The best traffic-free bike rides around Colne

There are 18 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Colne featured in this guide. These routes offer a range of difficulties, with 2 easy, 7 moderate, and 9 difficult options to explore.

Yes, Colne offers several easy, traffic-free routes perfect for beginners or family cycling. A great option is the Barrowford Locks – Thompson Park Boating Lake loop from Colne, which is 25.2 km long with minimal elevation gain, making it a pleasant ride along canal towpaths and through scenic areas. The Grand Union Canal and Leeds & Liverpool Canal towpaths are generally excellent for relaxed, traffic-free cycling.

The no-traffic touring cycling routes around Colne traverse a diverse landscape, from tranquil canal towpaths and river valleys to undulating terrain and forest areas. You'll encounter picturesque scenery, including gravel lakes, willows, poplars, and historic canal locks. Routes like the Widdop Descent – Widdop Reservoir loop from Colne offer more challenging terrain with significant elevation changes and stunning views.

Yes, many of the no-traffic touring cycling routes around Colne are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For example, the Flooded Road to Alkincoats – Gargrave Bridge loop from Colne is a moderate 47.9 km circular route that takes you through varied countryside.

The region boasts several impressive natural features and viewpoints. While cycling, you might catch glimpses of majestic Pendle Hill or the rugged Boulsworth Hill. Highlights like the Pendle Hill summit trig point, Weets Hill Summit & Trig Point, and Pinhaw Beacon offer sweeping vistas of the surrounding landscape. The canal towpaths also provide serene views of the waterways and countryside.

Colne has good public transport links, including a train station and bus services, which can help you reach the starting points of many routes. The region also connects to the National Cycle Network, allowing access to longer routes. It's advisable to check local transport schedules and bicycle carriage policies before planning your trip.

Spring, summer, and early autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for traffic-free touring cycling in Colne. During these seasons, you can expect milder weather, longer daylight hours, and the landscape in full bloom or vibrant autumn colours. Always check the local weather forecast before heading out, as conditions can change, especially in more exposed areas.

Yes, the Colne area and its surrounding villages offer various cafes, pubs, and accommodation options. Many routes pass through or near towns and villages where you can find places to refuel. The Grand Union Canal, for instance, often has waterside pubs and cafes. It's a good idea to plan your stops in advance, especially on longer routes.

The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience in Colne, with an average score of 4.3 stars from 17 ratings. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the traffic-free paths, the picturesque canal towpaths, and the diverse natural beauty, from rolling hills to serene reservoirs. The sense of escape from busy roads is a frequently highlighted positive.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, Colne offers several difficult, traffic-free touring routes. The Settle Town Centre – Yorkshire Dales National Park loop from Colne is a demanding 84.1 km route with nearly 1000 meters of elevation gain, providing a significant workout and stunning scenery as you venture towards the Yorkshire Dales.

Parking is generally available in and around Colne, as well as at various access points along the canal towpaths and country parks that serve as starting points for these routes. Many towns and villages along the routes will have public car parks. It's recommended to check specific starting points for parking availability when planning your tour.