If you're a motorcyclist looking for dramatic landscapes, challenging hairpins, and world-class tarmac, the North West of England is paradise. Stretching from the rugged peaks of Cheshire and Derbyshire right up through the awe-inspiring glacial valleys of Cumbria, this region is home to some of the most famous biking roads in the world.
Whether you're looking for a relaxed Sunday cruise through hidden Lancashire valleys or wanting to test your clutch control on England's steepest mountain passes, the North West delivers. At WeBuyAnyBike247.com, we’ve ridden these roads time and time again. Here is our definitive guide to the top 5 best motorcycle routes in the North West for your next summer ride.
1. The Legendary Cat and Fiddle (A537)
Vibe: Famous, highly technical, stunning Peak District views
We can't talk about the North West without mentioning the A537, affectionately (and sometimes fearfully) known as the Cat and Fiddle. Running between Macclesfield in Cheshire and Buxton in Derbyshire, this road is legendary in the UK biking community. It snakes its way over the Peak District, offering a barrage of tight corners, blind crests, and incredible views.
A word of warning: The road is famously heavily policed and features average speed cameras for almost its entire length. This isn't a track day destination anymore; it’s a highly technical road that demands smooth, precise riding. Stop at the famous Cat and Fiddle Inn at the summit (now housing a fantastic distillery) for a breather before descending into Buxton.
2. The Ultimate Challenge: Hardknott & Wrynose Passes
Vibe: Extreme gradients, narrow single-track, unparalleled Lake District scenery
If you ride a heavy touring bike and are afraid of heights, look away now. Located in the heart of the Lake District, the Wrynose and Hardknott Passes share the title of the steepest roads in England, with gradients hitting a staggering 33% (1 in 3).
This route is not for the faint-hearted. It’s a relentless series of incredibly tight, steep switchbacks on a single-track road littered with sheep, tourists, and gravel. However, if you have the skills (and a good clutch), conquering these passes is a true badge of honor. The reward? You will be treated to arguably the most spectacular, rugged, and dramatic mountain views anywhere in England. Best tackled early in the morning before the campervans arrive!
3. The Snake Pass (A57)
Vibe: Fast sweepers, dramatic moorland, classic riding road
Connecting Manchester to Sheffield, the A57 Snake Pass crosses the Pennines and is a masterclass in sweeping corners and elevation changes. While part of it dips into Yorkshire, it is the premier escape route for bikers living in the North West urban sprawl.
The ride begins with a climb out of Glossop, diving into a heavily wooded section that feels like a rally stage, before opening up onto the vast, exposed moorland of the Dark Peak. The road surfaces are generally excellent, allowing for a fantastic rhythm as you transition from left to right through the sweeping bends. Keep an eye out for wandering sheep and sudden weather changes, as the top of the pass is very exposed.
4. The Trough of Bowland Loop
Vibe: Quiet, idyllic, flowing country lanes
Often bypassed by riders rushing to the Lake District, the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Lancashire is one of the North West's best-kept secrets. The "Trough" itself is a spectacular, narrow valley road that cuts through the fells, linking Lancaster to Dunsop Bridge.
This area offers miles of beautifully meandering, traffic-free B-roads. It is less about high-speed cornering and more about flowing gracefully through chocolate-box villages, over ancient stone bridges, and past lush green farmland. It's the perfect route for a relaxed Sunday ride, finishing up with a brew and a slice of cake at the Puddleducks Tea Room in Dunsop Bridge.
5. The Kirkstone Pass (A592)
Vibe: Epic climbs, lakeside riding, historic pub stop
The Lake District has countless amazing roads, but the A592 over the Kirkstone Pass is a standout. It is the highest motoring road in the National Park, connecting Windermere to Patterdale.
Starting from the south, you'll ride alongside the beautiful shores of Lake Windermere before the road begins its dramatic, winding ascent. The climb is thrilling, flanked by towering slate-grey mountains. At the summit sits the Kirkstone Pass Inn, the highest pub in Cumbria and a legendary gathering spot for bikers. The descent down "The Struggle" towards Ambleside is steep, twisty, and guaranteed to put a massive grin on your face.