Velofondista Route Sheet / The Overview:
- Slaithwaite to Colne: It starts with 40km of remote Pennine moorland with steep climbs, twisty descents, wandering sheep and gravel on the road. The views are amazing and there are reservoirs galore.
- Colne to Broughton: The next 45km are on quiet country lanes, gentle climbs but some of the descents are narrow and twisty. The only thing to spoil it may be a person in a 4x4 coming the other way. Also: horses.
- Broughton to the A580 at Lane Head: This 45km is urban A- and B- roads. There will be motorists but the cycling can be very fast. Preston is fiddly to get through and Wigan can feel daunting, but is over quickly. There are a mix of cycle lanes, bus lanes and wide roads. However, there are pubs, cafes, supermarkets and petrol stations constantly giving plenty of refuelling options.
- A580 to Warburton Toll Bridge: 15km of open fields and wide views of farmland and hills. The roads get quieter and are a relief. The Toll Bridge is 12p for motorists, but free for cyclists.
- Warburton Toll Bridge to the Waterbridge Way: 15km of farmland changing to industry as you draw closer to Manchester and the traffic begins to increase again, but the roads are easier than Preston and Wigan.
- Waterbridge Way to the City Centre: 5km of towpath past Old Trafford. The traffic free way into Manchester City Centre. There will be "people". There is no rush, it's only 5km... a chance to slow down.
- Manchester City Centre to the National Cycling Centre: 5km of Manchester's heart, which will be quiet on a Sunday. A straight route out of the city including the sight of the Etihad Stadium and the National Cycling Centre. It really is possible to cycle across Manchester.
- The National Cycling Centre to Oldham: 5km of countryside close to the heart of Manchester.
- Oldham and Springhead: 10km of the most efficient route to get through these towns. Based on a commuting route and finding the easiest way through these complex urban environments.
- Springhead to Slaithwaite: 18km to home. Two hills. Two descents. Returning to the southern edge of the Pennines, the countryside opens out, the motorised traffic disappears and the A62 is empty because the M62 takes the load. I love descents that you don't have to brake on and the A62 from Austerland to Slaithwaite through Delph is a delight which will fly past.
Link to RideWithGPS OFFICIAL route to download:
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