National Cycling Centre to Heaton Park

A beautiful 9.3 mile cycle along part of National Cycle Network Route 66, following the refurbished Rochdale Canal towpath. Being a canal, the route is largely flat, with a few hills and ramps near the locks. The towpath surface varies from tarmac to packed shale to cobbles, so wider tyres are advisable. The canal route showcases many of East Manchester's fine refurbished warehouses, hinting at the city's world famous industrial past and postmodern future. If you’re fairly confident on your bike and ready to broaden your cycling horizons, our Steady rides are ideal. At a comfortable pace, and possibly with some modest hills along the way, rides take place on mainly quiet roads with plenty of sights along the way. Rides are between 6 and 20 miles long, at a moderate pace of between 7 and 10 miles an hour.