The best road cycling routes around Preston

Preston offers a wide variety of road cycling routes, with over 320 different tours available on komoot. These routes cater to all skill levels, from easy rides to more challenging long-distance journeys.

Road cycling in Preston features diverse terrain. You'll find gentle gradients along riverside paths and canal routes, as well as more demanding climbs in the surrounding hills, particularly towards the Forest of Bowland and West Pennines. The area blends urban green spaces with scenic rural landscapes.

Yes, Preston has numerous easy routes, with over 90 tours classified as easy. Many of these utilize traffic-free paths along canals or old railway lines, providing a relaxed cycling experience. For example, the Welland Viaduct – Exeter Arms loop from Uppingham is an easy 21.6 km route.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, Preston offers routes that venture into the wider countryside. The Newbold Manor Sector – Owston Lane loop from Preston is a difficult 95.6 km path with significant elevation gain, providing a demanding experience through diverse landscapes.

Yes, circular routes are a popular option in Preston. A prime example is The Guild Wheel, a 21-mile (33.8 km) circular route that encircles Preston, connecting the city with its countryside and river corridor. Many other routes on komoot, such as the Empingham Village – Lyndon Village loop from Uppingham, are also designed as loops.

Preston's routes offer a wealth of natural features and landmarks. You can cycle along the River Ribble, through Grade II listed Victorian parks like Avenham and Miller Parks, or explore nature reserves such as Brockholes. Notable landmarks include the Welland Viaduct and Normanton Church, which can be found on routes like the Normanton Church – Empingham Village loop from Uppingham.

Preston and South Ribble boast over 75 km of traffic-free cycle paths. These often utilize old railway lines or canal routes, such as the Ribble Link Canal and its connection to the Lancaster Canal, providing safe and pleasant environments for road cyclists.

Preston's cycling network is well-integrated, and many routes are accessible from the city center, which is served by public transport. The Preston Station Cycle Hub also offers secure parking and repair facilities, making it convenient to start your ride after arriving by train.

The spring and summer months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling in Preston, with milder weather and longer daylight hours. However, the diverse terrain means that with appropriate gear, cycling can be enjoyed year-round, especially on the more sheltered canal paths or urban routes.

The komoot community highly rates road cycling in Preston, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 100 reviews. Cyclists often praise the variety of terrain, from gentle riverside paths to challenging climbs, and the excellent network of dedicated cycling infrastructure that connects urban green spaces with the wider countryside.

Yes, Preston serves as an excellent base for longer rides. Cyclists can extend their journeys into the Forest of Bowland, the Fylde Countryside, or the West Pennines for more extensive routes. There are also connections to coastal promenades in Lytham St Anne's, Blackpool, