the Fishing Lodge. Keep straight on taking the left fork onto Tuckers Hill Brow. Take a right after half a mile and follow the hill down Dark Lane to the A6 junction; cross slowly and safely. Follow pretty Grimeford Lane under the motorway bridge and cross the Bolton Road (A673). Head on for half a mile until you reach Horrobin Road on your right. Enjoy the downhill and scenery as you pass over the Rivington Reservoir Bridge. Go straight after the bridge, veering left onto Sheep House Lane before the village stocks. Ride up the hill ignoring the first left turn and then the next right turn. Keep gaining height. After a couple of miles the road eases and there is a long downhill towards Belmont Village. Youll come to a junction with the Black Dog pub on your left. Turn right down Belmont Road (If you wish to add a mile or so and see a bit more of Boltons countryside, then take second left and cycle through Egerton Woods. Follow Egerton Road to the cross roads then go right, down past Delph Reservoir. Please note this is off-road from Delph Reservoir). One mile down Belmont Road take a right onto Scout Road and follow it up the short hill with Wilton Quarries on your right. Just after Bryan Hey Reservoir is Smithills Dean Road on your left. Head down here to visit Smithills Hall. Alternatively, follow Scout Road, with Bolton down below on your left until you come to the junction with Chorley Old Road - Bobs Smithy Pub is on your right. Turn right and head towards Horwich.

Useful websites and contact information:

Haigh Hall and Country Park - 01942 832895 www.wlct.org Smithills Hall and Country Park - 01204 332377 www.boltonmuseums.org.uk/smithillshall Rivington Hall and Barn - 01204 697738 www.rivingtonhallbarn.co.uk For further information on this route or any included in this guide please contact - 0161 253 5111.

This is the access road for the Winter Hill TV transmitter, well worth the effort with a monument to a murdered Scotsman from the 19th Century at the top and amazing views over Manchesters Countryside and beyond. There is a long descent into the town centre. Go straight through the town until you get to an odd junction with a roundabout as well as give-way markings. Turn right and then look to take the next right onto Lever Park Avenue marked by two ornamental grey stone columns either side of the road. This road leads to Rivington Hall Barn. Stop for refreshments or continue down to the reservoir where you can retrace your route back to Haigh Hall.

The Littleborough Lake to Lake

A classic mountain biking route thats tough and scenic, on tracks and paths that take you from low-lying farms to high up in the moors. You have the choice of a 10-mile and a 20-mile ride. Starting at Hollingworth Lake, the full 20-mile route has an out and back section linked to a 10-mile loop. Alternatively, start and finish at Summit or Walsden for the 10-mile loop only. This ride forms part of a separate series of rides and walking trails that can be downloaded free from: www.nationaltrail.co.uk/penninebridleway

THE ride
If arriving by train at Littleborough go through the station subway to Hollingworth Road. Turn right and cycle half a mile uphill to the lake. Turn left at The Wine Press pub and follow the road past the Visitor Centre entrance. If starting from the Visitor Centre car park, take a left out of the driveway. After 100m turn left up the track signed Pennine Bridleway (PBW) and climb. Cross the cattle grid and after a small descent bear right when the track splits. Go up the stony path and bear left at the path fork. After a small ford the path splits again go left. You will meet a wide track. Now go left following the line of the pylons. Turn right at the lane (signed Summit). Follow to road junction and turn right. After 100m, take a left onto the path. Keep on the main track as it climbs to a pylon. Cross over the road and go straight ahead. Continue to the junction with the wide track and then take a right. When the track forks, bear left. Cross the bridge and go through the gate to the farm. The path skirts the farm on the right through a series of gates. You will then climb steeply to reach a grassy top and then follow the path down. Cross the river and bear sharp left then quickly sharp right. Drop to join the track and turn right. Go through the gate and follow straight down, over the canal to the main road. Turn right then quickly left up a narrow path. Climb past the house up to the road junction. Turn right then an immediate left onto the track signed Mary Towneley Route East. Continue to climb. Just before a cattle grid bear right onto a track. Follow along and then down towards a pylon. Through a gate and down to another gate. Keep following the main path until you arrive at a signpost for Bottomley. Follow this to the start of a steep technical descent. Follow the markers as it zig zags down. After the second gate turn right to follow the path to the main road. (To avoid a couple of tough climbs it is now possible to take a left onto the main road - continue to Walsden and turn left onto Inchfield Road opposite the Post Office). Otherwise, cross the main road and turn left. Follow the pavement for 200m, then turn right (PBW sign) onto Bottomley Road. Follow around the bend, over the canal then straight on and up steep cobbled path. Continue to the cottage. Turn left and quickly left again onto path (PBW sign). Cross the stream and then pass the house on the left. Now a steep climb follows. Go through the gate and carry straight on along the tarmac lane. Stay on the lane and drop steeply until you reach the junction with the main road at Walsden. Carry on along Inchfield Road. Now climb again, keeping straight on until the lane eventually turns to a track. Ride over the cattle grid. Keep on this wide track and pass the farm on your left. Continue to climb. Go straight ahead on the driveway for Lower Dytches Farm. Immediately before the next farm, bear right through the gate onto a grassy track. Climb again to the path split, and again bear left. Just after the next gate go left onto a narrow path. Follow to a gate then down and over the stream. A bit of effort is now required before the path eases, then its a descent crossing a stream (sometimes dry) and a right when the path splits (blue bridleway arrow). Follow down to reach a wider track and head for the reservoir. Before reaching Watergrove Reservoir you will rejoin the Pennine Bridleway. Turn left at the sign for Watergrove.

