Leisure Cycle to Peak Forest Canal & Marple Locks

Join us on this leisurely round trip of 23 miles by from Levenshulme to Marple via the Peak Forest Canal.  

Everyone (including beginners) are welcome. We'll be riding at a gentle pace of 8 to 10 miles per hour and, as always, no one will get left behind.

Starting from Levenshulme in South Manchester, we will join the Fallowfield Loop for a short distance before descending to Reddish Vale Country Park to join the Trans Pennine Trail following the River Tame.

On leaving the Trans Pennine Trail, we join the Peak Forest Canal which is followed to Marple, along this section we pass through a long tunnel, (A good light is required if cycling through the tunnel) over the impressive Marple Aqueduct before climbing the Marple Flight of Locks, to the junction with the Macclesfield Canal.

We can stop for refreshments in Marple before our return via a different route following a section of the Middlewood Way (disused rail track), Alan Newton Way along the Goyt Valley to Stockport and back through Reddish Vale Country Park before joining the Fallowfield Loop, which takes us back to Levenshulme, where we'll relax for a bit over a drink and maybe something to eat.

The majority  of the route is completely traffic free, with only about 3km on quiet residential roads. There will also be some climbs in particular up the flight of 16 Locks at Marple.  

The terrain is best suited to hybrid or mountain bikes, though it can be done on a road bike. Some parts of the trail are uneven and can be quite muddy if wet. Please check that your bike is roadworthy before the ride, as you will be responsible for dealing with your own mechanical issues, should they arise on the day.

IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement

You MUST complete the Cycling Participation Statement in addition to booking your event space before attending a cycling event.

All photos taken by Author