The best MTB trails around Bickerstaffe

The Bickerstaffe area offers a mix of rural paths, canal towpaths, and some minor ascents. You'll find routes traversing the flat, open countryside of West Lancashire, often following the historic Leeds and Liverpool Canal, with gentle elevations like Ashurst Beacon and Gathurst Climb providing varied terrain.

Yes, Bickerstaffe has a good selection of easy trails, with 29 routes rated as easy. A great option for a gentle ride along the canal is the Burscough Wharf – Leeds and Liverpool Canal loop from Burscough Junction, which is 13.0 miles (20.9 km) long.

While the region is known for its gentle terrain, there is one route specifically rated as difficult among the 55 available. Additionally, 25 routes are rated as moderate, offering more of a challenge than the easy options. For a moderate route with more elevation, consider the Ashurst Beacon – Leeds and Liverpool Canal loop from Upholland, which includes a notable climb.

Trail lengths vary significantly. For example, the Wigan Pier – Leeds and Liverpool Canal loop from Burscough Junction is 22.9 miles (36.9 km) and takes about 2 hours 19 minutes. Longer routes like the Ainsdale Aviation Sculpture – Leeds and Liverpool Canal loop from Headbolt Lane can be up to 39.3 miles (63.3 km), requiring around 3 hours 23 minutes to complete.

Yes, many of the mountain bike trails around Bickerstaffe are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Burscough Wharf – Leeds and Liverpool Canal loop from Burscough Junction and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal – Gathurst Climb loop from Skelmersdale.

The area's canal towpaths and open countryside offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. You might also encounter various natural attractions such as Carr Mill Dam or the Martin Mere Wetland Centre, both of which are highlights in the vicinity.

Beyond the trails, you can explore several interesting landmarks. Croxteth Hall and Country Park is a notable historical site nearby. The region also features specific cycle ways like Pimbo Lane and Shaley Brow Climb.

The mountain bike trails around Bickerstaffe are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 20 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, which includes canal towpaths, open countryside, and gentle climbs, catering to different ability levels.

The open countryside and canal towpaths are generally accessible year-round. However, for the most comfortable riding conditions, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and often drier paths. During winter, some unpaved sections might be muddy, especially after heavy rain.

While popular routes like the main Leeds and Liverpool Canal loops can see more traffic, the Bickerstaffe area has 55 different routes. Exploring some of the less-trafficked rural paths or those slightly further from major access points can offer a quieter experience. Check the komoot map for routes with fewer recorded completions if you prefer solitude.

Many routes in the Bickerstaffe area follow the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, which often has pubs and cafes situated along its banks in towns and villages like Burscough and Wigan. Planning your route to pass through these settlements will provide opportunities for refreshment stops.