The best gravel rides in Lancashire

Lancashire offers a diverse range of gravel biking terrain. You'll find challenging moorland and remote fells in areas like the Forest of Bowland, including the legendary Salter Fell. There are also smoother fire roads in Gisburn Forest, extensive canal towpaths (such as the Lancaster Canal and Leeds and Liverpool Canal), and old railway lines in areas like Wigan and Ince Grey Hills. This variety ensures options for different skill levels and preferences.

Yes, Lancashire has several options ideal for beginners and families. The extensive canal towpaths, like portions of the Lancaster Canal Towpath – Haslam Park Nature Reserve loop from Preston, offer relatively flat and accessible routes. The Guild Wheel in Preston is another scenic and accessible 21-mile circular route, perfect for an easy introduction to cycling. Gisburn Forest also features smooth fire roads suitable for less experienced riders.

For more challenging gravel biking, head to the Forest of Bowland. Routes like the Bowland Knotts Climb – The 8 – Swoopy Section loop from Tosside offer significant elevation gain and remote sections. The Salter Fell, an old Roman Road within the Forest of Bowland, is known for its uphill drags and rocky parts, providing a demanding experience for advanced riders.

Yes, many gravel routes in Lancashire are designed as loops. For example, the Stocks Reservoir and Gisburn Forest loop is an easy circular route exploring the popular Gisburn Forest. Another popular option is the Rivington Pike – Liverpool Castle Replica Ruins loop from Chorley, which offers moderate difficulty and passes several landmarks.

Lancashire's gravel trails often pass by stunning natural and historical landmarks. In the Rivington area, you can see Rivington Pike, reservoirs, the Pigeon Tower, and the Terraced Gardens. The Lancaster Canal Towpath offers views of the Lune Aqueduct. For historical sites, consider routes near the Liverpool Castle Replica Ruins or Clitheroe Castle. You might also encounter natural features like Hoghton Bottoms Weir and Viaduct or the dramatic landscapes around Pendle Hill.

Many areas in Lancashire are accessible by public transport, particularly towns and cities like Preston, which serve as good starting points for routes like the Lancaster Canal Towpath – Haslam Park Nature Reserve loop. For more remote areas like the Forest of Bowland, public transport options might be limited, and a car or local taxi service may be necessary to reach trailheads.

Yes, Lancashire offers several longer gravel biking options. The Lancaster Canal Towpath allows for extended rides, with the potential to cycle from Preston to Kendal. Routes like the Eyes Lane Metal Bridge – Leeds and Liverpool Canal loop from Leyland can cover over 100 km, providing a significant long-distance challenge.

The gravel biking trails in Lancashire are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 50 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, from peaceful canal paths to challenging moorland climbs, and the stunning natural beauty of areas like the Forest of Bowland and Rivington.

Beyond the trails themselves, Lancashire boasts several natural attractions. Beacon Fell Country Park offers conifer woods and moorland with viewpoints. Brockholes Nature Reserve provides ancient woodland and lakes. Pendle Hill offers spectacular views and challenging terrain for both cycling and hiking. Preston also has green spaces like Avenham and Miller Parks, which are great for a break.

Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking in Lancashire, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can also be excellent, though trails might be busier. While some routes, particularly canal towpaths, are accessible year-round, winter can bring colder temperatures and potentially muddy or icy conditions on unpaved sections, especially in higher moorland areas.

For more information on other outdoor activities and attractions in the region, you can visit the official tourism websites. Visit Lancashire provides details on various outdoor experiences, while Visit Preston focuses on outdoor and wildlife activities specifically within Preston.