This week it was my turn to put together a route for our latest lockdown cycle ride. Building on the success of my Cycle it to Ashton-under-Lyne from Davenport urban ride, I decided I’d put together another urban route taking us out north of Manchester. This time, we would cycle to Prestolee.

We met at East Didsbury Metrolink on an overcast but generally fine morning.

Immediately, we joined NCN Route 62.

We followed this to Didsbury.

After leaving the Fallowfield Loop, we joined NCN Route 6, and we would follow this almost to Prestolee.

First, though, it took us through Alexandra Park in Whalley Range. Cycling around here brought back some childhood memories for Andy S who grew up around here.

A little further on we followed the path higher up alongside Princess Road.

This took us towards Deansgate and  the centre of Manchester.

Next, we cycled up Liverpool Road, through Castlefield and on towards Salford.

In Salford, we crossed over Middlewood locks.

Continuing to follow NCN Route 6 we crisscrossed the River Irwell a few times as we made our way through Higher Broughton.

Eventually, we reached Prestwich. Here we joined the Irwell Sculpture Trail.

We crossed over the M60 and picked up the Outwood Trail.

A couple of miles further on we left the trail, joined Prestolee Road and turned towards Prestolee.

At Prestolee we picked up the towpath alongside the old Manchester, Bolton & Bury canal.

There was a stiff climb out of Nob End nature reserve which continued up Cemetary Road. Then we weaved our way through Farnworth and Kearsley.

After crossing over the M60 we cycled through Blackleach Country park.

For a short while, we cycled alongside East Lancashire Road.

Then joined the Tyldesley Loopline. This also forms a section of NCN Route 55.

This, in turn, feeds into the Roe Green Loopline.

At the other end of the loopline we arrived in Monton.

We passed through Eccles.

Next, we headed towards Trafford Park.

Eventually, we arrived at Salford Quays.

Leaving the quays, we cycled through Old Trafford.

The final section of route took us through Chorlton.

Today, we had cycled nearly 32 miles through urban areas some of which we knew, and some of which we didn’t, along the way passing well-known landmarks. It had been an enjoyable cycle ride along a different type of route from which normally experience.

You can view our Prestolee route below: