The best road cycling routes around Pendleton

Road cycling around Pendleton offers a diverse landscape. You'll find routes winding through expansive, picturesque rolling wheat fields, scenic river valleys along the Umatilla River, and challenging climbs in the foothills of the Blue Mountains. This variety ensures a range of experiences from gentle plains to more demanding ascents.

There are over 270 road cycling routes available around Pendleton, catering to various preferences and skill levels. This extensive network provides ample opportunities for exploration.

Yes, Pendleton offers routes for all skill levels. You can find over 50 easy routes for a relaxed ride, more than 160 moderate routes for those seeking a bit more challenge, and nearly 50 difficult routes for experienced cyclists looking for significant elevation gains and demanding terrain.

The road cycling routes in Pendleton are highly regarded by the komoot community, boasting an average rating of 4.7 stars from over 120 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the varied scenery, from quiet rural landscapes to challenging mountain foothills, and the generally low traffic on many backroads.

Absolutely. For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, the proximity to the Blue Mountains offers routes with significant elevation changes. The region is known for demanding climbs like the Cabbage Hill Climb, which provides rewarding views from the top, and routes through rural mountain scenery such as the Lancashire Cycleway (Southern Loop).

Many routes in Pendleton are designed to showcase the region's natural beauty. You can cycle through stunning rolling wheat fields that change color with the seasons, enjoy riparian scenery along the Umatilla River, and experience panoramic views from the foothills of the Blue Mountains. For example, the Hodder Bridge – Trough of Bowland Viewpoint loop from Clitheroe offers beautiful vistas.

While cycling, you might encounter various points of interest. For natural landmarks, consider routes that pass near the Pendle Hill summit trig point or the Confluence of the Rivers Calder and Ribble. There are also scenic viewpoints like the View of the Forest of Bowland from Jeffrey Hill, offering picturesque breaks.

Yes, many road cycling routes in Pendleton are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Ribble Valley loop from Whalley, which offers a gentle ride, and the Whalley Viaduct – Whitewell Estate Bridge loop from Pendleton, which leads through varied scenery.

The region's landscapes, particularly the rolling wheat fields, offer stunning views that change with the seasons. Spring brings vibrant green, while early summer transforms them into golden expanses. The active local cycling group, Pendleton on Wheels, organizes group rides from April to October, suggesting these months are generally favorable for cycling.

While this guide focuses on road cycling, the region research indicates that for the more adventurous, there are also opportunities for cyclocross bikes on local gravel roads. This provides an additional option for those looking to explore different terrains.

Beyond road cycling, Pendleton offers a variety of outdoor activities. The Pendleton Adventure Trails Recreation Area (PATRA), for instance, provides trails for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running. The area also features natural refuges like McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge and Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area for hiking and experiencing nature.