Salter Fell, The Cross O'Greets loop

The route is often started from charming villages like Slaidburn or Wray, both of which offer amenities such as car parks, pubs, and tearooms. These villages provide convenient starting points for your ride.

While dogs are generally welcome in the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, it's crucial to keep them under close control, especially on the open moorland sections. This is to protect ground-nesting birds and livestock. Be prepared for varied terrain, including rocky sections and potential water crossings, which might be challenging for some dogs.

The best time to ride is typically during drier periods, from late spring through early autumn. The high moorland sections can be very exposed, and wet weather can make the trail significantly more challenging with muddy ruts, slippery surfaces, and deeper water splashes. Winter riding is possible but requires appropriate gear and experience due to harsh conditions.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to access and mountain bike the Salter Fell, The Cross O'Greets loop within the Forest of Bowland National Landscape. However, always respect private land and follow the Countryside Code.

The route is approximately 49.6 km (30.8 miles) long with 890 meters (2,919 feet) of elevation gain. Komoot estimates a duration of around 3 hours and 40 minutes of pure riding time, but factoring in breaks, photo stops, and challenging sections, you should plan for a full day, likely 5-7 hours, depending on your fitness and pace.

This is a moderate mountain bike ride requiring good fitness. While much of the route is manageable, there are challenging sections, including a 150-meter stretch with 'fist-sized rocks with a sandy base' rated difficulty 3 out of 5. Ascents can be steady and long, particularly up to Cross O'Greets. Riders may need to push their bikes in some areas, especially in wet conditions or on a hybrid bike.

The terrain is highly varied. It includes tarmac, hard-packed bridleways, gravel, and very rocky parts. The ancient Roman road section across Salter Fell transitions from compacted small stones to larger, marble-sized rocks, and even 'fist-sized rocks with a sandy base'. Expect muddy ruts, grass, potholes, and water splashes up to 0.5m deep in wet weather. Approximately 69% of the route is wild trail.

You'll experience 'drop-dead gorgeous northern scenery' with a strong sense of wilderness. The route traverses high moors, offering panoramic views of the sea, the lower lakes, and all three Yorkshire Three Peaks (Ingleborough dominating) on a clear day, as well as Pendle Hill. You'll also pass through quintessential Bowland villages like Slaidburn and Wray.

Key highlights include riding along the historic Salter Fell Road (Hornby Road), an ancient Roman road. You'll also enjoy a Scenic Road Through the Forest of Bowland, reaching Cross O'Greets for extensive vistas across the Bowland Fells.

Yes, the route incorporates sections of several official trails. You'll ride along parts of the Lancashire Cycleway (Northern Loop), the Way of the Roses Cycle Route, The Ribble Valley Jubilee Trail, and the Bentham Bike Loop. A significant portion also follows Hornby Road, which is the ancient Roman road across Salter Fell.

While the overall difficulty is rated moderate, the route is not ideal for beginners or young families due to its length, significant elevation gain, and particularly challenging technical sections with large rocks and varied terrain. Good fitness and mountain biking experience are recommended for this demanding ride.