The best gravel rides around Chorley

Chorley offers a wide selection of gravel biking routes, with over 30 trails available on komoot. These range from easy, flat paths to more challenging upland rides, ensuring options for various skill levels.

Gravel biking in Chorley features diverse terrain. You'll find expansive moorland in areas like the West Pennine Moors and Anglezarke Moor, dense woodlands, and numerous reservoirs. Additionally, the Leeds and Liverpool Canal provides flatter, accessible towpath routes.

Yes, Chorley has several options suitable for families and beginners. Canal towpaths, such as sections of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, offer relatively flat and accessible gravel surfaces. For a longer, moderate option, consider the Leeds & Liverpool Canal – Leeds and Liverpool Canal loop from Chorley, which is 36.2 miles (58.2 km) but can be shortened.

For more challenging rides, head towards the West Pennine Moors and the Rivington area. Routes like the View of Rivington Reservoir – View of Chorley and the Coast loop from Horwich offer significant elevation changes and more rugged terrain. The Anglezarke area, including trails around Rivington Pike, also provides challenging ascents and descents.

Many of the gravel routes around Chorley are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the popular Entwistle Reservoir – View of Belmont Reservoir loop from Tockholes and the Rivington Pike – Liverpool Castle Replica Ruins loop from Chorley.

The routes often pass by significant landmarks. You can cycle past the historic Rivington Pike Tower, explore the Pigeon Tower (Dovecote Tower) in Rivington, or see the Winter Hill Summit and TV Mast. The area also features natural monuments like the Noon Hill Bronze Age burial cairn and various scenic reservoirs.

Yes, the Leeds and Liverpool Canal runs through Chorley, offering peaceful towpath routes ideal for gravel biking. The Leeds & Liverpool Canal – Leeds and Liverpool Canal Path loop from Ince is a great example, providing a relatively flat and scenic ride along the canal.

The gravel biking routes in Chorley are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 20 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, from quiet woodlands to expansive moorland, and the scenic views, particularly around the Rivington reservoirs and Rivington Pike.

Chorley is well-connected by public transport, including train services. Many routes, especially those starting directly from Chorley or nearby towns like Tockholes or Horwich, are accessible via local bus or train services, making it possible to reach trailheads without a car.

Parking is generally available at key access points for many trails. For routes around the Rivington and Anglezarke areas, there are car parks near the reservoirs and visitor centers. For canal routes, parking can often be found in nearby towns or designated canal-side parking areas. Specific parking details are usually available on individual route pages on komoot.

Yes, many routes in Chorley pass through or near villages and towns that offer opportunities for refreshments. The Rivington area, in particular, has cafes and pubs. Canal towpath routes also often have establishments conveniently located nearby for a break.

Gravel biking in Chorley is enjoyable year-round, but the best time is typically from spring through autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is generally milder, and the trails are less likely to be muddy, especially on moorland sections. Summer offers longer daylight hours, while autumn provides beautiful foliage.

Beyond the popular Rivington and Anglezarke areas, excellent gravel biking can be found around Heapey and Heskin. These locations are known for their network of trails that cater well to gravel bikes, offering a mix of quiet lanes and off-road sections.