5.0
(4)
154
riders
22
rides
Popular cycling routes around Barrowford are situated on the edge of the Pennines, offering diverse landscapes for touring cyclists. The area is characterized by the prominent Pendle Hill, which provides challenging loops and scenic views, and the generally flat towpaths of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. These features create a varied terrain suitable for different cycling preferences, from waterside routes to climbs with significant elevation gain.
Last updated: May 8, 2026
5.0
(1)
16
riders
33.9km
02:17
510m
510m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
15
riders
14.9km
01:07
340m
340m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(2)
18
riders
12.6km
00:46
80m
80m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
riders
16.0km
01:11
270m
270m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
riders
21.8km
01:27
330m
330m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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On the narrow grass verge between the road and the footpath in the village of Roughlee stands a memorial to Alice Nutter. Approaching cyclists from a distance might immediately think, "What a lovely statue." But anyone who stops to take a closer look will surely notice the woman's hands bound with a heavy iron chain, as well as the sad expression on her face. Alice Nutter was born around 1560 and, along with several other women, was convicted of witchcraft and executed in 1612.
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She patiently waits here, on the narrow grassy strip between the road and the footpath in the village of Roughlee. From a distance, the slowly approaching hiker might spontaneously think, "What a lovely monument." But up close, the attentive observer will not fail to notice the hands bound with a heavy iron chain, nor the sad expression on this woman's face. Her name is Alice Nutter. She was born around 1560 and in 1612—along with several other women—was convicted of witchcraft and executed.
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Lovely place, easy to park there. Also quite good place to finish the hike as plenty of places to get food and drinks.
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This is a mile-long tunnel locates on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. It is the longest tunnel on the canal and due to its narrow design boats would once be legged through it. This is a risky practice where people would walk along the tunnel walls pulling the boats. Today, access to the tunnel is managed through timed light signals to ensure safe passage.
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Excellent food. Not open too late though so get there early to avoid disappointment
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Floating cafe near to Foulridge. Fantastic homemade cake & a decent brew.
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There are over 20 touring cycling routes available around Barrowford, catering to various skill levels. These include easy, moderate, and difficult options, with 3 routes specifically rated as easy, 16 as moderate, and 3 as difficult.
Yes, Barrowford offers several easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or those seeking a relaxed ride. A good option is the Pendle BMX Pump Track – Foulridge Wharf and Café loop from Nelson, which is 7.8 miles (12.6 km) long with minimal elevation gain, leading towards Foulridge Wharf.
For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Barrowford provides routes with significant elevation gain, particularly around Pendle Hill. A demanding option is the View of Pendle Hill – Foulridge Wharf and Café loop from Nelson, a 21.1-mile (33.9 km) trail featuring over 500 meters of ascent and panoramic views.
The Leeds & Liverpool Canal towpath offers generally flat, waterside cycling opportunities that are ideal for families. While specific family-friendly routes are not detailed in the provided data, sections of the canal are known to be accessible and suitable for all ages. For more information on family-friendly cycling in the wider Pendle area, you can visit Visit Pendle.
Many of the touring cycling routes in Barrowford are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Alice Nutter Statue – View of Pendle Hill loop from Nelson, a moderate 9.1-mile (14.7 km) path with ascents towards Pendle Hill, and the Pennine Way – Foulridge Wharf and Café loop from Higherford.
Barrowford's touring cycling routes offer diverse terrain. You can expect challenging climbs and descents around Pendle Hill and through the scenic Ribble Valley, as well as flat, accessible sections along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal towpath. The area combines rural roads with dedicated cycle paths.
While cycling, you can explore various natural and historical attractions. Routes often provide views of Pendle Hill, and you might pass by the Pendle Hill summit trig point or the View of Pendle Hill highlight. Other nearby natural features include the Hurstwood Reservoir and the Lower Ogden Reservoir.
Yes, the area is well-equipped for cyclists. The Steven Burke Cycle & Sports Hub in nearby Colne offers a 1.1km floodlit closed road circuit and a 600m BMX/MTB pump track. Additionally, the Pendle Heritage Centre in Barrowford can be a worthwhile stop for those interested in local history.
The touring cycling routes around Barrowford are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from 4 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, from challenging climbs with spectacular views of Pendle Hill to the serene, flat paths along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, offering options for all abilities.
Absolutely. Many routes around Barrowford are renowned for their scenic beauty, particularly those that loop around Pendle Hill or traverse the Ribble Valley. The 'Nick of Pendle' is a famous climb offering fantastic views of Lancashire and Yorkshire from its summit. The Pendle Panthers BMX Pump Track – Alice Nutter Statue loop from Nelson also offers scenic sections.
Barrowford and its surrounding towns like Colne are generally well-connected by local bus services, which may offer access to various starting points for cycling routes. However, specific information on carrying bicycles on public transport should be checked with local operators.
Parking facilities are typically available in Barrowford and nearby towns like Nelson and Colne, often near town centers or specific attractions like the Pendle Heritage Centre. For routes starting along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, parking can often be found near canal access points or wharves.


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