Siclo
Veteran
The Swettenham alternative is a good suggestion but bear in mind that there is a Ford crossing Sandy Lane which can be difficult cross on a bike. I have used the stony track which is a bit hit and miss. Personally I would keep to the original route as the A534 is not that busy at weekend but at the end of the day its your choice.
Have a good ride whichever route you choose.
I'd forgot about the ford, just like I did last time I rode down there in the dark There is a footbridge
I was toying with going out to Glazebrook station to avoid the Manchester part of the ride.)
Someone torched the toll booth on Warby bridge last week, it's been really unpleasant to ride over since, traffic speeds are lunatic now and there's a helluva lot more of it.
Flixton Station would be your better bet, then down Isherwood Road/ Birch Road past Man Utd's training ground to get to Dunham