The best gravel rides around Ribble Valley

There are over 30 gravel bike trails available in the Ribble Valley, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a good mix of easy, moderate, and challenging routes to explore.

Yes, the Ribble Valley offers several easy gravel bike routes perfect for beginners or families. A great option is the Stocks Reservoir and Gisburn Forest loop — Forest of Bowland, which is 6.7 miles (10.8 km) long and explores scenic reservoir views and forest tracks.

The Ribble Valley trails offer diverse scenery, from rolling hills to expansive moorland. You can enjoy views towards the Forest of Bowland and glimpses of distant fells. Notable attractions include the Trig point at Longridge Fell summit, the Trough of Bowland Pass, and the Confluence of the Rivers Calder and Ribble.

Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, the Ribble Valley has over 20 difficult routes. Consider the Bowland Knotts Climb – The 8 – Swoopy Section loop from Tosside, a demanding 64.5 km route with over 1100m of elevation gain, offering a true test of endurance.

Many of the gravel bike routes in the Ribble Valley are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Higherland Lock – Double Arched Stone Bridge loop from Thornton in Craven is a moderate 44.8 km circular route.

The Ribble Valley is enjoyable for gravel biking throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with autumn showcasing vibrant foliage. Summer provides longer daylight hours, while winter can be challenging due to weather conditions but offers a unique, quieter experience for well-prepared riders.

The gravel biking trails in Ribble Valley are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 20 reviews. Over 180 gravel bikers have explored the varied terrain, often praising the diverse landscape of rolling hills, river valleys, and quiet country lanes.

While specific pub stops aren't always detailed, many routes pass near or through charming villages and market towns like Settle. The View of Pen-y-ghent – Settle Town Centre loop from Settle is a moderate route that takes you through Settle, providing opportunities for refreshments.

Parking is generally available near popular trailheads and starting points in the Ribble Valley, especially in or near villages and designated visitor areas. It's always advisable to check specific route details or local information for the most convenient parking options before you set out.

For gravel biking in the Ribble Valley, especially in autumn, a well-maintained gravel bike with appropriate tires for varied terrain (country lanes, forest tracks, bridleways) is essential. Layered clothing is recommended to adapt to changing weather, along with waterproofs, a helmet, repair kit, and sufficient food and water. In autumn, consider mudguards and good lighting for shorter days.

While the guide highlights popular routes, the Ribble Valley's extensive network of quiet country lanes and bridleways means there are always less-trafficked paths to discover. Exploring routes like the Trough of Bowland Viewpoint – View of the Trough of Bowland loop from Dunsop Bridge can lead you to quieter, equally rewarding experiences away from the main trails.

The duration of gravel bike trails in Ribble Valley varies significantly based on distance, elevation, and your pace. Shorter, easy routes like the Stocks Reservoir loop can take around an hour, while longer, more challenging routes such as the Lune Millennium Bridge – Trough of Bowland Viewpoint loop from Newton, which is 76.4 km, can take several hours, often over 5 hours.