The best cycling routes around Chorley

Chorley offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 200 options recorded on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, including 80 easy, 100 moderate, and 29 difficult trails, ensuring there's something for every cyclist.

Yes, Chorley has numerous routes ideal for beginners and families. The Bretherton War Memorial – Flintstones Car loop from Euxton Balshaw Lane is a moderate option that avoids significant elevation. Additionally, traffic-free paths along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, and routes within Yarrow Valley Country Park and Cuerden Valley Park, provide gentle and scenic rides perfect for all ages.

Touring cycling in Chorley offers a diverse range of landscapes. You can expect to ride through expansive woodlands, past serene reservoirs like those in Rivington Country Park and Anglezarke, and across the open moorland of the West Pennine Moors. The Leeds-Liverpool Canal provides tranquil waterside sections, while other routes venture through charming historic villages and rolling Lancashire countryside.

Yes, Chorley features many excellent circular touring cycling routes. A popular choice is the Lower Rivington Reservoir – Rivington Pike loop from Chorley, which takes you through Rivington Country Park. Other loops around the Rivington reservoirs, such as the The Japanese Garden – Rivington Pike Tower loop from Rivington, also offer fantastic circular experiences.

Chorley's touring cycling routes offer access to several impressive viewpoints and landmarks. Rivington Pike Tower is a prominent feature, offering panoramic views across Lancashire, including Blackpool Tower and even the Lake District on a clear day. You can reach it via routes like the Rivington Pike – View of North West England loop from Rivington. Other points of interest include the historic Pigeon Tower (Dovecote Tower) and The Japanese Garden in Rivington.

For cyclists seeking a challenge, Chorley offers several difficult routes with significant elevation gains. The Preston and Blackburn loop from Chorley is a difficult 37.5-mile path that includes substantial climbs through the Lancashire countryside. Another challenging option is the Astley Hall – Rivington Pike loop from Buckshaw Parkway, which features over 1100 meters of ascent.

The touring cycling routes in Chorley are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 100 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from tranquil canal paths to challenging moorland climbs, and the stunning natural beauty of areas like Rivington Country Park. The variety of routes catering to different fitness levels is also frequently highlighted.

Absolutely. Chorley is rich in water features that are integrated into its cycling routes. The Anglezarke Reservoirs are a central part of many rides, offering spellbinding waterside explorations. The Leeds-Liverpool Canal also provides a lovely wooded section with traffic-free towpaths, connecting Chorley to Adlington, perfect for a peaceful ride.

Rivington Country Park and the West Pennine Moors are exceptional for touring cycling, often referred to as 'Chorley's very own Lake District.' This area boasts extensive woodlands, serene reservoirs, and breathtaking vistas, with an extensive network of bridleways and quiet lanes. Yarrow Valley Country Park and Cuerden Valley Park also offer beautiful settings with woodlands, lakes, and nature reserves suitable for cycling.

Yes, for those looking for longer rides, Chorley offers several extended touring cycling routes. The Pier to Pier and Lancashire Cycleway Loop is a substantial 49.9-mile (80.3 km) trail that connects coastal areas with inland paths. Another long and challenging option is the Astley Hall – Rivington Pike loop from Buckshaw Parkway, covering nearly 90 km.

Chorley's touring cycling routes can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and summer generally offer the most pleasant conditions with milder weather and longer daylight hours. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, especially in the woodland areas. While winter cycling is possible, some routes, particularly those on higher moorland, may be more exposed to the elements.

Yes, for more adventurous cyclists, Healey Nab offers challenging red and black graded mountain bike trails through mixed woodland. These trails are specifically built by bikers for bikers, providing a thrilling experience. You can find more information about these trails on the Visit Lancashire website.