The best MTB trails around Charnock Richard

There are over 90 mountain bike trails around Charnock Richard. These routes offer a mix of easy and moderate options, catering to various skill levels.

Yes, there are 44 easy mountain bike trails around Charnock Richard. Yarrow Valley Park, easily accessible from the village, offers extensive woodlands and cycle-friendly paths that are generally flat and wide, making them ideal for family rides. An example of an easy route is the Upper Rivington Reservoir – View of Rivington Reservoir loop from Chorley, which is 12.1 miles (19.5 km) long.

For more challenging mountain biking, you can head to Healey Nab in the West Pennine Moors, near Chorley. It features professionally designed 'red' (difficult) and 'black' (severe) graded trails through mixed woodland, offering technical features like berms and rocky sections for confident riders.

The trails around Charnock Richard often feature extensive woodlands, reservoirs, and the rural Lancashire countryside. You might encounter natural monuments like Two Lads' Cairn or Noon Hill Bronze Age burial cairn. Many routes also offer scenic views of reservoirs such as Rivington Reservoir and Anglezarke Reservoir.

Yes, many of the mountain bike trails around Charnock Richard are circular. For instance, the Yarrow Reservoir – View of North West England loop from Chorley is a 18.6 miles (30.0 km) trail that takes you through the Yarrow Reservoir area.

The mountain bike trails around Charnock Richard are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 170 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the serene rural setting, and the network of routes that cater to different abilities, from easy family rides to more challenging options in nearby areas.

Absolutely. Many routes provide excellent viewpoints. For example, the View of Rivington Reservoir – Rivington Pike Tower loop from Buckshaw Parkway offers scenic views of Rivington Reservoir and the historic Rivington Pike Tower. Another route, the View of North West England – View of Anglezarke Reservoir loop from Chorley, provides expansive views across North West England.

While specific parking details vary by trailhead, many popular starting points for trails in the wider region, such as those near Yarrow Valley Park or the Rivington reservoirs, typically have designated parking areas. It's advisable to check specific route details on komoot for parking information relevant to your chosen trail.

Charnock Richard's rural location means direct public transport to trailheads might be limited. However, major towns like Chorley, which serve as starting points for several routes, are generally accessible by public transport. From there, you might need to cycle a short distance to reach the trail networks.

The area around Charnock Richard and nearby towns like Chorley offer various local amenities, including cafes and pubs. While not directly on every trail, many routes pass close to villages or towns where you can find places to stop for refreshments. Yarrow Valley Country Park, for instance, has facilities that might include refreshment options.

Spring and autumn generally offer pleasant conditions for mountain biking, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can also be good, though trails might be busier. During winter, some trails, especially those with natural surfaces, can become muddy, so checking local conditions is recommended.

Beyond the natural beauty, you can find points of interest such as Lower Rivington Reservoir or Yarrow Valley Country Park. The area also has historical significance, with sites like Charnock Richard Hall nearby, reflecting its agricultural heritage.