Aerial view of Manchester city skyline and Etihad Stadium at sunset.

Manchester’s Top Urban and Green Cycling Trails for Every Type of Rider

May 03, 2025

Ideal for solo rides, scenic couple routes, and relaxed family outings.

Manchester is rapidly emerging as one of the UK’s most exciting cities for cycling. With over a thousand miles of cycling infrastructure planned, scenic canal paths, wooded trails, and access to the Peak District, the region offers something for every type of rider. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist, a casual weekend explorer, or new to two wheels on an electric bike, Manchester's diverse terrain is your gateway to greener travel and outdoor adventure.

In this guide, we highlight the top urban and green cycling trails across Manchester, curated from platforms like Komoot, Bikemap, AllTrails, Visit Manchester and Manchester City Council. We’ll also explore how electric bikes can help you see more, sweat less, and have more fun along the way.

Why Cycle in Manchester?

Manchester is undergoing a cycling revolution. With a £1.5 billion masterplan in progress, the city is transforming into the UK's largest connected cycle network. Already, cyclists can enjoy car-free trails, canal towpaths, riverside loops, and national routes connecting Greater Manchester with surrounding countryside and historic towns.

For e-bike riders, Manchester is ideal. Flat routes, gentle gradients, and plenty of rest stops make it easy to cruise along at your own pace without worrying about fitness levels or long climbs. Thanks to growing public transport links, many trailheads are easily accessible, allowing you to start your ride without traffic or stress.

Top Urban Trails for E-Bike Explorers

1. Heaton Park Circular

Distance: 4.5 km
Time: Approx. 1 hr
Best for: Beginners and families

Cycling at Heaton Park Circular. Classical domed pavilion on a grassy hilltop framed by trees under a bright blue sky.

Perfect for e-bike newcomers or relaxed days out, this easy, flat loop takes you around the historic Heaton Park. It includes highlights like the boating lake, animal centre, tram museum and Heaton Hall. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, it’s an ideal family-friendly spot.

2. Fallowfield Loop

Distance: 24.9 km (loop)
Surface: Mostly paved and traffic-free
Start point: Manchester Oxford Road

Cycling at Fallowfield Loop. Graffiti-covered tunnel opening onto a leafy cycle path with a second bridge in view.

This off-road gem is a local favourite. Running from Chorlton through Levenshulme and Gorton to the Etihad Stadium, the Fallowfield Loop offers a quiet urban escape with easy navigation. It’s particularly great for electric bikes thanks to long, uninterrupted sections and low gradients.

3. Manchester and Deansgate Circular

Distance: 5 km
Best for: Architecture lovers and city-based riders

Cycling at Manchester and Deansgate Circular. Urban canal path beside red-brick railway arches with modern restaurants.

If you're in the city centre, this short but scenic route highlights Manchester’s stunning architecture, public spaces, and cultural landmarks. It’s a great way to explore urban Manchester without straying far, ideal for visitors or short e-bike commutes.

Family-Friendly Trails with Space to Glide

1. Chorlton Water Park to Sale Water Park

Distance: 16.1 km round trip
Route type: Intermediate, paved surfaces

Cycling from Chorlton Water Park to Sale Water Park. Autumn trees reflecting on a calm lake under a clear blue sky in a public park.

A scenic canal-side ride linking two of South Manchester’s most beautiful parks. Smooth paths and a peaceful atmosphere make this a brilliant ride for children or less confident riders. If you're cycling with children, explore the easy-paced trails around Sale Water Park. For their perfect ride, Little Gliders has kid-friendly bikes and trikes with exciting seasonal offers.

2. Philips Park and Waterdale Loop

Distance: 4.8 km
Time: Approx. 1 hr 15 mins
Best for: Short rides near nature

cycle from Philips Park and Waterdale Loop. Frosty riverbank trail at dusk with bare trees and a peaceful winter sunset in the UK.

This compact trail near Prestwich offers river views, wooded paths, and a tranquil environment that feels surprisingly rural. It’s a great ride for young families looking for a relaxing hour outside.

3. Middlewood Way

Distance: 20.2 km
Location: Stockport to Macclesfield

Cycling Middlewood Way. Misty woodland trail in the UK with wet tarmac path and early spring greenery after rainfall.

A longer, flat family trail that runs along a former railway line. Ideal for e-bike cargo bikes or trikes carrying little ones, with multiple access points and plenty of cafés and picnic spots along the way.

Green Escapes & Scenic Loops for Couples

1. Manchester to Worsley via Bridgewater Canal

Distance: 21.3 km
Type: Canal towpath, mostly paved

Cycling Bridgewater Canal. Scenic Manchester canal with narrowboats, red-brick buildings, and iron railway bridge on a sunny day.

One of Manchester’s most scenic and historic cycling routes. Follow the Bridgewater Canal west past the old coal wharves, Tudor buildings in Worsley, and leafy surroundings. A perfect weekend ride for couples.

