The best traffic-free bike rides in Lancashire

Lancashire offers a wide selection of traffic-free touring cycling routes. You can find over 750 routes, with more than 220 specifically rated as easy, making them suitable for various skill levels and preferences.

Yes, Lancashire has many easy, traffic-free routes perfect for families. The Preston Guild Wheel is a popular 26.6 km circular route that takes you through countryside, villages, and parks. Another great option is the Bay Cycle Way and Way of the Roses Loop, offering scenic coastal views on an easy 28.8 km ride.

For circular, traffic-free touring, the Preston Guild Wheel is a well-known 26.6 km loop. Another option is the Carnforth to Arnside loop, a 29.2 km route that offers diverse scenery, though it is rated as difficult due to some challenging sections.

Absolutely. Many routes offer access to Lancashire's rich history and natural beauty. For instance, you can find routes near iconic peaks like Pendle Hill or Rivington Pike Tower. Some routes also pass by beautiful waterfalls, such as Hoghton Bottoms Weir and Viaduct or the Fairy Glen Waterfalls.

The traffic-free touring routes in Lancashire are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 1,400 ratings. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from the serene coastal paths of Morecambe Bay to the peaceful canal towpaths and the challenging fells of the Forest of Bowland, as well as the well-maintained cycling infrastructure.

Yes, Lancashire is home to sections of several long-distance routes. The Pier to Pier and Lancashire Cycleway Loop is a substantial 80.3 km route that incorporates parts of the extensive Lancashire Cycleway. The region also features sections of the Bay Cycle Way and the National Cycle Network, providing ample opportunities for longer, traffic-free adventures.

The Forest of Bowland, a designated National Landscape, is a prime area for scenic cycling. The Trough of Bowland Cycle Route is a challenging 63.2 km adventure that takes you directly through this stunning region of rolling fells and rugged moorland, offering breathtaking views.

Yes, Lancashire's extensive network of canals, such as the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, provides numerous traffic-free towpaths. These routes offer leisurely rides and a unique perspective of the county's heritage, often connecting towns and villages. The Lune Estuary also features an easy route along an old railway track.

Lancashire's traffic-free routes offer a diverse range of terrain. You can find flat coastal paths along Morecambe Bay, smooth canal towpaths, and converted railway lines. For those seeking more challenge, routes in areas like the Forest of Bowland feature rolling fells and some challenging climbs, even on quieter roads.

Beginners will find many suitable traffic-free options in Lancashire. Routes like the Preston Guild Wheel and sections of the Bay Cycle Way are generally flat and well-maintained, making them ideal for those new to touring cycling or looking for a relaxed ride.

The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant weather for touring cycling in Lancashire, with longer daylight hours and milder temperatures. However, the region's diverse landscapes can be enjoyed year-round, with autumn providing beautiful foliage and winter offering crisp, quiet rides, especially on well-surfaced traffic-free paths.