4.0
(100)
396
riders
32
rides
Mountain biking around Balderstone features a landscape characterized by a network of canal paths, reservoirs, and varied singletrack trails. The area offers diverse terrain suitable for different skill levels, from flat, accessible routes along waterways to more challenging paths. Riders can expect to encounter a mix of natural surfaces and established tracks. The region's topography provides opportunities for both leisurely rides and more demanding mountain biking experiences.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
4
riders
10.3km
00:50
190m
190m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.2
(9)
78
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(2)
14
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
8
riders
35.0km
02:09
140m
140m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
riders
28.5km
01:47
350m
350m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Great location for enduro riding with many routes up on the fells and in the woods
1
0
Tip:Avoid the Ice Cream Run!β¦.. unless you are very compΓ©tant.
0
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Might sound obvious, but waterproof boots and gaiters, or waterproof trousers, are best worn on this walk (The Clog and Billycock and Alum Scar loop walk) after any wet weather or early morning dew. There was mostly long grass and wet weather when we walked this trail. It's not a heavily used track, so you'll tend to be making the track through long grass yourself. Ideally, choose to walk it during a dry period. Download the route before leaving home, and navigate the first part on your phone. It's quite clearly waymarked from about a third of the way onwards. The pub has a handy, well-written A4 guide to this walk, with photographs. The route here was transferred from that hand-out. Ace walk if a visit to pub and restaurant with a walk thrown in is your thing.
0
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Great part of the canal to walk along.
0
0
The Horrobin embankment separates the upper and lower Rivington Reservoirs. It carries Horrobin Lane across the reservoir, providing a useful link for a walk. The reservoirs were built to supply water to Liverpool.
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Balderstone offers a selection of 37 mountain bike trails, catering to various skill levels. These routes explore the region's canal paths, reservoirs, and diverse singletrack.
Yes, Balderstone has 13 easy mountain bike trails perfect for beginners. An excellent option is the Leeds and Liverpool Canal Path β Withnell Canal Towpath Access loop from Cherry Tree, which is 23.2 km long and primarily follows canal towpaths.
While there are no trails explicitly graded as 'difficult' in Balderstone, experienced riders can find challenging sections within the 24 moderate routes. Trails like the Roddlesworth Reservoirs β Ice Cream Chute Downhill Trail loop from Mill Hill offer longer distances and notable downhill segments.
Mountain bike trails in Balderstone vary significantly in length. You can find shorter, focused routes like the Beamers Trail at 10.3 km, up to longer excursions such as the Roddlesworth Reservoirs β Ice Cream Chute Downhill Trail loop from Mill Hill, which spans 41.2 km.
Many routes in Balderstone offer scenic views, particularly those around reservoirs or elevated sections. Keep an eye out for viewpoints like the View of the Forest of Bowland from Jeffrey Hill or the View of Parlick and Beacon Fell, which can be incorporated into your ride.
Yes, many mountain bike routes in Balderstone are designed as loops, offering a convenient way to explore the area. Examples include the Leeds and Liverpool Canal Path β Withnell Canal Towpath Access loop from Cherry Tree and the Johnsons Locks β Withnell Canal Towpath Access loop from Mill Hill.
The easier routes, particularly those along the canal paths, are generally suitable for families. These paths often have flatter terrain and are less technically demanding, providing a pleasant experience for riders of all ages.
The mountain biking experience in Balderstone is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars from 89 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, which includes canal paths, reservoirs, and varied singletrack, offering options for different skill levels.
Yes, the area around Balderstone features several natural attractions. You might encounter the Confluence of the Rivers Calder and Ribble or the historic Tolkien Oak Tree β River Hodder. For panoramic views, consider routes that pass near the Trig point at Longridge Fell summit.
Balderstone's trails, with their mix of natural surfaces and established tracks, can be enjoyed year-round. However, for the most comfortable riding conditions, spring and autumn typically offer milder weather and less extreme trail conditions. Winter riding is possible but may involve muddier sections, especially on natural singletrack.
While specific parking areas for mountain bikers are not explicitly listed in the guide data, routes often start from villages or trailheads where public parking is available. It's advisable to check local parking information for your chosen starting point, such as Mill Hill or Cherry Tree, before your ride.
The region around Balderstone, being a populated area, likely has various pubs and cafes in nearby villages such as Mill Hill or Cherry Tree, which serve as common starting points for rides. For example, the route The Black Bull β Singletrack Gravel Path loop from Mill Hill suggests a pub in its name, indicating potential refreshment stops.


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