4.5
(235)
3,903
riders
262
rides
Touring cycling routes around Shaw And Crompton are set within the Metropolitan Borough of Oldham, at the foothills of the South Pennines. The area features a diverse landscape, including open moorland, tranquil reservoirs, and river valleys. Elevations steadily rise towards Crompton Moor to the east and Whitfield to the west, offering varied terrain for cyclists.
Last updated: April 22, 2026
31
riders
64.0km
04:24
1,090m
1,090m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
14
riders
27.0km
01:39
210m
210m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
10
riders
27.5km
01:56
530m
530m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
18.1km
01:15
130m
130m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
riders
16.0km
01:09
110m
110m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
We did the ride starting from Manchester and liked the fact the canal changed from very industrial to countryside before descending down through Todmorden and Hebden Bridge
0
0
Shaw And Crompton offers a wide variety of touring cycling routes, with over 270 options available. These routes cater to different skill levels, including easy, moderate, and difficult trails.
The terrain around Shaw And Crompton is diverse, ranging from open moorland and tranquil reservoirs to river valleys and parklands. You'll find a mix of paved surfaces, woodland trails, and moorland tracks, with elevations steadily rising towards Crompton Moor to the east and Whitfield to the west.
The touring cycling routes in Shaw And Crompton are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 230 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, scenic views, and the options available for different fitness levels, from gentle canal paths to challenging moorland ascents.
Yes, there are many easy touring cycling routes, particularly along the Rochdale Canal. These routes feature mostly paved surfaces and are suitable for all skill levels. For example, the Rochdale Canal – Rochdale Canal loop from Shaw is an easy 18.1 km ride, and the Rochdale Canal – Rochdale Canal Lock loop from Royton offers another accessible 16 km option.
Absolutely. For cyclists seeking a challenge, the area provides routes with significant elevation gain and varied terrain. A notable difficult route is the View of Colne Valley – Dovestone Reservoir loop from Clough, which spans 63.3 km with over 1000 meters of ascent. Another challenging option is the Dunwood Park Café – View of Colne Valley loop from Shaw, covering 27.5 km with over 500 meters of climbing.
Yes, the landscape is dotted with several picturesque reservoirs. You can enjoy a scenic ride around Hollingworth Lake on the Hollingworth Lake – Hollingworth Lake loop from Royton, a moderate 27 km route. Other reservoirs like Brushes Clough Reservoir and Piethorne Reservoir also offer tranquil surroundings for cyclists.
Yes, the area features natural attractions like waterfalls. The impressive Pingot Quarry Waterfall, which cascades off Crompton Moor, is a unique point of interest that can be incorporated into your cycling adventures.
Many routes offer stunning natural features and panoramic viewpoints. You can expect to see expansive moorlands like Crompton Moor, offering vistas towards Rochdale, Manchester, and Denshaw. The View of Colne Valley – Dovestone Reservoir loop from Clough provides extensive views across the Colne Valley and past Dovestone Reservoir.
While specific family-designated routes aren't listed, the easy, mostly paved canal-side paths, such as those along the Rochdale Canal, are generally suitable for families. Public parks like Dunwood Park also offer well-maintained paths for leisurely cycling.
Many of the touring cycling routes in Shaw And Crompton are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Hollingworth Lake – Hollingworth Lake loop from Royton and the Rochdale Canal – Rochdale Canal loop from Shaw.
Shaw And Crompton is part of the Metropolitan Borough of Oldham, which generally has public transport links. While specific public transport access points for each route are not detailed, the town's location makes it a feasible starting point for many rides, especially those originating from Shaw or Royton.
Yes, public parks such as Dunwood Park, High Crompton Park, and Jubilee Gardens provide green spaces. Dunwood Park, a Green Flag Park, has facilities and paths that can be used for leisurely cycling, especially on its well-maintained sections.


Browse the best Cycling routes in other regions.