4.9
(18)
97
riders
19
rides
Gravel biking around North Turton offers diverse terrain within the West Pennine Moors. The region is characterized by expansive reservoirs such as Entwistle Reservoir and Wayoh Reservoir, alongside rolling moorland and wooded valleys. Gravel routes often combine paved sections with rougher gravel tracks, providing a varied riding experience. Riders can expect a range of challenges, from accessible paths around water bodies to routes with significant elevation changes across the moorland.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
5.0
(2)
11
riders
24.7km
01:59
370m
370m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
21
riders
32.9km
02:15
440m
440m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.8
(4)
16
riders
32.5km
01:49
200m
200m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
5.0
(2)
9
riders
22.4km
01:21
150m
150m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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Ruined replica of Liverpool Castle in Rivington, Chorley
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The path around the reservoir is worthwhile. It's used by many runners and dog walkers. Unfortunately, the reservoir is currently low on water.
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Beautiful photo motif
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Really fun 5-minute ride round the rougher side of the lake, followed by a lovely 5-minute ride around the other, smoother side of the lake....a great way to end a bike ride (*5 mins for a beginner)
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The Outwood Trail follows a section of the former Manchester‑Bury–Rossendale railway, crossing the impressive Grade II-listed Outwood Viaduct. It offers a scenic trail through ancient woodland, heathland and grassland. It's mostly tarmac so suitable for most bikes.
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The original medieval Liverpool Castle stood in Liverpool near the waterfront, which is about 22 miles southwest of Rivington, but it had been demolished in the 1720s. The currently-existing structure named Liverpool Castle is a scaled replica that was commissioned by Lord Leverhulme. Work started in 1912 and continued until Lord Leverhulme’s death in 1925. Relatively few people had been assigned to the construction of the building, so the structure was not quite finished, although the folly was supposed to look like the ruins of a castle anyway. In the years since Lord Leverhulme’s death, the area Castle, fell into disrepair. Weeds started growing on the castle’s masonry, people vandalized the walls, and a spiral staircase within the castle collapsed in the early 1980s. Liverpool Castle is still slowly crumbling, transforming from a folly meant to imitate the ruins of a castle into actual ruins.
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North Turton offers a good selection of gravel biking routes, with over 25 trails available. These routes cater to various skill levels, from moderate reservoir loops to more challenging moorland climbs.
You'll find a diverse mix of terrain in North Turton. Routes often combine paved sections with rougher gravel tracks, traversing expansive reservoirs like Entwistle and Wayoh, rolling moorland, and picturesque wooded valleys. Some routes feature significant elevation changes, while others offer more accessible paths around the water bodies.
Many routes offer views of significant landmarks and natural features. You might encounter the historic Winter Hill Summit, the prominent Rivington Pike Tower, or the distinctive Darwen Tower (Jubilee Tower). The tranquil Entwistle Reservoir is also a central feature of many rides.
While North Turton is known for its reservoirs and moorland, you can find some charming waterfalls in the wider area. For example, Hoghton Bottoms Weir and Viaduct and Waterfalls at Limestone Brook are highlights that can be incorporated into longer rides or visited separately.
Yes, North Turton offers options suitable for families. Routes around the reservoirs, such as the one featuring Dingle Reservoir, often provide relatively flat and accessible paths. These are generally less challenging and allow for a more relaxed ride for all ages.
Many trails in the West Pennine Moors are dog-friendly, but it's always best to keep dogs on a lead, especially around livestock, wildlife, and other trail users. Please ensure you follow the Countryside Code and clean up after your dog.
Parking is generally available at various points around the reservoirs and trailheads in North Turton and the surrounding West Pennine Moors. Specific parking information can often be found on individual route pages or local council websites.
North Turton has some public transport links, primarily bus services connecting to nearby towns like Bolton and Darwen. While some routes may be accessible, it's advisable to check specific bus routes and their bike carriage policies in advance, as options can be limited for carrying bikes.
Yes, you'll find various cafes and pubs in the villages and towns surrounding the North Turton area, such as Chapeltown and Edgworth. Many are popular stops for cyclists and offer refreshments and meals to refuel after a ride.
The gravel biking routes in North Turton are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an impressive average rating of 4.8 stars from over 20 reviews. Riders frequently praise the diverse landscapes, the mix of challenging and accessible terrain, and the scenic beauty of the reservoirs and moorland.
Yes, many of the gravel bike routes in North Turton are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. A good example is the Entwistle Reservoir – View of Belmont Reservoir loop from Tockholes, which offers a scenic circular ride around the reservoirs.
The difficulty varies, offering something for most riders. There are 2 easy routes, 18 moderate routes, and 9 difficult routes. You can find everything from relatively flat reservoir paths to more demanding trails with significant elevation gains and rougher surfaces across the moorland, such as the challenging View of Rivington Reservoir – View of Chorley and the Coast loop from Horwich.


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