WALSDEN STATION INCHFIELD RD WALSDEN

RIDE 2
BOTTOMLEY RD

LOWER DYTCHES

Ride and difficulty:

A challenging mountain bike ride with testing climbs and descents.

Distance:
Full Route: 20 miles / 31km. Loop Only: 10 miles / 16km.

CATTLE GRID

Start/Finish point:
For those arriving by train there is the choice of alighting at Walsden to do The Loop or at Littleborough to do the Full Route. By car, The Loop can be started at either the hamlet of Summit or at Walsden village. Both are on the A6033 road from Littleborough to Todmorden. For the full route, pay parking is at Hollingworth Lake (OL15 0AQ) which is two miles north west of Rochdale, close to J21 on the M62.

SUMMIT THE SUMMIT PUB CALDERBROOK FARM

Refreshments and toilets:

There is a caf at Hollingworth Lake Visitor Centre that serves hot and cold snacks. Along the road on the lakeside there are pubs, cafs and B&Bs. Littleborough centre has a good selection of pubs, cafs and shops. Walsden has chip shops, pubs and a village store. Summit has The Summit Inn and a small canal-side shop. At Watergrove Reservoir you can detour half a mile to Wardle village for a pub and shops.

Useful websites and contact information:

Hollingworth Lake Country Park - 01706 373421 Rochdale tourism - 01706 924928 www.visitrochdale.com Pennine Bridleway www.nationaltrail.co.uk/penninebridleway For further information on this route or any included in this guide please contact - 0161 253 5111.

Go left again at the second gate just before the reservoir and then next left (signposted Shaw). Climb past two gates then stay on this main track following signposts for Calderbrook and then Summit. Eventually you reach a road. Turn left to Summit. Follow the PBW signs to the end of the road and continue along the track. Come out on tarmac and turn right down to a junction where you then turn left. Continue for 50m. Turn right - signposted to Summit and descend past a house and down to the main road by the Summit pub.

WATERGROVE RESERVOIR

A603

A58

PYLONS LITTLEBOROUGH VISITOR CENTRE B6225 PBW HOLLINGWORTH LAKE

Now its a matter of retracing your steps following the PBW back to Hollingworth Lake (this is well signposted) or take a right on the A6033 down to Littleborough and then onto Hollingworth Lake. Alternatively follow the canal towpath behind the pub back to Littleborough station where you follow Hollingworth Road to the Lake. For The Loop only, start and finish at Summit near The Summit pub (roadside parking) or the car park in Walsden opposite the station.

The Saddleworth Rail Trail

Two former railway lines - now popular recreational routes - make this ride a perfect way for families to discover Saddleworth. The Delph Donkey Trail (named after the white horse which first pulled the carriages) and Saddleworth Linear (part of the Pennine Bridleway) link the charming villages of Delph, Dobcross and Greenfield either side of the Brownhill Countryside Centre and Nature Garden.

DELPH
M DHA

RD

GATEHEAD RD
Platt lane

RIDE 3
sandy l ane

DELPH NE

OL

Ride and difficulty:

Easy medium. A lovely ride for the family along two flat off-road bike routes, linked by one steep climb along a quiet country lane.

