Get away from it all by bicycle
MAKE the most of the last lazy summer days with a local bike ride along Sustrans’ National Cycle Network, such as Manchester to Levenshulme: ●● Start: Manchester Piccadilly ●● End: Levenshulme Station, Manchester ●● Distance: Nine miles
Ride along Manchester’s peaceful old canal and railway networks from the vibrant city centre to the fashionable suburbs of the south side.
Walk or ride down the approach from Piccadilly station and turn right on to Ducie Street, where you can access the Ashton canal towpath after a short walk.
Continue along the towpath (you will need to cross over Alan Turing Way), passing the Etihad Stadium and National Cycling Centre.
Turn right at the lock, following signs to Levenshulme.
The path will take you through Openshaw and, just before you reach Gorton reservoir and Debdale Park, turn left on to the Sustrans Fallowfield Loop cycle path.
Turn right and follow the blue signs to Levenshulme.
You can catch the train back to Piccadilly station from here.
For a longer ride the path also continues to Chorlton, where you can access the traffic-free Transpennine Trail towards Stockport or cycle on the roads to access the Bridgewater Way canal towpath at Stretford, which has a canal route back to Castlefield in Manchester.
For more information, routes or to order detailed maps look up www.sustrans.org.uk.