The best road cycling routes around Chorley

Chorley offers a wide variety of road cycling routes, with nearly 200 different tours available on komoot. These routes cater to all abilities, from easy rides to more challenging ascents.

The terrain around Chorley is diverse, featuring rolling hills, lush countryside, and extensive reservoir networks. You'll find well-paved roads and quiet lanes, with elevation gains ranging from gentle gradients along waterways like the Leeds & Liverpool Canal to more challenging climbs in areas such as the West Pennine Moors.

Yes, Chorley has 89 easy road cycling routes. A good option for a relatively flat ride is the Pigs in Woodland Pasture – Eccleston Village loop from Euxton Balshaw Lane, which covers 48.5 km with minimal elevation gain. The Chorley Loop Cycle Route also offers traffic-free paths and quiet rural roads, suitable for a relaxed ride.

For more challenging rides, head towards the Rivington area and the West Pennine Moors. Routes like the Parbold Hill Viewpoint – View from Crank Road loop from Euxton Balshaw Lane offer significant elevation gains, reaching over 860 meters of ascent over 67.7 km, providing a demanding experience for experienced cyclists.

Chorley's routes offer numerous scenic spots. You can enjoy panoramic views from Rivington Pike Tower, or explore the picturesque Rivington and Anglezarke Reservoirs. The View of Rivington Pike – View of Rivington Reservoir loop from Chorley specifically highlights these stunning natural features.

Many routes in Chorley are circular, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the View of Rivington Pike – Lower Rivington Reservoir loop from Buckshaw Parkway is a popular 50.2 km circular route that explores the Rivington area.

The road cycling routes in Chorley are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 80 reviews. More than 5,000 road cyclists have used komoot to explore the area, often praising the diverse terrain, picturesque reservoirs, and quiet country lanes.

Yes, several routes offer glimpses of natural and historical interest. You might pass by the Noon Hill Bronze Age burial cairn or the Birkacre Weir. The area also features the historic Winter Hill Summit and TV Mast, which can be seen from some routes.

Absolutely. The Leeds & Liverpool Canal offers excellent waterside cycling opportunities on improved towpaths, providing an all-weather surface. Additionally, routes around the Rivington and Anglezarke Reservoirs, such as the View of Rivington Reservoir – Lower Rivington Reservoir loop from Chorley, provide scenic rides alongside the water.

Yes, you can find routes that take you near or through the Yarrow Valley Country Park. The River Yarrow in Eccleston – Eccleston Village loop from Chorley is one such route that allows you to experience the natural beauty of the area, which features woodlands, a lake, and diverse wildlife habitats.

Chorley offers good cycling conditions for much of the year. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with changing foliage. Summer is also popular, though routes can be busier. Winter cycling is possible, but be mindful of colder temperatures and potentially wet conditions, especially on moorland routes.