THE ride
Park at Brownhill Countryside Centre and take the path just to the left of the centre to roll alongside the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. Turn left and then turn right over the stone bridge which is immediately after the lock gate if you go under the railway viaduct youve gone too far. Follow the stony track up the hill for about 200 yards looking for the beginning of the cycle track on your right. Go onto the track veering left and just follow the path, marked with boards telling the Donkey Lines history, until you come to the disused woolen mill at the end. Here you can turn around and cycle back or continue on the roads to explore the pretty village of Delph. Head back to Brownhill Countryside Centre by retracing your steps or following the quiet country lanes through Dobcross. Leaving Delph along Gatehead Road and Platt Lane, then heading down Woods Lane and along Dobcross New Road, past Newbank Garden Centre, to the Countryside Centre. Back at the Countryside Centre, cross over the main road and head up Brownhill Lane, passing under the Railway Viaduct. Follow the road as it bends sharply to the left and continue to climb, (children may want to push their bikes here) travelling between the fields to the junction with Ryefields Drive. Turn right down Ryefields Drive (signposted Pennine Bridleway (PBW), and after 50m turn right down a track marked by a wooden entrance way. At the road crossing keep straight on, following signs for PBW past the football pitch and Saddleworth Pool, until you

Newbank Garden centre BROWNHILL COUNTRYSIDE CENTRE

Woo

ds la

ne

W RD

DOBCROSS

DOBC
ROSS

HUDDERSFIELD NARROW CANAL

NEW

RD

BROWNHILL lanE

Distance:
Approximately 6 miles (Delph Donkey 2 miles, Saddleworth Linear 4 miles).

START
HIGH ST

BUTTERHOUSE LANE

Start/Finish point:
Brownhill Countryside Centre. Wool Road, Dobcross. Oldham. OL3 5PB.

Refreshments and toilets:

Brownhill Countryside Centre. Saddleworth Crafts Co-operative Caf, Delph (OL3 5DQ). Newbank Garden Centre Caf, Delph New Road, Dobcross (OL3 5NP). Local pubs in Dobcross and Delph.

saddleworth museum and art gallery

UPPERMILL saddleworth pool

Greenfield station

greenfield canal marina

Useful websites and contact information:

Brownhill Countryside Centre - 01457 872598 www.visitoldham.com Saddleworth Crafts Co-operative Shop and Caf - 01457 874705 www.facebook.com/saddleworthcrafts Newbank Garden Centre (Dobcross) - 01457 876571 www.newbankgardencentre.com Saddleworth Museum and Art Gallery (Uppermill) - 01457 874093 www.saddleworthmuseum.co.uk For further information on this route or any included in this guide please contact - 0161 253 5111.

GREENFIELD
come out at Carr Lane and Arthurs Lane. Turn left and then quickly right onto a path heading between the trees into the centre of Greenfield (at the junction with Chew Valley Road). After exploring Greenfield, return to Brownhill Countryside Centre the way you came, or turn right along Chew Valley Road. Head back along the main roads through Uppermill to the countryside centre, stopping on the way to admire Greenfield Canal Marina, Saddleworth Museum and Art Gallery, and St Chads House and Gardens, and enjoy some refreshments.

PENNINE BRIDLEWAY (PBW)

chew valley ROAD

The Monton Green Loop

A family-friendly ride through rural Salford. This 7-mile loop-line provides a wealth of flora and fauna. Along the route Birch, Beech, Oak, Rowan, Chestnut and Oak trees tower over Spring time Bluebells, Celandine, Wild Garlic and pockets of Yellow Flag Iris.

THE ride
Start along the cycle path at the large roundabout at Monton Green just to the left of Stableford Avenue. Ride off the path and up the short slope onto the broad tree-lined track signposted as Cycle Route 55. Essentially you are going to follow this track. You will need to keep an eye out for walkers and their dogs and you might want to take it slowly as you go through the short tunnels and under bridges, but apart from that this is as un-technical a cycle route as you can get. The track splits at Roe Green. Take the left hand fork and follow this. Watch out for the short pull just after youve gone underneath the East Lancs Road. Get in to a slower gear in readiness or suggest to the children that they might want to push the bikes up the short rise. You will eventually reach Newearth Road. Dismount, cross the road and turn right. The road can be fairly busy, so it might be worth wheeling the hundred yards or so to Mather Fold Road on your left. At the end you will see a set of green gates. Go to the gates and take the right hand path. Follow this until you get to another road crossing (Hilton Lane) dismount again and cross the road. Follow the track until you come to a junction with another, slightly broader track with three large rocks on your right. Turn right here and enjoy the downhill all the way back to Monton Green.

