The best cycling routes around Bickerstaffe

The landscape around Bickerstaffe is generally flat to gently rolling, with many routes following canal paths and quiet rural roads. While mostly gentle, you'll find minor elevations like Crank Hill, offering varied but accessible cycling experiences through agricultural land and local villages.

Yes, Bickerstaffe offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes. There are over 280 routes available, catering to various skill levels from easy to moderate, with a few more challenging options.

Absolutely. Bickerstaffe has over 110 easy touring cycling routes. A great option for an accessible ride is the Me Cycle Café & Bike Workshop loop from Aughton Park, which is 17.7 miles (28.5 km) and includes a stop at a cycle café. Another easy route is the Sunrise at Crank Hill – View from The Crank loop from Moss Plantation (Brown Birches), a 15.7 miles (25.3 km) trail through rural landscapes.

Many routes in Bickerstaffe are designed as loops. A popular moderate circular route is the Hidden Corner Farm Campsite – Closed Bridge on Canal Path loop from Maghull North, which covers 24.7 miles (39.8 km) along a canal path. For an easier option, consider the Bottles & Glasses – Rainford Bypass Cycle Path loop from Rainford.

The touring cycling routes around Bickerstaffe are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 200 reviews. Cyclists often praise the quiet rural roads, canal paths, and the varied, accessible terrain that makes for enjoyable rides.

Yes, the area offers several points of interest. You can cycle past or near natural attractions like Carr Mill Dam and the Martin Mere Wetland Centre. For a historical touch, Croxteth Hall and Country Park is also nearby.

Yes, some routes are designed with convenient stops in mind. The Me Cycle Café & Bike Workshop loop from Aughton Park specifically includes a stop at a cycle café, perfect for a break and refreshments during your ride.

The generally gentle terrain and canal paths make Bickerstaffe suitable for touring cycling for much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and scenic views, while summer provides longer daylight hours. Even in winter, many routes remain accessible, though conditions can be wetter.

While Bickerstaffe is known for its accessible routes, there are 19 difficult routes for those seeking more of a challenge. These routes might feature longer distances or more varied terrain, including the minor elevations like Crank Hill. The Hidden Corner Farm Campsite – Closed Bridge on Canal Path loop from Maghull North is a moderate option that provides a good distance.

Given the agricultural land, canal paths, and natural areas like the nearby Martin Mere Wetland Centre and Lunt Meadows Nature Reserve, you might spot various bird species, waterfowl, and other small mammals typical of rural and wetland environments in the UK.

Routes that pass through rural landscapes and near elevations like Crank Hill often provide good views. The Sunrise at Crank Hill – View from The Crank loop from Moss Plantation (Brown Birches) is specifically highlighted for its rural scenery and views from Crank Hill.

The duration varies depending on the route's length and your pace. For example, the easy Sunrise at Crank Hill loop is often completed in about 1 hour 35 minutes, while the moderate Hidden Corner Farm Campsite loop typically takes around 2 hours 22 minutes.