Manchester-Liverpool commute route

[middleagecyclist]

Got to go from M'cr to Liverpool for some work next week and hoping to cycle there. Any suggestions on routes avoiding 'orrible cycle paths and particularly busy roads? I'm looking at going north at present: Westhoughton - Wigan - Skelmersdale but i'm very open to alternatives. 40-45 miles on the road would fit the time I have.

Cheers for any help.