RIDE 4
HILTON LANE

Ride and difficulty:

A leisurely and mostly flat ride that all the family will enjoy.

Distance:
Approximately 7 miles.

Start/Finish point:
The recommended start point is Monton Green (M30 8AR). However, the loop can be joined and left at any point.

MATHER FOLD RD NEW EARTH RD A580

Refreshments and toilets:

Cromptons at The Waterside restaurant is located on the banks of the canal about 200 yards from the start of the ride. They provide a good lunch menu and toilets.

Useful websites and contact information:

Salford Tourism www.visitsalford.info Bridgewater Canal www.bridgewatercanal.co.uk For further information on this route or any included in this guide please contact - 0161 253 5111.

MONTON GREEN

CYCLE

START

ROUT E 55

The Flatlands of Dunham

The steepest climb on this ride is getting into the saddle. This is a fantastic family trip of just over 3 miles which takes in gorgeous and historic Dunham Massey. Here you can chain up the bike and take a walk along mile upon mile of safe garden and woodland path and trail.

START
HENSHALL LANE

RED HOUSE FARM & TEA ROOM

RIDE 5

Ride and difficulty:

Suitable for all ages and abilities.

RED HOUSE LANE

Distance:
Approximately 3.3 miles.

Start/Finish point:
For ease of parking and access to refreshments we suggest that you start at Red House Farm and Tea Rooms (WA14 5RL).

Refreshments and toilets:

Along the route there are numerous places to eat and drink including the Stables restaurant at the National Trust Property.

VINE INN PUB

ROPE & ANCHOR PUB dunham massey farm Ice Cream STATION RD DUNHAM WOODHOUSES

SCHOOL LANE BRIDGEWATER CANAL

Useful websites and contact information:

Red House Farm www.redhousefarm.co.uk Trafford Tourist Information www.visittrafford.info For further information on this route or any included in this guide please contact - 0161 253 5111.

THE ride
Leave Red House Farm and turn right onto Red House Lane. After just 100m go left onto Henshall Lane. Take your next left. Go straight across the cross roads with the Rope and Anchor pub on your right. This is Station Road. You will shortly pass by the next pub (Vine Inn). The road bends left through Dunham Woodhouses, shortly after which you will cross under the Canal Bridge. Follow along Woodhouse Lane - as you look right now you will see the woodlands and parklands of Dunham Massey. The main entrance for cyclists is on the right 200m past the aqueduct. To journey back to Red House Farm turn right out of the park then turn left and follow School Lane through Dunham Village past the Axe and Cleaver, over the Canal Bridge until you get to the cross roads. Follow the signs left down Red House Lane. The Farm and Tea Rooms are just on the right. (Please note entrance to Dunham Massey Park is free but admission charges apply to House, Garden and Car Parking)

AXE & CLEAVER PUB Lavender Barn Tea room WOODHOUSE LANE DUNHAM VILLAGE SHOP DUNHAM MASSEY BREWERY DUNHAM MASSEY HALL & GARDENS (NATIONAL TRUST)

The Diggle Jiggle

Another route east of Oldham. This time a circular mountain bike route (taken from the Pennine Bridleway National Trail Series). This ride has two distinct halves. The first part from Diggle teases with some small ups and downs whilst the second part of the ride makes you work hard up to Harrop Edge via Dobcross and then climbing up to Standedge.

