Cyclists, horse riders and walkers will soon have more opportunities in and around Tameside when a new series of outdoor routes are launched.

The Tame Valley Loop (TVL) brings together existing paths and mainly goes along off-road tracks and is made up of three routes for all skill levels: family (3.5 miles), intermediate (10 miles) and advanced (18 miles). 

To launch the TVL, an event has been organised by the Tame Valley Mountain Bike Association in Armentieres Square, Stalybridge, on Sunday 19 March, from 9am – 1pm.

Anyone attending will have the opportunity to get a free bike health check from a doctor bike session and have a go on the intermediate and advanced parts of the route*.

The TVL is for everyone, whether you cycle with stabilisers, enjoy a hike, ride a horse or are an avid mountain biker there will be something for you. Anyone using the loop, which runs in anti-clockwise direction, is encouraged to bring the necessary safety gear.

The advanced route starts in the centre of Stalybridge, then uses tracks on the hillsides overlooking Stalybridge and Mossley, and out as far as Greenfield in Oldham before returning to Stalybridge on the opposite side of the Tame Valley. 

For riders who fancy making a weekend of it, the route follows the Pennine Bridleway and connects to the Tintwistle: Moor Fun MTB Route and the Diggle Jiggle. This is not just an isolated loop but one that can be used as a longer/multi-day route if people want to.

To bring the loop to life, Tameside Council has partnered with the Tame Valley Mountain Bike Association, Cycling UK and British Cycling, who have funded the project.

Councillor Allison Gwynne, Tameside Council executive member for Neighbourhoods, Community Safety and Environment, said: “We are committed to improving walking and cycling across the borough whether through providing new and improved routes or ensuring residents have the skills, confidence and equipment to change to active travel. Through the Tame Valley Loop we’ve got some fantastic off-road paths that should appeal to cyclists not just in the borough, but further afield as well.”

To find out more about the loop, including maps and starting locations, visit https://www.tameside.gov.uk/tamevalleyloop 

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