The best traffic-free bike rides around Chorley

There are 17 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Chorley listed in this guide. These routes vary in difficulty, offering options for both easy and moderate rides.

Chorley offers a diverse landscape ideal for road cycling, ranging from the challenging ascents of the West Pennine Moors to the gentler gradients along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. The area is known for its network of quiet country lanes, providing a pleasant and safe riding experience away from heavy traffic. Key attractions like Rivington Pike and its reservoirs are often incorporated into these scenic routes.

Yes, there are 8 easy no-traffic road cycling routes around Chorley. For example, the View of Rivington Pike – View of Rivington Reservoir loop from Chorley offers a manageable ride with beautiful scenery. The Leeds and Liverpool Canal also provides flatter, traffic-free sections suitable for beginners.

Absolutely. There are 9 moderate no-traffic road cycling routes available. Routes like the Long Heys Lane Anstieg – Crow Lane Climb loop from Croston cover nearly 46 km with significant elevation gain, offering a more demanding experience. These routes often venture into the West Pennine Moors, providing challenging climbs and expansive views.

Many of the no-traffic road cycling routes around Chorley are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the View of Rivington Reservoir – View of Rivington Pike loop from Chorley and the Eccleston Village – Cedar Farm and Back Lane loop from Heskin, which are designed for a continuous ride back to your starting location.

Yes, the historic Leeds and Liverpool Canal offers improved all-weather towpaths that are traffic-free and suitable for leisurely rides or family outings. Additionally, parks like Yarrow Valley Country Park and Cuerden Valley Park provide pleasant, safe environments for family cycling.

Many routes offer stunning views, particularly around the Rivington area. You can expect to see landmarks such as the iconic Rivington Pike Tower, the interconnected Rivington, Lower Rivington, and Anglezarke Reservoirs, and the expansive landscapes of the West Pennine Moors. Other points of interest include the Winter Hill Summit and TV Mast and the Noon Hill Bronze Age burial cairn.

Parking is generally available at key access points for many routes, especially near popular areas like Rivington and various country parks. Specific parking information is often detailed on individual route pages on komoot, or you can check local council websites for designated car parks in Chorley and surrounding villages.

Spring and autumn are often considered ideal for traffic-free cycling in Chorley, offering pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with changing foliage. Summer provides longer daylight hours, while winter rides can be invigorating, though some routes might be more exposed to the elements. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

The komoot community highly rates the road cycling experience in Chorley, with an average score of 4.46 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's diverse landscapes, from challenging moorland climbs to serene waterside paths, and the abundance of quiet country lanes that provide a true no-traffic cycling experience.

Yes, sections of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal are incorporated into several routes, offering a flatter and distinctly traffic-free cycling experience. For example, the Leeds and Liverpool Canal – Long Heys Lane Anstieg loop from Croston utilizes the canal's towpaths, providing a different kind of scenic ride compared to the hillier routes.