The best cycling routes around Altham

Altham offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 260 options recorded on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, including around 38 easy, 126 moderate, and 97 difficult trails.

Yes, Altham features several easy touring cycling routes. A great option is the View of the Rolling Hills loop from Huncoat, which is 15.5 km long with a gentle 117 m elevation gain. The Leeds & Liverpool Canal towpath and sections of the Hyndburn Greenway also provide flat, traffic-free paths ideal for leisurely rides.

The terrain around Altham is quite varied. You'll find flat, traffic-free towpaths along the historic Leeds & Liverpool Canal and the Hyndburn Greenway, which often utilize old railway lines. Beyond these, the area transitions into moorland hills, offering more challenging climbs and descents through open countryside.

Many touring cycling routes in Altham are designed as loops. For example, the Whalley Village Centre – Clitheroe Castle loop from Read is a moderate 27.9 km circular path, and the Daisyfield Corn and Flour Mill – Leeds and Liverpool Canal loop from Huncoat offers a 41.0 km loop through canal towpaths and countryside.

Cyclists in Altham can enjoy stunning views of Pendle Hill, a distinctive landmark, especially from the canal towpath. Other points of interest in the wider area include Stonyhurst College, the Confluence of the Rivers Calder and Ribble, and various viewpoints like Compston's Cross.

The touring cycling routes in Altham are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 230 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscape, from the peaceful canal towpaths to the scenic moorland hills, and the variety of routes suitable for different abilities.

Altham's proximity to the Hyndburn Greenway and National Cycle Route 6, which connects to towns like Accrington and Blackburn, suggests that public transport options like trains or buses to these larger towns could provide access points to the cycling network. For detailed local public transport information, it's advisable to check regional transport services.

Experienced touring cyclists looking for a challenge will find options in Altham's moorland hills. The Whalley Old Bridge – Freemasons at Wiswell loop from Read is a difficult 45.8 km route with a significant 764 m elevation gain, providing a demanding ride through the Lancashire countryside.

For broader information on cycling routes and initiatives across Lancashire, you can visit the official Lancashire County Council website: lancashire.gov.uk/cycling. Additionally, Hyndburn Borough Council provides resources for cycling in the local area: hyndburnbc.gov.uk/cycling.

Yes, the Hyndburn Greenway, which is part of National Cycle Route 6 and accessible from Altham, utilizes old railway lines. These paths offer traffic-free cycling through open countryside and past historical industrial sites, providing a unique touring experience.

The best time for touring cycling in Altham generally aligns with milder weather conditions, typically from spring through autumn (April to October). During these months, you can expect more pleasant temperatures and less chance of adverse weather, making the varied terrain, including canal towpaths and moorland hills, more enjoyable to explore.

Absolutely. Many routes in the Altham area connect picturesque villages and historic landmarks. For instance, the Whalley Village Centre – Clitheroe Castle loop from Read passes through charming villages, allowing you to experience the local character of the region while enjoying scenic views.