Cycling in Staffordshire

There are more than 250 km of cycling paths in Staffordshire - through country parks, over moorlands, alongside rivers and canals and taking in some of the most beautiful scenery in this lovely county.

Cycling is the perfect way to discover the diverse landscape of Staffordshire and really appreciate the sights and sounds of the countryside at a leisurely pace.

Hire a cycle from one of the many bicycle rental shops or bring your own to explore the quiet country lanes and byways far from the madding crowds.

A number of old railway lines have been converted to traffic-free trails providing safe and level cycle-ways that are popular with locals and tourists alike. The Manifold Track is one of these and follows the old route of the disused Leek and Manifold Light Railway, through the Manifold and Hamps Valleys, from Waterhouses to Hulme End.  For all but 3km, the track is car-free and shared by walkers, cyclists and pony trekkers. Similarly the Oakamoor-Denstone Greenway, a disused railway running along the Churnet Valley, provides ideal off-road cycling without traffic.

The towpaths of both the Trent & Mersey Canal and the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal are open to cyclists  permits may be needed for towpaths) so you can safely cycle past the boats heading through the locks and admire sweeping views of the county.

Cycling in Staffordshire is the perfect holiday if you want to explore the hidden parts of the countryside that are inaccessible by road. It provides fresh air and exercise and is a great way for the family to spend time together.

Even if your cycling in Staffordshire is confined to the city centres you will still find lots on offer. Stoke-on-Trent is one of the greenest cities in the UK with some spectacular countryside and many designated cycle paths.

If you like a challenge then you can join the hundreds of cyclists who get right off the beaten tracks and turn cycling in Staffordshire into a real adventure.

Chasewater Country Park and Cannock Chase, an area of outstanding natural beauty, are just two examples of family friendly cycling routes in Staffordshire that will take you through some glorious woodlands and countryside. 

There are a number of cycling projects and rides run by the county council and local cycling clubs and free cycle route maps can be obtained from the tourist information centre or from Staffordshire CC.