Cycle Routes

CYCLE ROUTES - Mam TorMam Tor … the descent into Edale Valley

Here’s something that I began in 2015 and have been developing ever since …
I have finally had to concede that “weekends” are a thing of the past, FUN - Steep Hillwith a large number of us having to work on Saturday or Sunday. It has been frustratingly difficult to produce group events for a time when everyone is available, this has been the main factor in my deciding to move away from leading in favour of writing. The other (age-old) problem for us leaders is constantly worrying (I assure you it is a worry!) about our fickle weather!
So, rather than missing out, this is my solution. If successful I will extend to include a programme of regional walks (I have already done this for Whitby) …
Here are a series of self-led cycle rides. Although originally designed as practice sessions for those going on our cycling holidays … to replicate distance, climbing and terrain .. they can be enjoyed by anyone. They are all my own work (except the Preston Wheel) … I will gladly provide you with full information and relevant digital mapping (it will cost ya a pint!).
This is not just designed as a great way of keeping fit … it will test your bike and kit, and also hone your map reading skills!  
The beauty of doing it this way is that you can ‘cherry pick’ your own date; to suit the weather, conditions and your diary. Some of you have done some of them before, I urge you to try them again … it will give you an invaluable experience at navigating on your own.

I hope you enjoy them(?) … VA  

CYCLE ROUTES - Leaflet1

CYCLE ROUTES - Leaflet2

 

CYCLE ROUTES - Map Sample

L = Local (ie starts and finishes in Prestwich) / C = Transport (car or van required to get you and your bike to start) / T = Train (from Manchester Victoria)
Estimated times are calculated on distance, ascent & descent and terrain
CH = CYCLE HIRE IS AVAILABLE 
FUN - Motorised Scooter Logo  These routes are motorised-scooter friendly, in full or part.
NOTE – This project has generated a lot of interest (particularly with ‘born-again’ cyclists) … surprising me somewhat, as I do not profess to be an expert in the field of cycling. I do reckon though, judging by the enjoyment (and appreciation) people seem to get by following my routes, that I do have something to offer(?). The key to people of an ‘older generation’, who have not ridden for many a year, is CONFIDENCE. With this in mind, I have put the routes in the sequence they should be attempted … taking into account not only statistics but terrain, navigation and friendliness to cyclists (namely traffic!). The other great modern invention is the e-bike … the opportunities for everyone have suddenly become endless.
FUN - Cycle Zooming

EASY

FUN - Tick Mark6 – MEDIA CITY & CASTLEFIELD (Manchester Urban) M2M ~ 21.1 miles / 663 feet ascent / est. 3.39 hours.mins + br. – L

Fun - Tick Mark1 PRESTON WHEEL (Lancashire) C2C ~ 20.9 miles / 863 feet ascent / est. 3.42 hours.mins + breaks – C CH  

Fun - Tick Mark4 – LANCASTER CITY, MORECAMBE TOWN & HEYSHAM VILLAGE (Lancashire) B2B ~ 21.4 miles / 900 feet ascent / estimated 3.43 hours.mins + breaks – C

Fun - Tick Mark5 – DERWENT VALLEY (Derbyshire)  NoR ~ 22.1 miles / 1999 feet ascent / estimated 4.11 hours.mins + breaks – C CH

Fun - Motorised Scooter Logo– DERWENT VALLEY ALTERNATIVE (1A) (INTRODUCTION) SHORTER LOOP = 10.5m / 1100’^    

Fun - Tick Mark2 – CHESTER CIRCULAR (Cheshire) ~ 24.9 miles / 466 feet ascent / 4:15 hours:mins + breaks C

Fun - Tick Mark3 – SALE WATER PARK & DUNHAM MASSEY (Cheshire) ~ 25.4 miles / 370 feet ascent / est 4.39 hours.mins + breaks – C CH

MODERATE

Fun - Tick Mark4 – BAKEWELL & MONSAL TRAIL (Derbyshire) ~ 25.2 miles / 2263 feet ascent / estimated 4.23 hours.mins + br. – T

Fun - Tick Mark5 – TISSINGTON TRAIL & MANIFOLD TRAIL (Derbys & Staffs) B2B ~ 30.2 miles / 3061 ft ascent / est 4.31 h.m + breaks – C CH

Fun - Tick Mark10 – FOREST OF BOWLAND WEST (Lancashire) M2M ~ 31.6 miles / 3200 feet ascent / estimated time 4.44 hours.mins –

Fun - Tick Mark6 – BELMONT & JUMBLES (Lancashire) C2C ~ 33..5 miles / 2579 feet ascent / estimated 4.51 hours.mins + breaks –

Fun - Tick Mark1 – HUDDERSFIELD NARROW CANAL (Yorkshire & Grt M/cr) C2~ 29.3 miles / 1914 ft ascent / est 5.09 h.m + breaks –

Fun - Tick Mark7 – MORECAMBE BAY & LUNE VALLEY (Lancashire) M2M ~ 33.8 miles / 2381 ft ascent / est 5.15 hours.mins + breaks – C

Fun - Tick Mark8 – CRAVEN ROUND (Yorkshire) ~ 25.7 miles / 1725 feet ascent / estimated 5.26 hours:mins + breaks – C

