The best traffic-free bike rides in Lancashire

Lancashire offers a wide selection of car-free gravel biking adventures. Our guide features over 25 carefully curated routes, ranging from easy to difficult, ensuring there's a perfect trail for every skill level.

The komoot community highly rates the no-traffic gravel trails in Lancashire, with an average score of 4.34 stars. Riders frequently praise the diverse landscapes, from serene forest tracks to challenging moorlands, and the peace of mind that comes with car-free routes. The variety of terrain and the opportunity to explore hidden gems away from traffic are often highlighted as key attractions.

Yes, Lancashire has several excellent options for beginners looking for traffic-free gravel rides. The Stocks Reservoir and Gisburn Forest loop is a great example, offering smooth fire roads and an easy gradient within the beautiful Forest of Bowland. The Guild Wheel in Preston is also a popular choice for its accessible, mostly paved surfaces, ideal for those new to cycling.

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, the West Pennine Moors and parts of the Forest of Bowland offer demanding, car-free gravel experiences. Routes like the Bowland Knotts Climb – The 8 – Swoopy Section loop from Tosside provide significant elevation gain and technical sections. The legendary Salter Fell Road, though remote and sometimes rocky, is another challenging car-free option for those looking for an epic ride.

Absolutely! Many of Lancashire's best no-traffic gravel trails are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. The Rivington Pike – Liverpool Castle Replica Ruins loop from Chorley is a fantastic moderate circular route, offering scenic views and historical landmarks. The Guild Wheel around Preston is another well-known circular route, perfect for a leisurely ride.

Yes, several no-traffic gravel trails in Lancashire are ideal for families. Gisburn Forest offers smooth fire roads that are safe and enjoyable for all ages. The Lancaster Canal Towpath provides mostly flat, paved surfaces, perfect for a relaxed family outing away from traffic. These routes often have amenities nearby and are generally easy to navigate.

Many popular no-traffic gravel trailheads in Lancashire offer convenient parking. Gisburn Forest, for instance, has dedicated parking areas for visitors. Similarly, routes around Rivington Pike and the Guild Wheel in Preston typically have accessible parking options nearby, making it easy to start your adventure.

Lancashire's no-traffic gravel trails are rich with natural beauty and historical landmarks. You can encounter stunning waterfalls like Hoghton Bottoms Weir and Viaduct or Fairy Glen Waterfalls. Many routes pass by picturesque lakes and reservoirs, such as Roddlesworth Reservoirs or Lower Rivington Reservoir. The Rivington Pike loop even takes you past the unique Liverpool Castle Replica Ruins.

Many of Lancashire's no-traffic gravel trails are dog-friendly, particularly those in rural areas like the Forest of Bowland and the West Pennine Moors. Always keep your dog under control, especially near livestock, and be mindful of local signage regarding lead requirements. Canal towpaths are also generally welcoming to dogs, offering a pleasant, flat surface for them to walk alongside your bike.

Spring and autumn are often considered the best times for gravel biking in Lancashire. The weather is generally milder, and the landscapes are vibrant with seasonal colours. While summer offers longer daylight hours, some trails can become busy. Winter rides are possible, but be prepared for muddy conditions on unpaved sections and check local weather forecasts, especially for higher moorland routes.

Yes, many of Lancashire's quiet gravel routes provide excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting. The Forest of Bowland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is home to diverse birdlife and other animals. Riding along canal towpaths or through nature reserves like Brockholes Nature Reserve can offer glimpses of local flora and fauna in their natural habitats, away from the disturbance of traffic.