The best road cycling routes around Bowland Forest High

Bowland Forest High offers a diverse and dramatic landscape for road cyclists. You'll encounter expansive gritstone fells, deep valleys, and vast peat moorlands. The routes often follow quiet rural roads winding through heather moorland, semi-natural woodlands, and wildflower meadows. Expect a mix of open moorland contrasting with gentle lowlands, all crisscrossed by traditional dry stone walls.

Absolutely. Bowland Forest High is renowned for its challenging climbs, attracting serious road cyclists. Iconic ascents include the Cross of Greet, Bowland Knotts, and the dramatic Trough of Bowland. The Cross of Greet Climb – Barbon Dale Road loop from St Andrew, for example, features a significant 1,684m elevation gain over 96.3 km, making it a difficult ride.

The region is rich with scenic viewpoints and landmarks. The climb to Jubilee Tower (Quernmore) offers breathtaking vistas. You can also experience the dramatic scenery of the Trough of Bowland Pass. Many routes, like the Bowland Knotts Climb – View of the Forest of Bowland loop from Easington, provide outstanding views of the Forest of Bowland and even the Yorkshire Three Peaks and Lakeland Fells on clear days.

While many routes are challenging, Bowland Forest High does offer options for less strenuous rides. There are 8 easy routes available, and 19 moderate routes that might be suitable for those building their endurance. For example, the Chipping Village – Hodder Bridge loop from Chipping is a moderate 30.8 km route with a manageable 338m elevation gain, offering a pleasant ride through the countryside.

Charming villages are scattered throughout the area, providing excellent stopping points. Dunsop Bridge, known as the 'center of the United Kingdom,' has amenities like Puddleducks Café, a popular spot for cyclists. Historic towns like Chipping also offer opportunities for breaks and refreshments along your route.

The region's diverse landscapes are enjoyable throughout the warmer months. Spring and summer offer pleasant conditions with blooming wildflowers and heather. Autumn provides stunning scenery with changing foliage. Winter cycling can be challenging due to weather conditions on the exposed fells and moorlands, so it's best to check local forecasts and road conditions if planning a ride during colder months.

The routes vary significantly in length to suit different preferences and fitness levels. You can find shorter, moderate loops like the Bowland Knotts Climb – View of the Forest of Bowland loop from Easington at 42.4 km, or much longer, more challenging rides such as the Trough of Bowland Pass – Jubilee Tower (Quernmore) loop from Bowland Forest Low, which spans 110.8 km.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in Bowland Forest High are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. This includes popular options like the Ribblehead Viaduct – Bowland Knotts Climb loop from Dunsop Bridge, which is a challenging 92.2 km circular tour.

The road cycling routes in Bowland Forest High are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 50 reviews. Cyclists often praise the quiet, low-traffic lanes, the breathtaking vistas from the fells, and the challenging yet rewarding climbs that make for an exhilarating ride.

Yes, for those who wish to tackle the challenging hills with a little assistance, electric bike hire is available in the area. This can be a great option to experience the stunning landscapes without the full physical demand of the climbs.

Yes, the Forest of Bowland is crisscrossed by numerous recommended cycle routes, including sections of the Lancashire Cycleway. It also forms part of the 'Way of the Roses' coast-to-coast route, offering connections to longer-distance cycling adventures. For more information on official routes, you might find resources like the Bowland by Bike cycle route guide helpful.

Bowland Forest High is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with a rich array of wildlife. While cycling, you might spot rare birds such as hen harriers, curlews, and peregrine falcons. The rivers and woodlands are also home to otters, deer, and various rare wading birds, adding to the natural charm of the area.