With over 600 miles of cycle routes right across Lancashire it’s a great way to get around and stay fit and healthy. Go by bike to the shops, work or gym and it’s a great way to achieve the recommended 30 minutes of exercise per day.
CycleLancashire.com is a brand new website for all things cycling in Lancashire. You can find routes, tracks, events and so much more.
There are over 340 km of traffic free cycle routes in Lancashire including off road cycle paths, seaside promenades and canal towpath. For further information about cycling in Lancashire visit www.cyclelancashire.com or visit a tourist information office for a map of local cycle routes. You can view cycle routes near you here.
We have some fantastic maps to enable you to plan the best route into your workplace, have a look here.
Weavers Wheel
Weavers Wheel is a 26km route encircling Blackburn Town Centre. The route is based on the successful Preston Guild Wheel that attracts nearly 100,000 cyclists a year. Besides the main circular route there are also spokes leading to key workplaces, schools, retail and leisure opportunities.   Â
Download the Cycling On and Off the Weavers Wheel flyer here.
East Lancashire Cycling App
Make sure you also check out the East Lancashire Cycling App. It's a free app for Android and Apple with 25 easy to follow routes around the area.Â
Rossendale has plenty to offer for all cycling enthusiasts; from quiet urban rides, to challenging Mountain bike trails across vast Quarry mines. Route 91 runs through the heart of Rossendale connecting you to its four major towns; Haslingden, Rawtenstall, Newchurch and Bacup, taking only a total of one hour to complete. And is accessible by bike via Burnley, to the north, Blackburn to the west, Bolton to the south and Halifax to the east.
Lee Quarry cycle route
With over 10km of Red and Black mountain bike trails, the newly developed Lee Quarry cycle route will test every riders cycling skills. The route is separated into various sections, so whether you're wanting to practice your climbs, riding rock gardens, drop offs, jumps or huge berms, the Lee Quarry has it all.
Cragg Quarry cycle route
Continuing south, following the Lee Quarry trail along quiet moorland cycle paths, you will arrive at the start of the Cragg Quarry cycle route. Explore over 6.5km of jagged single track trails overlooking Rossendale's spoilt and misshapen landscape, as a result of its historic Quarrying heydays.
More information on this route can be found here.
Burnley has over 60km of quiet cycle routes available, with over two thirds being traffic-free tracks. If you're looking for a quiet route to work, or maybe a trip alongside the historic Leeds Liverpool canal, Burnley's got it covered.
Leeds - Liverpool Canal Towpath
Route 604 takes you along the Leeds Liverpool canal towpath, connecting Hapton and Padiham with Burnley. The route takes you through the centre of town, passing a variety of shops and services, leading onto Route 68 of the National Cycle Network.
Route 68 – Pennine Cycleway
Route 68, known as the 'Pennine Cycleway', carries on along the iconic canal towpath. This route leads to the recently developed Thompson Park, which offers a wide variety of activities such as boat rides along the river, play areas for the kids, flower gardens and a unique miniature railway track within the grounds, operating every Sunday, all year round. The route continues on to Brierfield and Nelson town centre.
More information on this route can be found here.
Hop on your bike and discover some of Pendle's most iconic attractions, whether that be the Bancroft Mill, with its working steam engine, or take a quiet trip up to Pendle Hill, offering stunning views that inspired the likes of J.R.R. Tolkien.
Route 69 - Pennine Cycleway
Route 68 takes you alongside the Leeds Liverpool Canal between Brierfield and Nelson and connects with a route into Colne. You'll pass heritage sites such as Brierfield's landmark milling factory – now knowns as Northlight – a hopeful Enterprise Zone. Discover the diverse shops and services in Nelson, and Colne.
After approximately 12 miles of riding you will reach the end of Pendle's Route 68 trail, where you will be treated to stunning views across manmade Lake Burwain, which also offers a number of sailing clubs and events to get involved with.
More information on this route can be found here.
Hyndburn may be the smallest district of Lancashire, but by no means should it be underestimated for that reason. Hyndburn has two major towns; Church and Accrington – both of which are easily accessible from Blackburn, Preston, Manchester and Bradford.
Route 6 - Canal Towpath
National Cycle Route 6 connects Blackburn with Accrington joining up at Rishton with Regional Route 93 from Great Harwood. The route continues through the town and along the old railway line to Baxenden.
More information on this route can be found here.
The district of Ribble Valley consists of vast plains, natural fells and tranquil forests.
Forest of Bowland and Gisburn
Experience the idyllic forests of Lancashire along rocky dirt tracks, all traffic-free. With over 60 miles of cycling paths to follow, these tracks will certainly improve on any riders' skills while providing you with breath-taking scenery.
Ribble Valley Villages
Explore all of Ribble Valley's quaint English villages along Routes 90 and 91, taking you past various sites of historical interest. The route circles around its major town, Clitheroe, passing through villages such as Ribchester, Downham, Chatburn and Whalley. Clitheroe and Whalley's train stations are only minutes away from the route!
So, if you're looking for rides found nowhere else; offering a collection of blue, red and black trails, suitable for all levels: look no further.
More information on this route can be found here.
As well as the areas above, Lancashire has many cycling spots on offer. Click on the map and then scroll down the page for detailed route information.
If you need a little to help to get started, why not try a training session or consider hiring a bike?
Working with Go Velo, a Lancashire based cycle training company, the following adult cycle training courses are available at a range of venues across the county:
All courses will be 2 hours in length and free. They are open to everyone who lives, works or attends education and training in Lancashire, aged 16 years old and above. Click here to book a course.
More Info
For more information on any of these rides, please visit www.cyclelancashire.com