The best cycling routes in Forest Of Bowland Aonb

The Forest of Bowland AONB offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with nearly 150 options available. These routes cater to various skill levels, including 17 easy, 65 moderate, and 67 difficult trails, ensuring there's a ride for every cyclist.

You'll encounter a diverse landscape ranging from expansive heather moorlands and fells, offering challenging climbs and panoramic views, to tranquil river valleys and semi-natural woodlands with gentler paths. The region is characterized by dry stone walls, picturesque farms, and even some gritstone rock formations, providing varied scenery throughout your ride.

Yes, there are several easy routes suitable for families or those seeking a more relaxed ride. For example, the Gisburn Forest Bike Trails – The 8 – Swoopy Section loop from Easington is an easy 10 km trail within Gisburn Forest. Another gentle option is the Lune Millennium Bridge – River Lune Cycleway loop from Caton St. Paul's Church, which follows the scenic River Lune for over 21 km.

For experienced cyclists looking for a challenge, the AONB offers demanding routes with significant elevation gain. A notable difficult route is the Slaidburn Village – View of Bowland Knotts loop from Chipping, which spans over 85 km and features extensive views of the Bowland Fells and charming villages. Another demanding option is the Slaidburn Village – The Cobbled Corner Café loop from St Andrew, covering over 62 km with substantial climbs.

The Forest of Bowland AONB is rich in natural beauty and historical sites. You can cycle past significant bodies of water like Stocks Reservoir, or explore areas with unique blanket bog and gritstone rock formations. Notable viewpoints include the Pendle Hill summit trig point, Clougha Pike, and the Trig point at Longridge Fell summit. Gisburn Forest also features a hidden gem, the Bottoms Beck Waterfall.

Yes, the region boasts several historical and cultural points of interest. You can visit Stonyhurst College, a historic institution, or the Jubilee Tower (Quernmore). Charming villages like Slaidburn, Chipping, and Downham, with their medieval heritage and untouched character, also make for excellent stop-off points.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 100 reviews. Cyclists often praise the region's diverse and unspoiled landscapes, the tranquility of the 'Quiet Lanes,' and the variety of routes that cater to all abilities. The charming villages and scenic views are frequently highlighted as favorite aspects of their rides.

Many of the touring cycling routes in the Forest of Bowland AONB are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the popular The 8 Trail, Gisburn Forest – The 8 – Swoopy Section loop from Easington is a circular route exploring the dedicated bike trails within Gisburn Forest.

The Forest of Bowland AONB is enjoyable throughout the year, but spring and autumn often offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling. Spring brings blooming heather and milder temperatures, while autumn showcases vibrant foliage. Summer is also popular, though routes can be busier. Winter cycling is possible but requires appropriate gear for potentially colder and wetter weather, especially on exposed moorlands.

Yes, many of the picturesque villages within the Forest of Bowland AONB offer welcoming pubs and cafes where you can stop for refreshments and local produce. Gisburn Forest also provides visitor facilities including a cafe. Villages like Slaidburn and Chipping are known for their hospitality and make excellent rest stops.

For additional information on cycling routes and the wider area, you can visit the official tourism websites. The Ribble Valley Borough Council provides a 'Bowland by Bike' cycle route guide, and Visit Lancashire offers general information about the AONB.

Gisburn Forest is an excellent destination for touring cyclists, offering dedicated bike trails and a range of routes. It's home to routes like the The 8 Trail, Gisburn Forest – The 8 – Swoopy Section loop from Easington, which is a popular moderate option. The forest also provides amenities such as bike hire and a cafe, making it a convenient starting point for your ride.