Cycling

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Family cycling

The site is part of the National Cycle Route 6 that reaches out from London to the Lake District, and takes in some of the most beautiful scenery the UK has to offer. It covers almost 407 miles with 55% of the route being traffic free. However, this isn’t a course you can complete in one day. To cycle the entire route would take you around 34 hours*, and 136 hours if you decide to walk**.

Starting just inside the west corridor of the M25, Cycle Route 6 winds its way north, taking in scenery from the Midlands and South Yorkshire before entering the Peak District. It first meets the Irwell in Salford and the pair are companions all the way through to Clifton Country Park and into Outwood, where it meets the Outwood Trail. The Irwell spans the length of the park before the pair temporarily part company at the viaduct. 

A brief fling as the route passes between the river and Elton Reservoir is followed by a longer liaison at Woodfield Fold to the east of Bury town centre before parting again. The two reacquaint themselves at Nuttall Park and Ramsbottom and they follow each other closely until they cast a final farewell at Irwell Vale. 

General Cycling

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General cycling

If you prefer viewing scenery on two wheels, then a cycle trip through Outwood Country park is for you. While the Outwood Trail is the main route through the park, it is by no means the only pathway, and Outwood is littered with many different routes and options to take. Many of the paths through the park are easily accessible and not too challenging, so anyone on two or three wheels, maybe even stabilisers, will be able to ride and have fun along the way.

Cycling is a great way to get round the whole park and even links to the neighbouring Clifton Country Park, so plenty of opportunities to give the legs a good workout. Explore the monoliths or race to the viaduct, it’s up to you. Just remember to stop once in a while and enjoy the serenity that envelopes the park, while the birds sing away without the noise pollution of nearby traffic. 

Mountain Biking / BMX

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Mountain biking

In addition to general cycling for the family, Outwood Country Park also contains some challenging routes for the more adventurous. While the inclines within the park are not too strenuous, navigating some of the winding pathways can be an opportunity to hone your skills as a keen mountain biker and prepare you for greater challenges in the future. 

However, if you take your mountain biking seriously, you may want to consider one of the many loops that take you through Outwood. These come with a range of difficulties designed to test your skills and limits.

 

Click here for more information on the routes mentioned below and other routes in the Bury area.

Easy

Easy routes are courses created for the beginner or if you just want a simple route that’s a bit more of a challenge. There are several routes to take but here’s a few of the easier tests.

Hidden downhill trail Loop from Kirkhams

At just under 16 miles, the Kirkhams Loop is one of the easier mountain bike challenges you’ll find in Bury. Starting at Kirkhams near Besses O’th’ Barn, the trail takes you around Prestwich and through Ringley, riding close the Irwell. You enter Outwood at the viaduct on the north side of the park, taking the Outwood Trail past the old train station and under Ringley Road into Clifton Country Park, before looping back to Kirkhams. The trail is suitable for mountain bikers of all skill and fitness levels.

Distance: 15.7 miles 
Estimated time to complete: 1hr 45m 
Ascend: 675ft 
Descend: 700ft

Mountain Bike Loop from Prestwich

Shorter than Kirkhams, the Prestwich Loop is only 12.6 miles and riders can enjoy passing twice through Outwood. The first stretch takes you into the park from the Ringley Road end, before turning left at the electricity transformer and taking the bridge over the Irwell. It then follows a track amongst the trees before returning into Outwood at the viaduct, and a straight run back down the Outwood Trail. This route is also accessible to people of all skill and fitness levels.

Distance: 12.6 miles 
Estimated time to complete: 1hr 20m 
Ascend: 550ft 
Descend: 550ft

Philips Park – Outwood Trail Loop from Black Lane

A nice 9.5 mile ride that is flat for almost the entire distance is perfect for beginners and the easiest trail through Outwood. Starting at Cross Lane in Radcliffe, this trail goes past Outwood in the first instance, before joining a little later. You’ll follow the Outwood trail into Prestwich and back again, before crossing the viaduct close to the end of the run. A good but not too strenuous stretch to get you started.

Distance: 9.46 miles 
Estimated time to complete: 1hr
Ascend: 475ft 
Descend: 475ft

Intermediate

Intermediate level tracks are more challenging and require a higher level of fitness and some advanced cycling skills. If you’re up to the challenge, here’s three to try.

Philips Park – Outwood Trail Loop from Ramsbottom

Starting in Ramsbottom, you’ll ride over 26 miles from your starting point to Prestwich and back, taking in Holcombe, Tottington and Brandlesholme, skirting by Bury town centre and through Outwood after entering at the viaduct. After a trip around Prestwich, you’ll head back through Outwood in the opposite direction and back to Ramsbottom. You’ll descend by 1300 feet in total during the ride, which means you’ll also ascend by the same amount therefore, a good level of fitness is required for you to complete this course.

Distance: 26.7 miles 
Estimated time to complete: 2hr 39m 
Ascend: 1,300 
Descend: 1,300

Outwood Trail – Philips Park Loop from Black Lane

It may only be 20 miles, but this course requires a good level of fitness and advanced cycling skills to complete. Starting in Radcliffe, you pass quickly through Outwood and into Clifton Park and Prestwich, before passing through Darcy Lever and Black Lane. Just when you think it’s all over, there’s a left turn that sends you up and around Elton reservoir, then along the Bolton Bury Road, down Ainsworth Road and finally back to Radcliffe.

Distance: 20.3 miles 
Estimated time to complete: 2hr 10m 
Ascend: 675ft 
Descend: 675ft

Phillips Park Loop from Summerseat

If you want some outstanding views, then this circuit is for you. This loop is an intermediate course, but any level of cycling proficiency is accepted. Starting in Summerseat, you’ll follow Walmersley Road before veering off to meet with the Irwell. The trail follows the river until Elton Reservoir, from which you’ll be racing the tram until Radcliffe. Joining Outwood at the viaduct, you’ll follow the trail to Prestwich, then it’s a simple matter of Whitefield, Besses, Unsworth, Heap Bridge, past Bury town centre and back to Summerseat for a 22 mile cycle. Easy, right?

Distance: 22 miles 
Estimated time to complete: 2hr 09m 
Ascend: 925ft 
Descend: 925ft

Difficult

The difficult level is for those with a high level of fitness and an experienced cyclist.

Outwood Trail-Phillips Park Loop from Ramsbottom

Once you’ve mastered the above, you’ll be ready to take on this unenviable challenge. Just short of 31 miles, during which you’ll descend 1,450 feet. Yes, you’ll have to ascend the same number, however it is gradual and starts around the 18-mile mark. You’ll arrive at Outwood at the viaduct end around ten miles into the ride, taking the usual path into Clifton, then Prestwich before heading towards Bolton. At around the 20-mile mark, things will start to get tougher as you continue to climb for around five miles. A gradual descent leads you into a false sense of security as a crafty incline at Hazelhurst tests your resolve. Stick with it as it’s downhill all the way after that.

Distance: 30.9 miles 
Estimated time to complete: 3h 30m 
Ascend: 1,450ft 
Descend: 1,450ft

Urban Cycle Centre

At the end of the trail lies the Urban Cycle Centre CIC Primarily, made up of experienced cycle mechanics and enthusiastic volunteer cyclists, who can offer bike repairs, lessons and sales! 

This is a great way to meet fellow cycling enthusiasts who can give you help and expert advice from people who are passionate about cycling and determined to provide cycling opportunities to everyone regardless of age, nationality, religion or ability.

Find out more about the Urban Cycle Centre

*Based on an average cycling speed of 12 miles per hour
**Based on an average walking speed of 3 miles per hour