Fun - Tick Mark3 – HAIGH HALL & ANGLEZARKE (Lancashire) B2B ~ 25.7 miles / 1725 ft ascent / estimated 5.26 hours.mins + breaks – C

Fun - Tick Mark2 – DELAMERE FOREST (Cheshire)  NoR ~ 31.6 miles / 1556 feet ascent / estimated 5.28 hours.mins + breaks – C

Fun - Tick Mark9 – ROCHDALE CANAL (Yorks & Grt M/cr) NoR ~ 34.3 miles / 1337 feet ascent / estimated 6.05 hours.mins + br. – T

Fun - Tick Mark11 – PENNINE BRIDLEWAY & CARSINGTON WATER (Derbyshire) ~ 32.6 miles / 3065 feet ascent / estimated 4.47 hours.mins – C

NEW DALBY FOREST & VALE OF PICKERING (Yorkshire) ~ awaiting reccee

STRENUOUS

Fun - Tick Mark1 – PEAK DISTRICT LOOP (Derbyshire) M2~ 32.5 miles / 4700 feet ascent / estimated 5.23 hours.mins + breaks – C

2 – SOUTH PENNINES & HEBDEN BRIDGE (Yorks / Grt M/cr)  B2B ~ 37 miles / 3600 feet ascent / est 5.53 hours.mins + br. – T

3 – FOREST OF BOWLAND NORTH (Lancashire) C2C ~ 39.5 miles / 5000 feet ascent / estimated 6.07 hours.mins + breaks – C

Fun - Tick Mark4 – BLACKPOOL TO PRESTWICH (Lancashire) NoR ~ 53.5 miles / 3500 feet ascent /estimated 9.07 hours.mins + breaks –

NEW NORTH YORK MOORS ROUND (Yorkshire) ~ awaiting reccee

HOSTEL STAYOVERS (LAKE DISTRICT)

Fun - Tick Mark1 – Coniston Lake Round (Coniston YHA) ~ 15.35 miles / 1366 feet ascent / est 2.38 hours.mins + br. – C

Fun - Tick Mark2 Thirlmere Lake, Rydal Water & Grasmere Lake Rd (Grasmere YHA) NoR ~ 26.77 m / 3002 ft a / est. 4.04 h.m + br. – C  

Fun - Tick Mark5 – Loweswater, Crummock Water & Buttermere (Buttermere YHA) ~ 17.35 m / 1675 ft ascent / est. 4.06 h.m + br. – C

Fun - Tick Mark4 – Derwent & Bassenthwaite Lakes Round (Keswick YHA) B2B ~ 27.55 m / 2789 ft ascent / est 4.21 h.m + br. – C

Fun - Tick Mark6 Ullswater Lake Round (Patterdale YHAM2M ~ 23.52 miles / 2710 feet ascent / estimated 4.47 hours.mins + breaks – C

Fun - Tick Mark3 – Windermere Lake Round (Hawkshead YHAC2C ~ 34.48 miles / 2851 feet ascent / estimated 5.33 hours.mins + br. – C  

TIME CALCULATION: Although subjective, I have based the timings on: terrain, ascent & descent, traffic (eg. in an urban environment) and enjoyment factor! … I will leave length and frequency of breaks/stops to you(?). 

… and ‘still on the drawing board’ ..      

DALBY FOREST & VALE OF PICKERING (Yorkshire) Moderate
FOOT OF PENDLE HILL CIRCULAR (Lancashire) Strenuous
HAMBLETON ROUND (Yorkshire) Moderate or Strenuous(?)
HARROGATE ROUND (Yorkshire) Moderate or Strenuous(?)
LIVERPOOL LOOPLINE (Merseyside) Easy or Moderate(?)
MATLOCK BATH & RIVER DERWENT (Derbys.) Moderate or Strenuous(?)
RICHMONDSHIRE ROUND (Yorkshire) Moderate or Strenuous(?)
RYEDALE ROUND (Yorkshire) Moderate or Strenuous(?)
SELBY ROUND (Yorkshire) Moderate or Strenuous(?)
YORK ROUND (Yorkshire) Easy
and here’s a long distance one to consider …
TRANS-PENNINE TRAIL ~ Hornsea to Southport ~ 215 miles of mainly traffic-free, well-surfaced and level trails(???)

Foxxy Tip …

 

Transport for Greater Manchester have produced an incredible range of detailed cycle network maps … one each for the ten boroughs that make up the metropolitan county. They are available FREE to download or obtain in paper format from your local ‘Travelshop’.
www.tfgm.com/cycling

 

Foxxy Tip …

Along with the e-bike, the other great technological advance in recent years has been the advent of navigational aids. In days gone by, we relied on reading paper maps whilst simultaneously riding … a real (perilous) art!

You will all have your own preferences and probably know more on the subject than me, but I do want to mention what I use and what a complete gamechanger it is:

Using a dedicated smartphone, I can transfer my digitally produced (Memory Map in my case) cycle route from my pc to this smartphone.

The phone is affixed to a cycle mount on my handlebars … this fully rotates to afford map orientation.

I can easily interchange map scales … from 1:50,000 > 1:25,000 > 1:10,000