4.4
(96)
330
riders
33
rides
Mountain biking around Longton offers a diverse landscape, characterized by a mix of canal towpaths, parklands, and reservoir areas. The region features gentle elevation changes, with some routes incorporating small hills and wooded sections. These trails provide access to both natural and historical points of interest, making for varied riding experiences. The terrain is generally accessible, with options ranging from flat, easy paths to more undulating moderate routes.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
4.1
(68)
177
riders
35.1km
01:58
160m
160m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.2
(6)
15
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.3
(3)
12
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(2)
14
riders
21.3km
01:13
100m
100m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tip:Avoid the Ice Cream Run!….. unless you are very compétant.
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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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Tip5 Alternative Start Points with Parking for the 4 Tours Tour1 The Marina Carpark at Preston Marina The Marina Carpark Position is: 53.761540,-2.738572 Either: Paste the above line into the Google Maps app "Search here" box and then search - click the magnifying glass icon. Or: open your web browser and search for Google Maps 53.761540,-2.738572 Ashton Park Car Parks Link: Ashton Park Highlight https://www.komoot.com/highlight/5137829 Highlight7 on the Tour1 map
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Upper Rivington Reservoir lies at the heart of the Rivington chain on the West Pennine Moors. The reservoir features an island, a bridleway, and a residence known as The Street along its side.
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Tip4 Part (a) below explains the use of a split-screen using 2 web browsers. In Part (b), a practical example, you can use either the single web browser or the 2 web browsers method. (a) How To View In Split-Screen on Windows Using Two Web Browsers - example Microsoft Edge and Chrome. This method is similar to and slightly easier than the method in Tip3, part b). Open this highlight in both web browsers on the Windows PC. Their icons will be visible on the Windows taskbar. Then display one browser on the left side of the screen and one on the right. Open this highlight in both web browsers on the Windows PC. Their icons will be visible on the Windows taskbar. Then display one browser on the left side of the screen and one on the right. (b) Practical Use of a Split Screen Use a split screen to practise zooming into and out of a photo in a slide show. Create a split screen on an Android phone. On one half display the instructions in Tip1 on how to Enlarge a Photo in a Slideshow. Use e.g. a Chrome or Firefox browser on the other half to open the slideshow and display photo3 in the Chrome or Firefox browser. Then practise zooming in and out of photo3. Similarly, using a Windows PC and Photo3 practise the Windows PC instructions on how to zoom-in and out.
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Tip3 How To Split-Screen The aim is, for example, to view relevant Tips or Comments alongside a photo or map. Photo4 shows a split-screen (from Tour1) on an Android phone. View photos or the route map on one half and the description on the other half of the screen. Scroll the 2 halves independently to compare a photo with e.g. a description in the Tips or Comments. If using a tablet or mobile, view the description in the website and the photo in the Komoot app - easier to pinch-zoom to see different parts of the photo. Instructions for (a) Android phone (b) Windows PC/Laptop For an iPhone search online for "Harris iPhone split screen" (a) Android Phone Check online for your Android phone. Not all models support split screen. Tap below to start a video - how to use split-screen. On a mobile, view in landscape. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuiKgagO71Y (b) Windows PC/Laptop Easy in Windows 10/11. You can open the same Highlight (or Tour) using 2 web browsers, such as Microsoft Edge and Chrome, one on the left and one on the right of the screen. Or, you can use a single web browser displayed in 2 windows on the left and the right. Use these instructions to practice the technique. The first instructions below use a single web browser, e.g. Microsoft Edge. Using two web browsers is a little easier - see Tip4. 1) On your Windows PC/laptop, maximise the window if not already full-screen. Copy this highlight's Komoot web address. You need to paste it - see below. 2) Opposite-click this browser's tab on the Windows taskbar. That means click the other mouse button. Then click 'Open new window'. When opened, maximise it, paste and open the web address in the new window and scroll to these instructions so that you can continue to follow them. 3) Press and hold the Windows key on the keyboard and press the left arrow key. The active window moves to the left of the split-screen. 4) You should now see the right-hand half of the first window. Click that window to display it 'on top'. These instructions should still be visible in that window. Check that it's full screen. Press and hold the Windows key again and press the right arrow key. 5) The two windows should now display side-by-side. Scroll one window to display the 1st photo and open the slideshow. Scroll the other for the photo descriptions in the Tips. Then display a photo in one half and a corresponding description in the other.
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There are over 35 mountain bike trails around Longton, offering a diverse range of riding experiences. These include routes along canal towpaths, through parklands, and around reservoir areas.
Longton's mountain bike trails are predominantly easy to moderate. You'll find 16 easy routes, perfect for beginners or a relaxed ride, and 21 moderate routes for those seeking a bit more challenge. There are no difficult trails listed in the immediate area.
Yes, many of the easy routes are suitable for families. Trails along canal towpaths and through parklands, such as the Fishwick Local Nature Reserve – Withy Grove Park Playground loop from Bamber Bridge, offer gentle terrain and pleasant surroundings for a family outing.
The terrain around Longton is varied, featuring canal towpaths, urban parklands, and reservoir areas. You'll encounter generally accessible paths with gentle elevation changes, and some routes include small hills and wooded sections. The Roddlesworth Reservoirs – Ice Cream Chute Downhill Trail loop from Bamber Bridge, for example, offers a mix of reservoir paths and a downhill section.
Yes, many of the trails around Longton are designed as loops. For instance, the popular Avenhill and Miller Park, Ribble Steam Railway and Preston Guild loop is a 35.1 km circular route that connects urban parks with a historic steam railway.
Many trails pass by interesting landmarks and natural features. For example, the Withnell Canal Towpath Access – Hoghton Tower War Memorial loop from Lostock Hall offers waterside views and passes the Hoghton Tower War Memorial. You might also encounter highlights like Brockholes Nature Reserve or Miller Park Fountain on various routes.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 85 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse landscape, which includes scenic canal towpaths and tranquil parklands, as well as the accessibility of routes for various skill levels.
Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for mountain biking in Longton, with milder temperatures and less extreme weather. While trails are accessible year-round, some sections, especially along canal towpaths or wooded areas, can become muddy after heavy rain, particularly in winter.
Given the proximity to urban areas and popular parks, you will find various cafes and refreshment stops near many of the trailheads and along the routes. Specific options will depend on the chosen trail, but areas like Preston, which many routes connect to, offer ample choices.
Parking is generally available at various points along the trails, especially near urban parks, canal access points, and reservoir areas. Many routes start from locations with public parking facilities, such as those found near Bamber Bridge or Lostock Hall.
While Longton primarily features easy to moderate trails, some routes offer more challenging sections. The Roddlesworth Reservoirs – Ice Cream Chute Downhill Trail loop from Bamber Bridge, for example, is rated moderate and includes a notable downhill section that provides a more exhilarating experience.


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