Uppermill

This is a lovely out and back route that follows the Ashton canal to Ashton-under-Lyne, then we’ll join the Huddersfield Narrow canal all the way to Uppermill. We’ll be passing by Droyslden Marina, a working canal boat restoration yard, Hills biscuit factory (mmmm, I can smell it now) and Portland Basin. The first part of the Huddersfield canal here is quite industrial but there’s a lovely little aqueduct across the River Tame before we hit the centre of Stalybridge where the canal is made a bit of a feature of. Once past Stalybridge, the scenery gets a little less industry and a lot more rural/green as we head towards Mossley and ride through the legs of the giant pylon that straddles the canal. We’ll soon be heading through Scout Tunnel and further through Mossley to Saddleworth and the Fabulous Saints Café in Uppermill. Please note that we will still be abiding by COVID-19 safety regulations: social distancing and mask wearing at rest stops unless exempt.

Bike Type: Hybrid, MTB – this is 99% canal and as such has cobbles, compacted sand, gravel and mud in places. Surface: Tarmac, compacted sand/gravel

Café stop: Saints café, Uppermill.

Please ensure you wear a helmet as I won’t allow anyone to participate without one. Bring cash/card for the Café, bike lock and puncture repair kit, and weather appropriate clothing – it is Manchester after all, so we could be turning into ducks, snowmen or cooking on the ride. It is unknown exactly how long we’ll be out for as it depends on who’s with us and how long we spend munching, so any end time on here is a pure guess!

We never leave anyone behind