The best road cycling routes around Bury
4.5
(44)
2,432
riders
105
rides
Road cycling routes around Bury are characterized by diverse landscapes, including the undulating terrain of the West Pennine Hills and the scenic Irwell Valley. The region offers a mix of challenging climbs and rewarding descents, with some paths utilizing former railway lines for traffic-free cycling. Green spaces like Burrs Country Park also provide varied surfaces and starting points for rides.
Best road cycling routes around Bury
- The most popular road cycling route is Amberley, Petworth and Waltham Brooks loop – South Downs National Park, a 28.6 miles (45.9 km) trail that takes approximately 2 hours 22 minutes to complete. This route features moderate elevation gain and scenic views.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Petworth and Fittleworth loop from Amberley – South Downs National Park, a moderate 27.9 miles (44.9 km) path. This route offers rolling hills and picturesque countryside.
- Local road cyclists also love the Midhurst and East Dean loop from Amberley, a 43.8 miles (70.5 km) trail leading through varied terrain, often completed in about 3 hours 20 minutes.
- Road cycling around Bury is defined by the challenging West Pennine Hills, the serene Irwell Valley, and converted railway lines. The network offers options for different ability levels.
- The routes in Bury are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 39 reviews. More than 2,400 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Bury's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 18, 2026
5.0
(2)
21
riders
45.9km
02:23
490m
490m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(2)
15
riders
44.9km
02:14
480m
480m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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13
riders
70.5km
03:21
810m
810m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
7
riders
81.0km
03:34
580m
580m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
6
riders
62.5km
03:07
630m
630m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Tips from the Community
12% climb out of East Dean with the reward of a great descent down to Goodwood
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The Wey and Arun Canal, finished in 1816, established a crucial link between the Wey Navigation near Guildford and the south coast via the River Arun. This canal played a pivotal role in the inland transportation network designed to ensure secure passage from London to Portsmouth, facilitating the transportation of goods to sustain the dockyards during the Napoleonic Wars. Despite its initial success in efficiently transporting a substantial volume of cargo, the advent of railways ultimately led to the formal closure of the canal in 1871.
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Burton Mill Pond is part of the Burton Mill and Chingford Ponds Local Nature Reserve (LNR). Originating in the late 16th century to fuel a forge, the pond has a historical past. By the late 18th century, it played a vital role as part of a water mill for grinding corn, with the imposing structure by the road now standing as the remnants of the old mill. It's part of a fabulous landscape as you cycle along the road bordering its northeastern shore.
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Nestled on the outskirts of Chichester, between the villages of Singleton and Upwaltham, the pretty village of East Dean lies in the scenic Upper Lavant Valley of the South Downs. This quaint settlement, steeped in history with traces of Celtic fields and Roman artifacts, has a timeless charm. It features a pond on the village green and a distinctive flint-walled pub called The Star and Garter. Surprisingly, despite its small size, East Dean proudly hosts a football team, a local institution founded over 130 years ago, competing in the West Sussex league.
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This is a lovely stretch of road cutting through a tree-lined avenue on Warren Down. The road is completely straight until a steep s-shaped bend, just north of West Dean.
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Lurgashall is known for its quintessential English village charm, with its triangular village green hosting cricket games, country pub and white fingerpost signs. It has a population of around 600 people.
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The Three Moles in a traditional cycle-friendly country pub set in a scenic location. It has dedicated cycle parking area covered by 24 hour CCTV. The pub also has puncture repair kits and offers refills for water bottles.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect when road cycling around Bury?
Bury offers a diverse landscape for road cyclists. You'll find the undulating terrain of the West Pennine Hills, providing challenging climbs and rewarding descents, alongside the scenic and often flatter Irwell Valley. Some routes also utilize former railway lines, offering traffic-free sections for a smoother ride.
How many road cycling routes are available in the Bury area?
There are over 100 road cycling routes available around Bury, catering to various skill levels. This includes a good mix of easy, moderate, and challenging options to explore.
Are there any easy or beginner-friendly road cycling routes in Bury?
Yes, Bury has over 50 easy road cycling routes. While specific beginner routes aren't detailed here, the region's repurposed railway lines and sections of the Irwell Valley offer flatter, traffic-free options suitable for those new to road cycling or looking for a more relaxed ride.
What are some popular road cycling routes for experienced riders seeking a challenge?
For experienced cyclists, the West Pennine Hills present exciting terrains with steep climbs. A notable challenging route is the Bury to Hebden Bridge loop via the Craig Vale climb, a 46.6-mile (75 km) trail with significant elevation changes. The Bury Moor Views route also offers a moderate challenge with a 1,053-foot (321 m) elevation gain over 12.8 miles.
Are there any circular road cycling routes in Bury?
Yes, the Bury Circular Cycle Route is a popular option. This moderate, approximately 13-mile (20.9 km) leisure ride traverses the rural West Pennine Hills north of Bury, incorporating historic elements like the Roman road of Watling Street and passing through charming villages such as Affetside.
What natural features or landmarks can I see along the road cycling routes in Bury?
Road cycling routes in Bury often pass through picturesque areas like the Irwell Valley and offer views of the West Pennine Hills. You can also explore areas near Burton Mill Pond and Mill or enjoy the scenery around Swanbourne Lake. Holcombe Hill, with its iconic Peel Tower, is a prominent landmark offering magnificent vistas for those who tackle its climb.
Are there any parks or green spaces suitable for cycling or as starting points?
Burrs Country Park, located just a mile from Bury town centre, is an excellent option. This Green Flag Award-winning park offers 36 hectares of scenic countryside along the River Irwell, with varied surfaces and is a great starting point for rides. The Irwell Sculpture Trail also passes through here, adding artistic interest.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Bury?
The road cycling routes around Bury are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 39 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from challenging climbs in the West Pennine Hills to the scenic and peaceful Irwell Valley, and the options for both leisure and demanding rides.
Can I find traffic-free cycling options in Bury?
Yes, Bury benefits from a network of former railway lines and canal paths that have been repurposed into accessible cycling routes. These often provide traffic-free, flatter sections, ideal for a more relaxed ride or for those preferring to avoid road traffic.
Are there any specific attractions or trails that combine art with cycling?
The Irwell Sculpture Trail is a fantastic option. Extending over 33 miles through Salford, Bury, and Rossendale, this trail features over 70 artworks and connects local heritage with the landscape. It can be explored by bike, offering a fascinating and culturally rich cycling experience, with parts passing through Burrs Country Park.
Is Bury a good destination for road cyclists looking for varied difficulty levels?
Absolutely. Bury caters to a wide range of abilities. With 51 easy routes, 53 moderate routes, and 1 difficult route, cyclists can choose from leisurely rides along river valleys and repurposed railway lines to challenging ascents in the West Pennine Hills, ensuring there's something for everyone.
Where can I find more information about Burrs Country Park?
For more details about Burrs Country Park, including facilities and events, you can visit the official Bury Council website: bury.gov.uk.
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