2. Gorton Reservoir Circular

Distance: 4.3 km
Time: Approx. 1 hr

Cycling Gorton Reservoir Circular Peaceful parkland with green grass, autumn trees, and a calm lake under a clear sky.

This peaceful water-side route winds past cafés and the historic Debdale Park. It’s ideal for couples wanting a relaxed afternoon loop with places to stop, snack and soak up the scenery.

3. Hopwood Woodlands and Pond Circular

Distance: 5 km
Highlights: Birdsong, ponds, woodland

cycling Hopwood Woodlands and Pond Circular. Sunny green meadow with grazing cows and a lone tree under a clear blue sky.

A hidden woodland gem popular with dog walkers and cyclists alike. Enjoy shady trees and nature sounds with minimal traffic and low gradients – just right for a leisurely electric bike ride.

Intermediate Rides for Weekend Warriors

1. Manchester Loop

Distance: 45.7 mi (73.5 km)
Time: ~4.5 hours
Fitness Level: Intermediate

Cycling manchester loop. Cycle path passing under a red brick railway bridge in a green rural area.

A satisfying, mostly paved loop for those wanting to stretch their legs. Perfect for e-bike users looking to push further with pedal-assist over longer distances.

2. Trans Pennine Trail via River Mersey (Ardwick Loop)

Distance: 37.4 mi (60.2 km)
Route: Flat and scenic

Cycling Trans Pennine Trail via River Mersey (Ardwick Loop). Riverside gravel path winding through lush green countryside under a clear sky.

A popular trail running alongside the River Mersey, connecting green spaces and parks on the city’s edge. The full loop is a great fitness ride or e-bike touring route with several rest points and public transport links.

Off-Road Adventure for Mountain Bikers

1. Clayton Vale MTB Trails

Distance: 12 km total
Terrain: Berms, rocky drops, wooded trails

Cycling Clayton Vale MTB Trails. Mountain biker riding fast through a sunlit forest trail on a downhill track.

One of Manchester's top off-road cycling spots, featuring several MTB loops ideal for both beginners and thrill-seekers. E-MTB riders can fully enjoy the climbs and switchbacks without overexertion.

2. Drinkwater Park

Distance: 6 km loop
Wildlife: Kingfishers, kestrels, sparrowhawks

Cycling Drinkwater Park. Peaceful canal surrounded by lush green trees with clear water reflecting the landscape.

Nestled in the Irwell Valley, this National Trust-run park is perfect for wildlife-spotting while navigating fun, rolling trails.

3. South Pennines (Littleborough & Beyond)

Routes: Pennine Bridleway Loop, Turf Moor, Ashworth Moor
Best for: Advanced riders and day-trippers

Cycling South Pennines (Littleborough & Beyond). Peaceful UK lake with wooded shoreline and rolling hills in warm evening light.

Escape into wild moorland, steep climbs and rocky paths. The Pennine Bridleway is a bucket-list ride for mountain bikers, and an electric mountain bike can help you conquer it comfortably.

Road & Gravel Routes for Long-Distance Explorers

1. Manchester to Liverpool (via Bikemap)

Distance: 80.4 km
Surface: Paved road
Ideal for: E-road bikes and experienced riders

Folding bike parked by a shaded bench on a canal towpath with boats and greenery.

A flat, direct route linking two great northern cities. Take advantage of e-assist to keep a strong pace and still enjoy the scenery.

2. Nob End Locks Gravel Route

Distance: 21.7 km
Surface: Gravel and unpaved tracks

Cycling Nob End Locks Gravel Route. Cobbled canal towpath beside a brick house and calm waterway in the UK countryside.

Explore gritstone and canal-side terrain on this moderate gravel ride, perfect for adventurers who like to keep things rough but manageable.

Planning Your Ride

How to Navigate Manchester’s Cycle Network

Komoot and Bikemap: For interactive maps, elevation data and user recommendations.
Tour de Manc: For sportive routes with big climbs.
AllTrails: Great for off-road, park and woodland rides.
Manchester City Council: Offers regional route planning and downloadable network maps.
Trek: Lists the best road and mountain biking routes near Manchester Piccadilly.

Tips for E-Bike Riders:

Use public transport to get closer to green trails without riding through busy traffic.
Charge your e-bike overnight and carry a spare battery if you're doing 60+ km.
Respect multi-user trails: keep speed safe around pedestrians and children.

Final Thoughts: A Cycling City in the Making

Manchester is more than just a city—it's a cycling hub on the rise. With community-backed route planning, exciting urban regeneration, and a cycling culture growing every day, it’s the perfect place to explore by electric bike. From canals to cobbles, woodlands to wild moors, Manchester’s cycling routes are as diverse as the people who ride them.

So whether you're planning a quick city escape, a weekend tour, or a full-family ride, there's a trail in Manchester waiting for you to discover it—on two wheels and with the wind at your back.

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