The best road cycling routes around Preston

Preston offers a wide variety of road cycling routes, with over 390 tours available on komoot. These routes cater to all levels, from easy rides to more challenging excursions into the Lancashire countryside.

The routes around Preston cater to all abilities. You'll find approximately 168 easy routes, 214 moderate routes, and 9 more difficult routes, ensuring there's something for every cyclist, from beginners to experienced riders.

Yes, Preston has several family-friendly options. The Guild Wheel is a popular 21-mile circular path that is mostly off-road and traffic-free, connecting urban areas with the countryside. Additionally, the paths within Avenham and Miller Parks along the River Ribble offer easy, scenic rides suitable for families. Haslam Park and Moor Park also provide gentle cycling environments.

Many routes offer diverse scenery, from urban green spaces to river routes and ancient woodland. You can explore historic parks like Avenham and Miller Parks, or cycle along the River Ribble. Nature reserves such as Brockholes Nature Reserve, accessible via the Guild Wheel, offer opportunities to connect with wildlife. For specific viewpoints, consider routes that pass by highlights like Sharpenhoe Clappers or View from Noon Hill, Pegsdon Hills Nature Reserve.

Yes, the most prominent circular route is the Guild Wheel, a 21-mile path that encircles the city, offering varied scenery and connecting urban areas with the countryside. Many other routes also feature loop designs, such as the popular Nine Wells Watercress Farm – Emily's Tea Shop loop from Preston.

The komoot community highly rates road cycling in Preston, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 200 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscape, the blend of urban green spaces with scenic river routes, and the accessibility of routes like the Guild Wheel. The network of paths along the River Ribble and within historic parks are also frequently highlighted for their beauty and ease of access.

Preston offers good cycling opportunities throughout much of the year. Spring and summer generally provide the most pleasant weather for exploring the varied terrain, from riverside meadows to ancient woodland. However, many routes, especially the well-maintained paths like the Guild Wheel, are accessible in autumn and milder winter days, allowing for year-round enjoyment.

While many routes are gentle, experienced cyclists can find more challenging terrain by venturing outside the city center into the rural Lancashire countryside. The nearby Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, though a short drive away, offers demanding routes with significant elevation, such as the 'Pendle Hill & the Forest of Bowland loop,' which requires very good fitness.

Preston's cycling network is well-connected. Many routes, including the Guild Wheel, are easily accessible from the city center, which is served by public transport. For those arriving by car, parks like Avenham Park often serve as official starting points for routes like the Guild Wheel and provide parking facilities. Historically, the railway station also offered cycle facilities, making public transport a viable option.

Yes, several routes offer opportunities for refreshments. For example, the Nine Wells Watercress Farm – Emily's Tea Shop loop from Preston includes a stop at Emily's Tea Shop. The Brockholes Nature Reserve, accessible via the Guild Wheel, features a unique floating visitor village with a cafe. Many parks also have cafes or are close to local amenities in Preston for convenient stops.

For scenic rides, focus on routes along the River Ribble, particularly through Avenham and Miller Parks, which offer picturesque views of the river and Victorian-era gardens. The Guild Wheel also provides varied scenery, linking urban areas with countryside and river corridors. For panoramic views, consider routes that lead towards the wider Lancashire countryside or areas like Beacon Fell Country Park, which offers expansive vistas.