SLH Bike Rides 2023
Our upcoming rides
Discover some local, quiet cycle routes by joining us on our rides in and around the area. These round-trip, free rides are open to all, and are for those who want to get back on their bikes, for families and teenagers. They could be useful as part of your commute, for errands, shopping or just for fun. We largely use quiet streets and off-road routes. You’ll get exercise and have good company, while our experienced cycle leaders will see no-one is left behind and may even mend any punctures!
Numbers are limited, so book your places early by emailing cycling@slheatons.org and use that address if you need to know more. Let us know how many adults and children will be coming and on which trips. You’ll then receive more details a few days before each ride. Bring a roadworthy bike and under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. Looking forward to seeing you!
More details will be added to the ride descriptions below, as we firm up.
Saturday April 15th. FLOOP cycle ride, the David Beetham orchards trail.
On this trip, along the pleasant Fallowfield Loop cycle greenway, we’ll visit each of the four orchards that David Beetham brought about, and that will hopefully be in bloom. As David died last year, part of the reason for the route is in his memory. With it being so popular when SLH called in last year, we’ll also re-visit the Station South cafe. To help us plan, please book by April 8th.
Meet at 1pm by the SLH orchard in Heaton Chapel, we’ll return around 4pm.
Distance 11 miles, mostly flat and off-road.
Note that another group of riders will be joining us in Levenshulme.
Sunday June 25th Mayfield Park, Manchester.
This will be a circular route to the newly created Mayfield Park near Piccadilly station in Manchester. Outwards, we’ll follow the route of a disused railway, a disused canal and an active canal to the heart of Manchester, returning along the Oxford Rd cycleway. We are allowing 90 minutes for lunch and play (and note – there is no age limit on the park activities and yes, some adults will be going down the slide over the river). Bring a picnic and some money for drinks, snacks and ice cream from the coffee shop.
Meet at 10am at the Moor Top pub car park, returning around 4pm.
Distance around 15 miles. Large sections off-road and on cycleways, but using some quieter roads in the city.
Sunday July 2nd Heatons orchards.
This ride has been arranged to fit in with the Heatons Big Summer Weekend. This is a particularly quiet ride for people who want to get confident on local routes and quiet roads, and involves some parts of the Heatons link. The route will be through some of the orchards in the Heatons, and other green spaces on the way, taking in the River Mersey, The Bowl, Heaton Mersey Common, The Meadows, Nelstrop Road, a bit of the Fallowfield Loop and Heaton Moor Park. It is mostly off-road or on quiet roads. Those who choose not to do the whole ride can leave the group after about an hour at the original meeting place.
Meet at 10.30 am in the car park at the back of The Good Life and The Heaton pub on Didsbury Road in Heaton Mersey. We will be ending at the Farmers’ Market on Shaw Road for 1pm, where we hope you can find something tasty for lunch!
Distance about 8 miles, on quiet roads or off road, mostly flat.
Saturday July 15th Mirrlees Fields
A ride through the Stockport suburbs, to picnic in the green Mirrlees Fields by Woodsmoor, once partly occupied by the diesel engine factory.
Meet at 10am Moor Top pub car park, return around 3pm.
Distance 12 miles.
Saturday Sept 9th Manchester Museum
Our route will be via the Fallowfield Loop Line, then the Oxford Road Corridor straight to the front door of the refurbished Manchester Museum We’ll spend a couple of hours at the museum – it is a treasure trove of knowledge and discovery. Please bring a picnic plus some money for snacks / ice cream.
Meet Moor Top pub car park on Heaton Moor Road at 10.30am, and we’ll be back by 4pm.
Distance 11 miles, mostly off-road and on dedicated cycleways.