The best road cycling routes around Preston

Preston offers a wide variety of road cycling routes, with over 260 options available. These routes cater to all skill levels, including 102 easy routes, 161 moderate routes, and 3 more challenging routes for experienced cyclists.

Road cycling around Preston provides a diverse experience, from urban green spaces and picturesque riverside paths along the River Ribble to tranquil canal towpaths like the Lancaster Canal. For those seeking more challenging terrain, the routes extend into the rural Lancashire countryside, including areas near the Forest of Bowland and the West Pennines, offering varied elevation and scenic views.

Yes, Preston has several options suitable for families. While the Preston Guild Wheel is largely off-road, it offers a safe and scenic 21-mile circular route that connects urban areas with the countryside, passing through parks like Avenham and Miller Parks. Many of the 102 easy road cycling routes available on komoot are also suitable for families looking for less strenuous rides.

Many routes in Preston pass by interesting sights. For example, the Guild Wheel takes you past Preston Docklands, Avenham and Miller Parks, and Brockholes Nature Reserve. Further afield, you might encounter historical sites like Burton Constable Hall or natural features like Victoria Dock. The region's parks and nature reserves also offer pleasant stops.

Yes, the most prominent circular route is the Preston Guild Wheel, a 21-mile loop that encircles the city, offering a mix of urban and rural scenery. Many other routes, such as the Benningham Hall – Burton Constable Hall loop from Hedon, are also designed as circular tours, allowing you to start and end at the same point.

The road cycling routes around Preston are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 150 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, from flat riverside paths to more challenging country roads, and the accessibility of routes that connect urban green spaces with the wider Lancashire countryside.

Absolutely. For those seeking more challenging road cycling, the rural Lancashire countryside surrounding Preston offers extensive opportunities. Routes incorporating the Ribble Valley and extending towards areas like Beacon Fell Country Park and the Forest of Bowland (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) provide varied terrain, including climbs, catering to more experienced cyclists.

Yes, many popular cycling areas in Preston, especially those connected to the Guild Wheel or major parks like Avenham and Miller Parks, offer parking facilities. For specific routes, it's advisable to check the route details on komoot for suggested starting points and parking information.

For a moderate road cycling experience, consider the Greenwich Meridian Marker – Cherry Cob Sands Road loop from Hedon. This route covers approximately 31.6 miles (50.9 km) with an elevation gain of about 352 feet (107 m), offering varied scenery and a good workout.

Yes, Preston has over 100 easy road cycling routes. An example of a more relaxed ride is the Withernsea Pier Towers – Castle Café loop from Hedon, which is approximately 44.3 km (27.5 miles) with a moderate elevation gain, making it suitable for an enjoyable, less strenuous outing.

The duration varies greatly depending on the route's length and difficulty. For instance, a moderate route like the Hedon – Cherry Cob Sands Road loop from Hedon, which is about 37.7 miles (60.6 km), typically takes around 2 hours and 43 minutes to complete. Shorter, easier routes will naturally take less time.

Yes, the Lancaster Canal Towpath is highlighted as a cycling option and can be accessed from Preston. The Ribble Link Canal also offers a route for cycling around Ashton and Lea, connecting with the Lancaster Canal, providing pleasant, relatively flat riding surfaces.