looking for a route from wigan back to west yorkshire, taking as little road as possible. i know the leeds/Liverpool would work, but it goes along way to get there.

anyone help please ?

Canal to Adlington. Over Rivi and Winter Hill summit, dropping down obvious track east to just south of Belmont. Minor roads to Entwhistle, then Holcombe Moor bridleway to Ramsbottom (check firing times, rare but it does happen). Coal Road up Whittle Hill onto Rooley Moor for the Cotton Famine Rd, then pick up the various branches of the PBW/Mary Townley Loop to wherever you want to go. Done those combinations many times.