The best MTB trails around Burscough

There are over 20 mountain bike trails in the Burscough area, offering a range of experiences. The majority, 17 routes, are classified as easy, while 5 are moderate, ensuring options for various skill levels.

Mountain biking in Burscough is generally accessible, with many routes featuring the region's flat terrain, canal-side paths, and quiet rural lanes. For those seeking more technical challenges, the Bickerstaffe Colliery Cycle Trails offer an XC Red Trail, a challenging Black Line, and a Jump Line with berms, rollers, and jumps.

Yes, Burscough offers several family-friendly mountain bike options. The flat towpaths along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal are ideal for leisurely rides. A great example is the Burscough Wharf – Leeds and Liverpool Canal loop from Burscough Junction, which is an easy 13-mile route. The Moorhen cycle route, starting at Burscough Wharf, is also designed to be family-friendly.

The terrain around Burscough is quite varied. You'll find extensive flat canal-side routes, quiet country lanes, and the unique 'rolling flat mosses' behind Burscough, which offer open landscapes. Dedicated trails like those at Bickerstaffe Colliery provide purpose-built features such as berms, rollers, and jumps.

Yes, the Bickerstaffe Colliery Cycle Trails are a key attraction for mountain bikers seeking technical features. Located within Jubilee Woods, these trails offer a short XC Red Trail, a challenging Black Line, and a Jump Line, all built on the spoil heaps of the old colliery.

The mountain bike trails around Burscough are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.1 stars. Over 80 mountain bikers have explored the area using komoot, often praising the scenic canal-side routes, the quiet rural lanes, and the diverse terrain that caters to different abilities.

Yes, many of the routes around Burscough are circular. The Burscough Wharf – Leeds and Liverpool Canal loop from Burscough Junction is a popular circular option. Additionally, the Moorhen cycle route, which combines canal sections with country lanes, is a family-friendly circular trail starting from Burscough Wharf.

Yes, Burscough's trails often pass by notable landmarks and natural features. You can ride alongside the historic Leeds and Liverpool Canal, past the Grade II listed Ainscough Mill. The Lapwing cycle route takes you through wildlife-rich areas, including the WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre and Mere Sands Wood Nature Reserve. For more attractions, consider exploring highlights like Martin Mere Wetland Centre.

For longer rides, the Wigan Pier – Leeds and Liverpool Canal loop from Burscough Junction is a moderate 22.9-mile (36.9 km) path that extends along the canal towpaths to Wigan Pier. Another option is The Millhouse Pub – S loop from Eccleston, a 25.8-mile (41.5 km) trail through varied rural landscapes.

Burscough is served by Burscough Junction, which is a starting point for several routes, including the popular Burscough Wharf – Leeds and Liverpool Canal loop. This makes it convenient for accessing trails via public transport.

While Burscough's terrain is generally flat, the 'rolling flat mosses' behind the town offer abundant, unspoiled views of the open landscape. Additionally, some routes pass by natural havens like Mere Sands Wood Nature Reserve and the WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, providing scenic spots for wildlife observation. You can also find viewpoints like Parbold Hill Viewpoint in the wider area.

The 'Pier to Pier' route (National Cycle Network NCN562) connects Southport and Wigan. Burscough serves as a midway point on this route, offering a longer-distance cycling experience that integrates with the local network of paths and rural lanes.