The best cycling routes around Marton Mere

The touring cycling routes around Marton Mere feature a diverse landscape, including open water, extensive reed beds, grasslands, and pockets of woodland. Many routes have mostly paved surfaces, making them suitable for various touring bikes. The terrain is generally flat with minimal elevation gain, offering a comfortable ride.

There are over 170 touring cycling routes available around Marton Mere. These include 85 easy routes, 73 moderate routes, and 13 more challenging options, catering to a wide range of abilities.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Marton Mere are circular. For example, the Blackpool Pleasure Beach – View of Blackpool Tower loop from Marton Moss Side is an easy 15.9 km loop offering coastal views. Another popular option is the Fairhaven Lake – Lytham Windmill loop from Blackpool Airport, an easy 22.8 km path that connects to scenic landmarks.

Marton Mere is a designated Local Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest, rich in biodiversity. You can expect to see a variety of birds, including Great Crested Grebe, Kingfisher, and Peregrine Falcon, especially around the mere and reed beds. In warmer months, butterflies, dragonflies, and wildflowers like bee orchids are common sights.

Yes, for those seeking longer rides, there are moderate routes available. The The Barn Café – Nicky Nook Nibbles Food Truck loop from Layton is a 59.8 km trail leading through varied rural landscapes, typically completed in about 3 hours 25 minutes. Another option is the Saswick House Café – Coffee Shop loop from Layton, which covers 50.8 km.

Many routes offer views of Blackpool Tower. You can also cycle towards coastal attractions like Blackpool Pleasure Beach, or connect to scenic spots such as Fairhaven Lake and Lytham Windmill. The area's proximity to Blackpool means you can easily combine nature-based cycling with urban attractions.

Yes, Marton Mere is well-connected to the National Cycle Network. National Cycle Route 62 (NCN 62), a significant Sustrans route, runs close to the reserve. This route forms part of the Trans Pennine Trail, offering extensive long-distance cycling opportunities.

The touring cycling routes around Marton Mere are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 110 reviews. Over 1900 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the diverse landscapes and accessibility.

Yes, with 85 easy routes and generally flat terrain, Marton Mere offers many family-friendly touring cycling options. The mostly paved surfaces and minimal elevation gain make it suitable for cyclists of all ages and abilities.

Bike hire is available at facilities like the nearby Haven Marton Mere holiday park, making it convenient for touring cyclists who may not bring their own equipment.

While specific cafes and pubs directly on every route are not detailed, routes like the The Barn Café – Nicky Nook Nibbles Food Truck loop from Layton and the Saswick House Café – Coffee Shop loop from Layton indicate that refreshment stops are integrated into some of the longer rides. The proximity to Blackpool also means numerous options are available nearby.

As Marton Mere is located near the coast, weather can be variable. It's advisable to check local forecasts before heading out. The area is suitable for cycling in most seasons, but be prepared for potential wind and rain, especially outside of summer months.