The best road cycling routes around Bleasdale

There are over 190 road cycling routes available around Bleasdale, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 70 reviews.

Bleasdale offers a diverse range of road cycling routes. You'll find approximately 90 easy routes, 90 moderate routes, and about 10 more difficult routes. The terrain includes undulating roads, rolling countryside, and fells, providing a mix of gradients from gentle to more strenuous climbs.

Yes, Bleasdale has several family-friendly road cycling options, particularly among the easier routes. These often feature gentle gradients through rural settings. For example, the Conder Green Gravel Trail – Walling's Ice Cream loop from Forton is an easy 23.8-mile path known for its gentle gradients, making it suitable for families.

Road cycling routes around Bleasdale offer stunning views of the rolling countryside and prominent fells within the Forest of Bowland AONB. You might encounter landmarks such as the Trig point at Longridge Fell summit or the Trough of Bowland Pass, which provide expansive vistas. The area is also home to the historic Bleasdale Circle, a Bronze Age timber structure.

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Bleasdale offers routes with significant elevation gain. The Hodder Bridge – Trough of Bowland Viewpoint loop from Forton is a difficult 80.4 km route with over 1370 meters of ascent, providing a strenuous but rewarding experience through the fells.

The Forest of Bowland, including Bleasdale, offers beautiful cycling conditions during spring, summer, and early autumn. These seasons generally provide more stable weather, allowing you to fully appreciate the open moors and peaceful countryside. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out, as conditions can change rapidly in fell areas.

While specific parking areas for each route vary, many road cycling routes around Bleasdale start from villages like Chipping or Forton, where public parking facilities are often available. It's advisable to check the starting point of your chosen route on komoot for detailed parking information or local village amenities.

Public transport options to Bleasdale and the wider Forest of Bowland can be limited due to its remote nature. While some bus services connect larger towns in Lancashire, direct access to specific route starting points within Bleasdale might require careful planning. Cyclists often drive to a convenient starting village and begin their ride from there.

Yes, many road cycling routes in the Bleasdale area pass through or near charming villages that offer cafes, pubs, and other amenities. These provide excellent opportunities for a refreshment stop or a meal. Villages like Chipping, often a starting point for rides, have local establishments catering to cyclists.

Generally, no specific permits are required for road cycling on public roads and designated cycle routes within the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. However, always respect private land and follow the Countryside Code. For more information on cycling in Lancashire, you can visit the Lancashire County Council cycling routes page.

Bleasdale's unique appeal lies in its location within the Forest of Bowland AONB, offering some of the most peaceful and remote riding in the country. Cyclists experience quiet country lanes, varied topography from rolling countryside to challenging fells, and a sense of tranquility away from busier areas, all within a protected natural landscape.

A great moderate option is the Chipping Village – Easington Fell Road loop from Chipping. This 29.3 km route features around 450 meters of elevation gain and takes you through varied terrain, offering a good balance of challenge and scenic beauty without being overly strenuous.