Cycle Routes
Mam 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,
with 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
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
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.
EASY
6 – MEDIA CITY & CASTLEFIELD (Manchester Urban) M2M ~ 21.1 miles / 663 feet ascent / est. 3.39 hours.mins + br. – L
1 – PRESTON WHEEL (Lancashire) C2C ~ 20.9 miles / 863 feet ascent / est. 3.42 hours.mins + breaks – C CH
4 – LANCASTER CITY, MORECAMBE TOWN & HEYSHAM VILLAGE (Lancashire) B2B ~ 21.4 miles / 900 feet ascent / estimated 3.43 hours.mins + breaks – C
5 – DERWENT VALLEY (Derbyshire) NoR ~ 22.1 miles / 1999 feet ascent / estimated 4.11 hours.mins + breaks – C CH
– DERWENT VALLEY ALTERNATIVE (1A) (INTRODUCTION) SHORTER LOOP = 10.5m / 1100’^
2 – CHESTER CIRCULAR (Cheshire) ~ 24.9 miles / 466 feet ascent / 4:15 hours:mins + breaks C
3 – SALE WATER PARK & DUNHAM MASSEY (Cheshire) ~ 25.4 miles / 370 feet ascent / est 4.39 hours.mins + breaks – C CH
MODERATE
4 – BAKEWELL & MONSAL TRAIL (Derbyshire) ~ 25.2 miles / 2263 feet ascent / estimated 4.23 hours.mins + br. – T
5 – TISSINGTON TRAIL & MANIFOLD TRAIL (Derbys & Staffs) B2B ~ 30.2 miles / 3061 ft ascent / est 4.31 h.m + breaks – C CH
10 – FOREST OF BOWLAND WEST (Lancashire) M2M ~ 31.6 miles / 3200 feet ascent / estimated time 4.44 hours.mins – C
6 – BELMONT & JUMBLES (Lancashire) C2C ~ 33..5 miles / 2579 feet ascent / estimated 4.51 hours.mins + breaks – L
1 – HUDDERSFIELD NARROW CANAL (Yorkshire & Grt M/cr) C2C ~ 29.1 miles / 1898 ft ascent / est 5.09 h.m + breaks – T
7 – MORECAMBE BAY & LUNE VALLEY (Lancashire) M2M ~ 33.8 miles / 2381 ft ascent / est 5.15 hours.mins + breaks – C
8 – CRAVEN ROUND (Yorkshire) ~ 25.7 miles / 1725 feet ascent / estimated 5.26 hours:mins + breaks – C
3 – HAIGH HALL & ANGLEZARKE (Lancashire) B2B ~ 25.7 miles / 1725 ft ascent / estimated 5.26 hours.mins + breaks – C
2 – DELAMERE FOREST (Cheshire) NoR ~ 31.6 miles / 1556 feet ascent / estimated 5.28 hours.mins + breaks – C
9 – ROCHDALE CANAL (Yorks & Grt M/cr) NoR ~ 34.3 miles / 1337 feet ascent / estimated 6.05 hours.mins + br. – T
11 – PENNINE BRIDLEWAY & CARSINGTON WATER (Derbyshire) ~ 32.4 miles / 3045 feet ascent / estimated 4.47 hours.mins – C
NEW DALBY FOREST & VALE OF PICKERING (Yorkshire) ~ awaiting reccee
STRENUOUS
1 – PEAK DISTRICT LOOP (Derbyshire) M2M ~ 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
4 – BLACKPOOL TO PRESTWICH (Lancashire) NoR ~ 53.5 miles / 3500 feet ascent /estimated 9.07 hours.mins + breaks – T
NEW NORTH YORK MOORS ROUND (Yorkshire) ~ awaiting reccee
HOSTEL STAYOVERS (LAKE DISTRICT)
1 – Coniston Lake Round (Coniston YHA) ~ 15.35 miles / 1366 feet ascent / est 2.38 hours.mins + br. – C
2 – Thirlmere Lake, Rydal Water & Grasmere Lake Rd (Grasmere YHA) NoR ~ 26.77 m / 3002 ft a / est. 4.04 h.m + br. – C
5 – Loweswater, Crummock Water & Buttermere (Buttermere YHA) ~ 17.35 m / 1675 ft ascent / est. 4.06 h.m + br. – C
4 – Derwent & Bassenthwaite Lakes Round (Keswick YHA) B2B ~ 27.55 m / 2789 ft ascent / est 4.21 h.m + br. – C
6 – Ullswater Lake Round (Patterdale YHA) M2M ~ 23.52 miles / 2710 feet ascent / estimated 4.47 hours.mins + breaks – C
3 – Windermere Lake Round (Hawkshead YHA) C2C ~ 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(?)
HIGH PEAK TRAIL & HEART OF WHITE PEAK (Derbys.) 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