Cycling in the Ribble Valley
Enjoy the Ribble Valley countryside on an unforgettable, exhilarating cycling adventure. The scenic countryside and relatively quiet routes make this a great day out for all ages, and there are plenty of places where you can hire bikes, even electric bikes! What makes a Ribble Valley Cycling experiences even more special is that there are so many tourism businesses that are keen to make cyclists welcome. There are places to hire bicycles and e-bikes, and many local businesses offer bike storage facilities – some even meal deals
Gisburn Forest
One of the top spots for off-road bike fans is Gisburn Forest – the largest forest in Lancashire – where there are a number of purpose-built trails to challenge you. There are adrenaline-pumping off-road trails, as well as many peaceful and scenic country routes to follow
Start at the Gisburn Forest Hub car park, picnic site and café. Before setting off, you can try the Skills Loop which is located by the stone wall circle at Gisburn Forest Hub, built for practising and perfecting new riding skills before setting off on one of the trails.
The Blue Grade (Bottoms Beck/moderate 9.5km) is suitable for novices and younger riders, the Red Grade (The 8, difficult, 18km), is a rollercoaster ride down Hully Gully. Finally the Orange Grade (Bike Park, 0.5km) is called Hope Line and Leap of Faith – which is just that – so hold on tight to those handlebars!
For a peaceful ride, head to the isolated fells where magnificent scenery meets solitude. There is plenty of safety advice available at Gisburn Forest Hub, giving emergency numbers and the co-ordinates of various remote locations for experienced cyclists going off-track.
To find out more about Cycling in Gisburn Forest go here
George is a regular visitor to Gisburn Forest where he spends many hours mountain biking…….
Gisburn forest is more than just a patch of woodland in the heart of Ribble Valleys rolling hills – It’s my place to get away from the world. I’ve spent months exploring these trails. There is a moment on every trail where nothing matters, it’s just you and your bike. What makes Gisburn special isn’t just the forest – It’s the community. Whether you just go riding together or go back to the pub in Slaidburn. You make memories there that are not possible anywhere else.
There is a trail for everybody, I used to go as a child just there to sing my heart out of joy hopping over rocks on the blue route but now, I am a teenager on a full suspension mountain bike (Whyte T-140) Whipping around on hully gully and jumping gaps on hope line. No matter your skill you will have a great time. Just be careful once you have done one route you will want to do the next and before you know it; its already going dark. The way back home is a treat though. My dad takes me through Chatburn, not for the scenery – even though it is nice – and not to the park, but to get an ice cream from Hudsons! It always makes my day that little bit better. Even you get to go to a pub in the picturesque, rural gem of the Ribble Valley. This always makes my day complete; I don’t know about you.
Longridge Fell
On Longridge Fell there are several kilometers of forest track including some with spectacular views across the Bowland Fells to find out more go here
Cycle Routes
Why not explore Ribble Valley by bike on one of our popular circular cycle routes. To help you discover some of Ribble Valley’s prettiest places, four new circular routes have been created. Developed with the help of local cyclists, each self-guided route will takes you through stunning countryside, passing though some of Lancashire’s Prettiest villages.
