Cycling

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

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.

Explore Cycling in the Ribble Valley

Moderate
a road cyclist in lycra speeding past a wall and lovely green fields and hills

Chatburn Twist

Cycle through ancient villages in the shadow of Pendle Hill, passing a protected village, rushing streams and homely pubs.

Distance: 26.3km
Time: 2.5hrs to complete
Moderate: Difficult with steep inclines
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Moderate
a cyclist in red lycra top descending a hill with trees and hills in the background

Hodder Valley Horseshoe

A route for explorers, this journey takes in a large stretch of Ribble Valley tackling moorland fells and deep valley floors. The route showcases picturesque villages, stunning scenic backdrops and your classic countryside greenery, making you appreciate this little-known wilderness.

Distance: 57.8km
Time: 3.52
Moderate: Moderate to difficult
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Easy
two cyclists enjoying passing by Stoneyhurst College

Longridge Fell – The Lonely Fell

Cycle the stretch of the most southerly Fell in England and take in the views stretching for miles either way. The largely wooded Fell is a home for wildlife of all types such as the partridges and grouse of the untamed moors and the deer, foxes and badgers that scamper between the trees out of sight of humans.

For a tasty break, make sure to stop off at Little Town Dairy for some delicious local nourishment.

Distance: 24km
Time: 1hr 45m
Easy:
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Easy
a view of tables outside a pub in Chipping village

The Vale of Chipping

Longridge and Chipping both sit on the hilly edge of the Loud Valley.

This stretch of land is home to several award-winning cheese makers and with Parlick Fell on one side and Longridge Fell on the other, it’s easy to get inspiration from this single-tracked back country.

Distance: 22.8km
Time: 1hr 29m
Easy:
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