The best road cycling routes around West Lancashire

West Lancashire offers a diverse landscape for road cycling. The western parts, particularly between Ormskirk and Southport and around Tarleton, are predominantly flat with characteristic "moss lanes," ideal for leisurely rides. In contrast, the eastern side features rolling hills and valleys, such as the Clieves Hills and Ashurst Beacon, providing more challenging climbs and panoramic views across the Lancashire plain, the Lake District, and even the Welsh hills.

There are over 200 road cycling routes available in West Lancashire on komoot, catering to various skill levels. This includes 77 easy routes, 114 moderate routes, and 9 more difficult options, ensuring there's something for every road cyclist.

Yes, West Lancashire has many routes suitable for beginners and families. The western parts of the district offer predominantly flat terrain, perfect for easy rides. Additionally, themed routes like the Moorhen and Lapwing routes, which explore wildlife-rich agricultural areas, are often well-signposted and suitable for less experienced cyclists. The Intake Lane – Rainford Bypass loop from Bickerstaffe is an easy 17 km route that can be a good starting point.

Road cycling in West Lancashire allows you to explore several natural highlights. You can cycle past the Martin Mere Wetland Centre, a haven for wetland wildlife, or near the Mere Sands Wood Nature Reserve. The region also features the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, offering scenic waterside paths. For a unique natural feature, consider routes that pass near the Fairy Glen, known for its small waterfalls and ancient woodland.

Yes, you can incorporate historical sites into your road cycling adventures. Rufford Old Hall, a magnificent 16th-century Tudor building cared for by the National Trust, is a notable attraction reachable by bike. For scenic viewpoints, consider routes that offer views from Ashurst Beacon or Parbold Hill Viewpoint, both offering expansive vistas of the surrounding landscape.

Many road cycling routes in West Lancashire are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Lancashire Cycleway Ormskirk Loop is a popular circular route. Another option is the View from Clieves Hill – Old Moss Lane loop from Town Green, which offers varied scenery.

The road cycling routes in West Lancashire are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 50 reviews. Cyclists often praise the region's quiet country lanes, diverse terrain ranging from flat moss lanes to rolling hills, and the scenic views. The ability to combine rides with visits to natural attractions like the Martin Mere Wetland Centre is also frequently highlighted.

West Lancashire benefits from good rail links, allowing cyclists to combine train travel with their rides. Towns like Burscough, Ormskirk, and Aughton Park have train stations that can serve as convenient starting points for various routes. For instance, the Leeds and Liverpool Canal – Martin Mere Wetland Centre loop from Aughton Park starts near a train station.

Yes, West Lancashire is known for its cycle-friendly pubs and cafes located along many routes, providing convenient refreshment stops. Burscough, a thriving community on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, is a particularly good starting point for routes that also offer numerous places to eat and drink.

While road cycling is possible year-round, the spring, summer, and autumn months generally offer the most pleasant conditions. Some sections of trails, particularly canal towpaths, can become muddy in winter. The region's diverse landscapes are particularly beautiful during these seasons, making for an enjoyable cycling experience.

For more challenging road cycling, focus on the eastern parts of West Lancashire. Areas around the Clieves Hills and Ashurst Beacon feature rolling hills and valleys with varied gradients, providing more demanding climbs. Routes like the Pimbo Lane – Views from Crank Road loop from Aughton Park offer significant elevation gain for a more strenuous ride.

Yes, the Lancashire Cycleway traverses much of West Lancashire, offering opportunities for longer rides that cover both the hilly eastern and flat western sections of the district. Additionally, the Old Tram Bridge – Martin Mere Wetland Centre loop from Bescar Lane is a longer moderate route, covering over 100 km.