The best traffic-free bike rides around Preston

Preston offers a diverse range of traffic-free gravel biking experiences. You'll find accessible routes like the Guild Wheel, which encircles the city, and picturesque canal towpaths such as the Lancaster Canal. For those seeking a more challenging adventure, the nearby Forest of Bowland AONB provides rugged, unpaved sections and significant climbs.

Yes, for an easy and family-friendly option, consider the Top Lock, Wheelton – Withnell Canal Towpath Access loop from Cherry Tree. This route is rated easy and offers a gentle introduction to gravel biking along a canal towpath. The Guild Wheel also has many accessible, largely off-road sections suitable for various skill levels.

The Lancaster Canal Towpath offers picturesque scenes for gravel biking and is mostly surfaced. However, some sections can become muddy, especially after rain, so be prepared for varied conditions. It's generally suitable for gravel bikes and provides a pleasant, traffic-free ride.

For a more rugged and challenging experience, head towards the Forest of Bowland AONB. Routes in this area, like those featuring parts of the legendary Salter Fell, offer significant unpaved sections, challenging climbs, and remote trails. These are geared towards riders seeking tougher, longer adventures with substantial elevation gains.

Many routes offer scenic views and pass by interesting points. The Guild Wheel, for instance, traverses ancient woodlands, river and canal sides, and nature reserves like Brockholes Nature Reserve. The Lancaster Canal Towpath provides views of the Lune Aqueduct and historical areas. You can also explore Haslam Park Nature Reserve, which is accessible from some local routes.

Preston's gravel trails can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and autumn often offer the most pleasant conditions with milder weather and beautiful scenery. Some canal towpath sections can get muddy after heavy rain, so checking local weather conditions is always advisable, especially in wetter months.

While specific routes aren't detailed with pub stops, many popular cycling areas around Preston, such as the Guild Wheel, have amenities nearby. Avenham Park, the official starting point for the Guild Wheel, offers a scenic coffee stop. The floating café at Brockholes Nature Reserve is also a popular spot along the Guild Wheel.

Preston city centre is well-served by public transport, making it a good starting point for routes like the Guild Wheel. Many routes, especially those closer to urban areas or along canal towpaths, often have access points near public transport links. For routes further afield, like in the Forest of Bowland, public transport options might be more limited, and driving to a trailhead might be necessary.

Beyond the trails themselves, Preston offers several attractions. You can visit Brockholes Nature Reserve, a haven for wildlife, or explore the historic Miller Park Fountain. The Ribble Steam Railway is also a unique attraction nearby.

Yes, the Guild Wheel is a prominent 21-mile circular route that encircles Preston, offering a largely off-road and traffic-free experience. Another option is the Roddlesworth Reservoirs – Withnell Canal Towpath Access loop from Buckshaw Parkway, which provides a moderate circular ride.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.25 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from tranquil canal towpaths to challenging moorland, and the sense of escape offered by the traffic-free sections. The accessibility of routes like the Guild Wheel and the natural beauty of areas like the Forest of Bowland are frequently highlighted.