THE ride
Ride out of the car park and turn right over the railway bridge taking next right. Follow the road passing Kilngreen Church. Continue up steeply. At next road junction turn left. Just before the top turn right at the sign for the Pennine Bridleway (PBW). Bear left at the fork and follow on straight through the gate. After 300m turn left (signed PBW) then take a right down the track. At road crossing go straight on. Keep following signs for PBW past the football pitch and swimming pool. Come out at Cross Lane and Arthurs Lane. Turn left immediately onto a path marked PBW. Go across two roads, pass the Tennis Club and continue on. Before the bridge turn right onto the path keeping the river on your left. At the end turn left onto the road. Climb up and around the sharp bend passing Greenfield Station on your left. At the give way sign turn left then take an immediate right onto narrow Ladcastle Road. Climb again past the golf club entrance and then descend steeply. After 400m take a sharp right onto Mow Halls Lane. Just prior to the bridge look out for the entrance to the Delph Donkey Trail. Take a left onto the trail. Follow on until you reach a sign for Dobcross Village Centre. Turn right onto the road then right again at the give way. Cycle down to the roundabout by the Pub and take first exit. Climb Woods Lane up to the Swan Pub. Turn left onto Platt Lane then right up Sandy Lane. After 150m bear left and carry straight on. Continue along the gravel track. At the cross roads turn right for a gradual and long climb. After a short descent you will come to a track crossroads - turn left, descending back to the road. Go left for just 10m then right down the tarmac drive. Bear right just before the house, drop down to a gate and take a right on the road. Continue straight on past the first reservoir and climb to next reservoir. Proceed straight on following signs for Standedge (mostly uphill). At the T-junction take a left. Climb to road top and continue straight. At top take a right following PBW sign and drop down to road. Follow the track. Just before road climbs take a right onto path for PBW. Descend to gate, bear left and follow to Diggle Hotel. Turn right to go over the railway bridge and your car park is on the left.

PENN

INE B

DIRTY LANE A62

(PBW

RIDL

EWA Y

A62 Brun clough car park TOP CLIMB (PBW) DELPH DONKEY TRAIL

Ride and difficulty:

A tough ride with technical descents and a handful of climbs the largest being up to Standedge (400m).

Distance:
11 miles.

Start/Finish point:
The Village of Diggle. Sam Road Car Park. OL3 5PU.

Refreshments and toilets:

The route starts and finishes near the Diggle Hotel which serves food. Also in Diggle there is the Hanging Gate Pub, a chip shop, and a canal-side caf. There are other pubs along the route and close to the route is Uppermill a lovely village with a selection of cafs, tea rooms and pubs.

LONG LN

DIGGLE HOTEL SWAN PUB DIGGLE Standedge tunnel SAM ROAD CAR PARK

DOBCROSS LOOK FOR SIGN DOBCROSS PUB

Useful websites and contact information:

Pennine Bridleway www.nationaltrail.co.uk/penninebridleway Oldham Tourist Information - 0161 770 8035 www.visitoldham.com For further information on this route or any included in this guide please contact - 0161 253 5111.

START
WARD LN

RIDE 6

STLE

RD

Greenfield station

LADCA

UPPERMILL saddleworth pool

GREENFIELD A669

halls route
Once famous for its felt hatting industry, Stockport also has some stunning countryside and historic halls worth visiting. This ride should attract the leisure and road cyclist and takes you through five river valleys en-route to nine wonderful and historic halls.

THE ride
Once you have arrived at Bramall Hall, reverse back along Hall Road and turn right back down the hill and up the other side to turn left into Linney Road. After 100m turn right into Tenement Lane. After passing under the railway bridge, turn left at the T- junction onto Ladybridge Road. After 150m, turn right at the entrance road to the March Hare Public House. Keep slightly right and follow the central path (Ladybrook Valley Bridleway) down to the bridge. Cross to the opposite bank (play area) to follow the river path. Pass another bridge to a left exit onto Radnormere Drive and turn right. At the end of the road, turn right again onto Queens Road. Take the second left, Old Wool Lane, into trading estate. Keep left at the junction shortly passing the Golf Club on the right. After 200m, where road bears left, keep straight onto a path leading to road junction (Cheadle Road). Turn right, taking care, keeping the Golf Club on the right and shortly turn left into Valley Road and then left again onto Bruntwood Lane and Bruntwood Hall. Refreshments are available at the adjacent Vinery Restaurant. Reverse onto Bruntwood Lane to the bottom and turn right. Shortly after, turn left into Shiers Drive. At Cheadle Baths and Leisure Centre turn left onto the park path (black hoops). Exit the park turning right onto Wilmslow Road and proceed into Cheadle Village. At traffic lights, pass into the White Hart Car Park and exit onto Hall St. Turn right to the corner (Funeral Directors) and then turn left into Brook Drive, passing the Drill Hall. Pass under the bridge. Turn right at path end, shortly passing the Alexandra Hospital and turn right at T-junction. Turn left at car sales garage (just before traffic lights) and pass back under the railway bridge. Continue past a pond (on the left) and onto Abney Hall. Turn left and proceed to park exit (take great care here). Turn right (advise children to cycle on the pavement) and pass over the motorway bridge to turn right at River Mersey Bridge. Go down a short flight of steps and continue on this riverside path passing a trading estate shortly after a small climb. Pass a leaping wooden fish sculpture to find a motorway bridge. Bear left up a shallow, stepped incline to follow a track, via a couple of chicanes to emerge onto Didsbury Road. Cross the road at the traffic lights, turn right onto a cycle path, then turn left into Green Lane, following the Trans Pennine Trail signage. After 200m, continue through the gate on a gravel path through a tunnel to the road junction at the top (Bowerfold Lane). Turn right after 200m to bollards and a footpath at Dunblane Ave.

