The best cycling routes around Oldham

Oldham offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 120 options available. These routes cater to various skill levels, including 27 easy, 56 moderate, and 40 difficult trails, ensuring there's something for every cyclist.

Touring cycling in Oldham takes you through diverse landscapes, including sections of the Peak District National Park and the South Pennines. You'll encounter dramatic moorland, high gritstone escarpments, and scenic reservoirs like Dovestone Reservoir. Flatter routes follow picturesque canals such as the Huddersfield Narrow Canal and Rochdale Canal, while other trails offer challenging climbs through hills.

Yes, Oldham has several easy touring cycling routes perfect for families and beginners. Many of these follow canal paths, offering flat and scenic rides. An example is the Rochdale Canal Path – Rochdale Canal Path loop from Moston, which is an easy 10.9-mile (17.6 km) route.

Many of the touring cycling routes in Oldham are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For instance, the popular Rochdale Canal – Hollingworth Lake loop from Moston is a moderate 26.7-mile (42.9 km) circular path that includes sections along the Rochdale Canal and passes Hollingworth Lake.

Oldham is well-known for its canal-side cycling. Routes frequently utilize the Huddersfield Narrow Canal and Rochdale Canal. Additionally, sections of the National Cycle Network Route 626 incorporate traffic-free paths along former railway lines, such as parts of the Delph Donkey Line – View of the River loop from Greenfield.

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, Oldham offers several difficult routes with significant elevation gain. The Owd Betts Pub – Rochdale Canal loop from Mills Hill is a demanding 66.2-mile (106.6 km) route with over 1,500 meters of ascent. Another challenging option is the Hollingworth Lake – Rochdale Canal loop from Mills Hill, covering 49.8 miles (80.1 km).

Many routes pass by stunning natural features. You can cycle past the breathtaking Dovestone Reservoir and Yeoman Hey Reservoir. For those interested in unique geological formations, routes near The Trinnacle or Birchen Clough Waterfall offer memorable sights. The highest point in Greater Manchester, Black Chew Head Summit Cairn, is also accessible via some routes.

Yes, Oldham's touring cycling routes often weave through areas rich in history and culture. You can explore the picturesque Saddleworth villages, discover the ancient Castleshaw Roman Fort, or visit the Saddleworth Museum. The Portland Basin – Marple Aqueduct loop from Moston, for example, leads through canal-side paths and past the historic Marple Aqueduct.

The touring cycling routes in Oldham are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 140 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the diverse terrain, from tranquil canal paths to challenging moorland climbs, and the stunning scenery, particularly around the reservoirs and within the Peak District National Park. Over 1,300 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore the area.

The best season for touring cycling in Oldham is generally spring through early autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is typically milder, and the landscapes are vibrant. While winter cycling is possible, be prepared for colder temperatures, potential ice, and shorter daylight hours, especially on higher moorland routes.

Many popular starting points for touring cycling routes in Oldham, especially those near country parks or reservoirs, offer parking facilities. For example, areas around Dovestone Reservoir and various country parks like Daisy Nook and Tandle Hill typically have designated parking areas for visitors. It's always advisable to check specific route details or local council websites for the most current parking information.

Yes, several routes provide views and access to the historic Standedge Tunnel area. The Standedge Tunnel – Huddersfield Narrow Canal loop from Greenfield is a difficult 26-mile (41.8 km) route that explores this significant landmark and the surrounding canal network. Another option is the Standedge Tunnel – View of Diggle loop from Dobcross, a moderate 11.2-mile (18 km) ride.