- News
- Reviews
- Bikes
- Accessories
- Accessories - misc
- Computer mounts
- Bags
- Bar ends
- Bike bags & cases
- Bottle cages
- Bottles
- Cameras
- Car racks
- Child seats
- Computers
- Glasses
- GPS units
- Helmets
- Lights - front
- Lights - rear
- Lights - sets
- Locks
- Mirrors
- Mudguards
- Racks
- Pumps & CO2 inflators
- Puncture kits
- Reflectives
- Smart watches
- Stands and racks
- Trailers
- Clothing
- Components
- Bar tape & grips
- Bottom brackets
- Brake & gear cables
- Brake & STI levers
- Brake pads & spares
- Brakes
- Cassettes & freewheels
- Chains
- Chainsets & chainrings
- Derailleurs - front
- Derailleurs - rear
- Forks
- Gear levers & shifters
- Groupsets
- Handlebars & extensions
- Headsets
- Hubs
- Inner tubes
- Pedals
- Quick releases & skewers
- Saddles
- Seatposts
- Stems
- Wheels
- Tyres
- Health, fitness and nutrition
- Tools and workshop
- Miscellaneous
- Buyers Guides
- Features
- Forum
- Recommends
- Podcast
forum
Stockport to Manchester to Bolton
It's now 3 years since I used the Bike to Work to purchase a road bike that has served me well for leisure in the other direction namely the Peak District.
If I ever used the bike as it was originally purchased and commuted. What road routes would be deemed best for safety and ensuring I don't go too far off line.
My car commute is 66 miles there and back and takes me round the M60 via the Trafford Centre. This would only be an occasional ride and reserved for the height of summer. Curious to hear your opinions. Cheers James
If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.
Latest Forum Topics
Latest Comments
- polainm 4 min 48 sec ago
It is up to the cyclist to ride according to the HWC and in this sense, is policing the road for non-motorised users. ...
- I love my bike 10 min 18 sec ago
Media needs to do their part, but the readr/consumer also needs to do theirs as well:...
- bensynnock 37 min 42 sec ago
You can't do around getting rid of grass verges. They provide much needed parking space.
- ubercurmudgeon 46 min 45 sec ago
Kona makes practical, affordable commuter bikes and goes bust. Colnago makes toys for the affluent and it is booming. Just goes to show that the...
- Mathemagician 2 hours 8 min ago
To answer your question, yes you can sometimes feel the difference. Built a set of wheels for a friend and he installed them with new lightweight...
- Geordiepeddeler 8 hours 47 min ago
Cycling infrastructure does not force drivers to break the law, drivers are the reason they break the law, no one else.
- chrisonabike 9 hours 11 sec ago
Ah but taking pictures of things to defy the man (avoid a fine) is righteous. Taking pictures of people to grass on them to the cops (perhaps...
- jaysa 12 hours 10 min ago
As a woman, this works great for me! My chain broke once, and a kind guy stopped with a chain breaker and sorted it all out for me. We stopped at a...
- andystow 13 hours 2 min ago
Same. I also have gone through a bunch of their tyres, and only the extralight disappointed (torn sidewall) but the standards are fantastic....
Add new comment
7 comments
I do Salford University to Bolton everyday and choices in terms of reasonably direct routes are limited due to limited no. of crossing points for the M60. Choices aren't great I'm afraid. A6 all the way isn't too bad (avoid the motorway like section of the A6 by using Bolton Rd just after Salford police station). A666 through Pendlebury, Kearsley and Farnworth is reasonably wide and OK once you have crossed the M60. There is the off road route NCN55, the start point in Worsley is difficult to find, surface poor in places (not recommended for a road bike) and the end bit in Little Hulton is strewn with dog shit, broken glass, lost hope and shattered dreams.
My recommendation is to get the train to Darwen (or beyond) with plenty of routes to Bolton over the West Pennine moors. It will be mainly downhill but you could include the Belmont Rivington climb (and descent) which is about 600ft in a couple miles I think.
I'll vouch for this. I'm trying to work out a decent route into central Manchester from just south of Bolton which doesn't involve the double roundabout at junction 13 of the M60, and I tried NCN55 and it was shocking.
I agree with the above, but wouldn't. Go into Oldham since its a climb you could do without if you're. Trying to get to work. Keep south of it (Failsworth) and go through Moston (past Neil orrells shop good for spares) and then on to Middleton.
Stockport-Ashton UL-Oldham-Middleton-Heaton Park-Whitefield-Radcliffe-Bolton
about 24 miles
Just been on t'internet and I think this potentially not my best idea.
Unsurprisingly and in common with most commuters it looks like there is major potential for accidents. At least it's a risk I'm not happy with.
The A6 from Stockport into Manchester I am familiar with and I know it's not a good start.
Googlemap wants me to continue along the A6 but I agree with you that the A56 through to Whitefield and on to Bolton via Radcliffe looks better.
Irritatingly it's only 26 miles
So.... you've used the bike-to-work scheme to buy a bike that you haven't ridden to work, you dastardly benefit cheat....
Anyway...I'd go straight up the A6 into Manchester; it's a bit crap, but you need to get to where you're going. Then dodge around the city centre and aim to head out up the A56 towards Whitefield.
The A6 out of Manchester is a poor road for bicycles.
The A56 has it's moments, especially around the motorway roundabout, but is OK.
Then take the B6473 in Whitefield towards Radcliffe and go through to the A665 which will take you up to the A58, turn left and down into Bolton.
I make it about 18 miles each way.
You might be best going into the centre of manchester then coming out via Prestwich over to Bolton