R RIVE

TAM

PENDLEBURY HALL HEATON MERSEY UNDERBANK HALL

RIVER MERSEY

BREDBURY HALL WOODBANK GOYT HALL HALL FARM

RIDE 7
RIVER GOYT

Ride and difficulty:

A mixture of flat country lane and town roads with the occasional incline or steep hill. Possible for families and passable for leisure bikes. There are a couple of gravel tracks, so should you attempt this on a road bike, be prepared with that puncture repair kit!

CHEADLE HEATH ABNEY HALL

EDGELEY

Distance:
Approximately 17 miles.

OFFERTON HALL HEAVILEY

POISE BROOK

Start/Finish point:
It is recommended that you start and finish from Bramall Hall. However, should you wish to, you can commence the ride anywhere along the route.

LADY

BROO

START

Refreshments and toilets:

There are cafs, pubs and shops in places like Hazel Grove and Cheadle Village with tea rooms and toilets at Bramall Hall and a restaurant adjacent to Bruntwood Hall.

BRUNTWOOD HALL

WOODSMOOR BRAMALL HALL

Useful websites and contact information:

Bramall Hall www.bramallhall.org.uk www.visit-stockport.com www.reddishvale.moonfruit.com www.cyclestockport.org.uk For further information on this route or any included in this guide please contact - 0161 253 5111.

Cross the rail bridge to traffic lights (A6). Proceed diagonally into Southdown Close to a T-junction at the end (Parsonage St). Turn right then take first left (Church Rd) into the park. After 150m, turn left at the crossroads into Love Lane/ Gordon St. Take the third right (Orphanage St) and descend to Lancashire Hill. The path passes below the flats on the right side, crossing Penny Lane into trees. Take the left ramp into the Tame Valley. Turn left at the river path to pass over Tiviot Way using the cycle/ equestrian lights. Turn right for 100m then left into Reddish Vale Country Park. Take the tarmac surfaced climb uphill to a sandy track (alongside a trading estate on the right, behind a green fence). Keep bearing right to pass through an illuminated tunnel. After 200m turn right at large boulders to descend a red surfaced hill (steep path so take care). Pass under three motorway bridges and turn sharp left to a large mill. Continue to the inersection (Welkin Road), and then turn left uphill, taking care at this busy junction. Turn right at Osborne St just after the traffic lights. After 300m turn right, (signed Bredbury Hall) and continue on dirt track passing 2 farms (the second being Goyt Hall Farm). Continue another mile to emerge at Otterspool Bridge (shallow cobbled incline). Turn right very carefully to pass the garden centre and the Hare & Hounds Pub.

Dismount to use the uphill pavement, and turn left into Old Hall Drive. Keeping the large chimneys of Offerton Hall in sight, walk along the short connecting path to Half Moon Lane. Turn left, passing a school, to a T-junction at Alfreton Road. Turn left onto a surfaced pathway between fields (Cow Lane) and proceed to Sainsburys. Cross the A6 into New Moor Lane (at side of Phoenix Public House) onto Bramhall Moor Lane. Turn right immediately after the railway bridge into Barlows Lane South. Turn right at the T-junction onto a gravel track and proceed past a yellow barrier. On reaching the houses, go through an opening in the metal fence and turn left. Take the second road on the right, Flowery Fields, just before the allotments. At the T-junction, turn right to another T-junction. Turn left onto Woodsmoor Lane, taking care at the roundabout junction. Turn left onto Bramhall Lane South to the traffic lights junction. Turn right into Midland Road, then turn left into North Park Road (passing the shops). At next T-junction, turn right (downhill) passing the Tennis Club and over the Ladybrook. Climb slight hill and turn left into Hall Road. After admiring Bramall Hall, the Stables Tea Rooms are nice for refreshments.

