Quickedge

Quickedge is a 23km route that takes you along bridleways, byways, and country lanes. Starting from Saddleworth the route will take you straight up to Quickedge and over into Tameside, you will ride up to Hartshead Pike, pass through Stalybridge country park, and head along the Pennine Bridleway. Along the route, you will get to see some brilliant views of the Peak District, The Tame Valley, Manchester, and if the conditions are good Snowdonia.  With 588 meters of elevation, there will be some challenging climbs and fun descents along some loose and rocky trails.

• Starting from the Royal George pub in Greenfield (OL3 7HX) You'll head down Calf Ln passing over the River Tame and the Huddersfield canal before starting the long climb up to Quickedge. Starting with a steep rocky climb that leads to a road climb up Quick Rd, you'll soon get the heart pumping and warmed up, once you reach Lydgate village bear left onto Quickedge Rd and over Quickedge where all the climbing will be rewarded with some great views of Oldham, the Peak District, and the Tame valley.

• Heading into Tameside you'll drop into Mossley and take a right turn along Lees Road where you will skirt back into Saddleworth and a left turn along Thornley Lane which will take you to St Agnes Primary school and another left turn up Lane Head Rd, You will eventually reach some houses on your right-hand side and just as the road bears left you will find a bridleway on your right that will take you up to Hartshead Pike, this is a great climb which is rocky and can be very wet which will test your climbing skills. Once you reach the Pike you'll again be rewarded with some stunning views and if the conditions are right, you'll be able to see as far as Snowdonia.

• After passing the front of the Pike you'll descend a rocky trail to Lily Lane where you'll take a left turn and follow to Broadcarr Ln where you bear right and descend to Mossley Rd, once at the main road be careful and go straight across and up through a small passage to Luzley Rd. Turn right and start climbing to the Hare & Hounds pub, once you reach the pub bear left and continue along Luzley Rd and down a rocky and loose section of road where you will turn left once you reach the bottom and start the descent to and through Heyrod village to Wakefield Rd.

• Take a left onto Wakefield road then your first right onto Spring Bank Ln and continue along the cobbled lane until you reach Huddersfield road, cross and take the second gate on the left on Hartley St and into Stalybridge country park. Once in the park take a right and climbing until you reach a gate. Do not go through the gate but take the bridleway on your left and follow the signs to Walkerwood until you reach Brushes Rd. Take a left and continue along Brushes Rd and you will pass Walkerwood reservoir on your right and some splendid views of the Brushes valley, the road will bear right and continue along the side of Walkerwood and eventually lead to a large gate. This is where the Pennine bridleway passes through Stalybridge.

• Take a sharp left onto the Pennine bridleway and follow the signs to Carrbrook village. The trail cuts along the side of the Tame Valley and provides some great riding and views of Manchester city centre and the South Pennines. Once you have descended into Carrbrook continue to follow the PBW signs passing a bowling green on your left and up to the last and most challenging climb of the ride. (It is only short but a good test of fitness and riding skills) Once at the top take a breather and then continue along the PBW as it passes alongside the hill sides. The Stoney trail will eventually turn to tarmac and you will descend to Friezland Ln where you take a left turn and continue to descend to Manchester Rd and Greenfield.

• Turn left and then the first right and continue to follow the PBW signs along a lane until you reach a bridleway, continue along the bridleway until you reach a junction, take a left turn, and head towards Friezland horse riding arena, continue along the path and it will eventually bring you out facing the Royal George pub and the end of the ride.

Always check your bike is in full working order and that the route is within your riding ability before heading out on a ride.