Tuesday 1st October 2019 10:00am

Starting from - Three Sisters Recreation Area. Please note the ride does not start from the race track. There is a right turn just before the race track entrance which will take you to the car park at the visitors centre at the lake side. WN4 8DD

  • 12.9 miles
  • Mountain Bike, Hybrid (off road tyres)
  • 3 hr
  • Steady
  • Wigan
  • Children aged 8-15*, Children aged 11-15*, Adults 16+ only

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Led by experienced ride leaders, these rides are a great way to explore new places and to meet new people who enjoy cycling. They are suitable for all levels of experience, so whether you are a beginner or a seasoned cyclist, you can find a ride that is right for you.

Starting point

Three Sisters Recreation Area
Three Sisters Road
Wigan
Greater Manchester
WN4 8DD

Three Sisters Recreation Area

Great, predominantly traffic free route exploring Wigan's natural environment created by it's mining heritage. The ride starts at Three Sisters Visitors Centre situated by the lake which plays home to a variety of birdlife including Canada geese, Mute swans, Grey heron and Kingfisher.

The route circles the racing circuit used for car, motorcycle and kart racing on a traffic free path before heading towards the canal towpath at Platt Bridge. From there you pass the many flashes alongside the canal that were created by subsidence from coal mining and subsequent flooding - at some points the canal passes through with flashes on both sides like a causway. The flashes are havens for wildlife and one of the largest, Scotsman's Flash is home to Wigan Sailing Club.

Our Cafe stop will be at the Red Pepper Cafe at Wigan Investment Centre.

The route then follows the canal towpath through the start of the long flight of locks - there are actually 21 all the way to 'Top Lock' in New Springs but you only pass 1/2 of them before joining the 'Wigan Greenheart' cycle path. This is again naturalised from Wigan's mining heritage and follows the path of an old mineral line through to Hindley and Platt Bridge. The route then takes us around the newly landscaped Amberswood Common and lake before rejoining the canal and returning to Three Sisters.

Route rating

4 stars (55) Reviews

Who else is on this ride?

Ride leaders

Profile photo for Mark Holland
  • Ride Leader

    Ride Leader
  • Community Groups Volunteer

    Community Groups Volunteer

Mark Holland

Assistants

3 ride participants

Conversation

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