The best traffic-free bike rides around St Helens

There are over 15 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails around St Helens featured in this guide. These routes offer a variety of distances and difficulties, ensuring there's something for every gravel biker looking for a peaceful ride away from cars.

Yes, several routes are suitable for families. For instance, The Ferry Tavern – Spike Island Park loop from Warrington Bank Quay is an easy option, offering a pleasant ride with minimal elevation gain. Look for routes marked as 'easy' in the guide for the most family-friendly experiences.

The no-traffic gravel trails around St Helens often follow canal towpaths and disused railway lines, offering tranquil views of waterways, green spaces, and local wildlife. You'll experience a mix of urban green corridors and more open countryside, providing a refreshing escape from city life.

Absolutely! Many of the routes are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point without retracing your steps. An example is The Bridgewater Way – Roe Green Loopline loop from Leigh, which offers a great circular experience on traffic-free paths.

While exploring the no-traffic gravel trails, you might encounter several interesting spots. For example, you could pass by Carr Mill Dam, a beautiful lake, or the iconic Dream Sculpture. Other natural highlights include Manor Park Pond and The Mucky Mountains Nature Reserve.

While many routes are easy to moderate, some offer longer distances and slightly more varied terrain for those seeking a challenge. For instance, The Bridgewater Way – Scotman's Flash loop from Ince is a longer, moderate route that will test your endurance on traffic-free paths.

The no-traffic gravel trails around St Helens are enjoyable year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer is great for longer days, while winter rides can be crisp and quiet, though some paths might be muddy after heavy rain. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

Yes, many routes pass through or near towns and villages where you can find cafes, pubs, and shops. For example, the Bottle & Glass Inn is a highlight near some routes, offering a convenient stop for refreshments. Planning your route with komoot allows you to easily spot such amenities.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel trails around St Helens, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Riders frequently praise the peaceful, traffic-free nature of the paths, the ease of navigation, and the opportunity to explore local green spaces and waterways away from busy roads.

Yes, for those interested in natural features, the Sutton Mill Dam Waterfall is a highlight that can be found near some of the routes, offering a picturesque spot to pause and enjoy the scenery.

The routes in this guide vary significantly in length. You'll find options ranging from shorter rides of around 24 km, like The Ferry Tavern – Spike Island Park loop, to longer excursions exceeding 60 km, such as The Bridgewater Way – Scotman's Flash loop. This variety allows you to choose a trail that fits your available time and fitness level.