The best road cycling routes around Burnley

Burnley offers a wide selection of road cycling routes, with over 70 options available. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy rides to challenging climbs.

The region around Burnley features diverse terrain, including challenging climbs, gentle country lanes, and scenic stretches on well-paved surfaces. You'll encounter rolling hills, open moorland, and river valleys, providing varied experiences for road cyclists.

Yes, Burnley is known for its challenging climbs. For instance, A loop of four road climbs from Burnley is a difficult 47.6-mile route featuring over 4,300 feet of elevation gain. Another demanding option is the Cragg Vale & Turf Moor loop from Burnley, which covers 44.5 miles with over 3,400 feet of elevation.

For those seeking less strenuous rides, Burnley offers several easy and moderate routes. The region features gentle country lanes, and you can find routes like View of the Rolling Hills – Memorial Park Padiham loop from Burnley Barracks, which is an easy 13.6-mile ride with minimal elevation gain.

Many routes offer stunning views and pass by notable landmarks. You might encounter the iconic Pendle Hill, known for its dramatic landscapes and challenging climbs like the 'Nick of Pendle'. Other scenic spots include Cant Clough Reservoir and Hurstwood Reservoir. You could also spot the unique Singing Ringing Tree sculpture on Crown Point.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Burnley are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Whalley Village Centre – Waddington Village loop from Rose Grove and the Waddington Fell – Hodder Bridge loop from Hapton.

Road cycling in Burnley is popular between May and September when the weather is generally more favorable. During these months, you can enjoy the scenic routes and diverse terrain in comfortable conditions.

The road cycling routes in Burnley are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.98 stars. Cyclists often praise the challenging climbs, quiet country lanes, and the beautiful views of natural features like Pendle Hill and the Forest of Bowland.

Yes, the region's cycling network, including sections of the Lancashire Cycleway, is accessible from various railway stations. This makes it convenient to reach starting points for your road cycling adventures without needing a car.

Burnley provides access to sections of longer, well-regarded cycling paths. The Lancashire Cycleway, known for its use of minor roads through scenic areas, is accessible from the region. Additionally, the Forest of Bowland AONB, located nearby, offers extensive cycling opportunities on quiet lanes.

Route lengths vary significantly, from shorter rides like the View of the Rolling Hills – Memorial Park Padiham loop from Burnley Barracks at around 13.6 miles (22 km) taking about an hour, to much longer and more challenging routes such as the Kilnsey Crag – Nick of Pendle loop from Hapton, which is over 86 miles (139 km) and can take more than 7 hours.