The Bury Circular

A leisure ride of around 13 miles across rural West Pennine Hills north of the Black Pudding capital of Bury. This ride takes in the Roman road of Watling Street as well as charming villages such as Affetside with its ancient cross the supposed half-way point between London and Edinburgh.

THE ride
The ride begins at Burrs Country Park and goes clockwise. From the car park at Burrs Country Park follow Woodhill Road back towards Bury town centre. Just before a two story office block take a left onto Woodhill Cycleway (National cycle route 6). Follow this over the River Irwell until it meets a road where you turn right, then left at the next junction. As you reach the Police Station look for the cycle path ahead on the right and follow this to an underpass underneath Peel Way. When you emerge go right, then hard left and follow the marked cycleway until it ends and just keep heading in a straight line down Tenters Street and then Bridge Road (Bury Grammar School). At St Gabriels High School turn right and at the end of this road you will find the start of the Daisyfield Greenway (signed again as national Cycle Route 6). Follow the path, rising over the railway viaduct, until a second marker stone is seen on the right having just gone underneath a road bridge. Leave the cycle route here by turning right and youll find yourself on Buller Street then left onto Kitchener Street and proceed to Bolton Road. Cross Bolton Road to Haig Road (past the Wellington Pub) and continue until you meet Ainsworth Road. Turn left and slowly climb looking for a cobbled road with bollards on your right. This is Dow Lane and is followed to its junction with Lowercroft Road. Turn right pulling up the short hill until you see Bentley Hall Road on your left. Follow up the hill on a fairly rough track and enjoy the short descent. Turn right at the junction with Harwood Road for another sharp pull, then a left turn onto Bradshaw Road. You will then see Watling Street straight ahead. Follow this through the village of Affetside. The Packhorse Pub in the village is an alternative starting point for this ride. Enjoy the descent and turn right at the next junction, doubling back onto Turton Road. Follow this to Tottington. After youve passed the Co-op look out for Kirklees Street on your left and turn down this road. At the bottom of the hill look for a gate on your right. Take the track to the Kirklees Trail. (*Alternatively from early 2012 turn right along the former railway and continue across a new viaduct to Brandlesholme Road. Cross the road and go onto the residential cul-de-sac opposite. Where it turns right take the track downhill back to Woodhill Road.) Turn left on the path along the former railway line, crossing Island Lodge viaduct, to the end of the trail at Greenmount. Here turn right onto Brandlesholme Road and right again at the main junction with Longsight Road. Follow this until you see Hunstanton Drive on your left (theres a doctors surgery on the corner). At the bottom of the hill you meet Woodhill Road again.

RIDE 8
TURTON ROAD GREENMOUNT AFFETSIDE HOLCOMBE BROOK SUMMERSEAT RAILWAY STATION

Ride and difficulty:

A moderate ride for a leisure or mountain bike. The route follows roads, cycle paths and off-road surfaced paths with some hills.

East Lanc

Distance:
Approximately 13 miles.

(START)
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Bran
* Optional route Fully open 2012

Start/Finish point:
The ride is circular, so you can start anywhere. We suggest that you start at Burrs Country Park (BL8 1DA) just north of Bury town centre. Travelling clockwise gives you a general warm up before the climb. An alternative starting point is the Pack Horse in Affetside (BL8 3QW).

WATLING STREET

TOTTINGTON

BURRS COUNTRY PARK

BRANDLESHOLME FOUR LANE ENDS WOOLFOLD WALSHAW ELTON

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Refreshments and toilets:

There are a number of pubs, sandwich shops and other eateries along the route. The Pack Horse Inn in Affetside www.packhorseaffetside.co.uk has lovely views and good food, and in Tottington you will find an attractive town with a range of places to eat and drink. There is a caf in Burrs Country Park (open at peak times).

STARLINGS BURY BOLTON STREET STATION

Useful websites and contact information:

Bury www.visitbury.com Affetside www.affetside.org.uk East Lancs Railway www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk For further information on this route or any included in this guide please contact - 0161 253 5111.

BURY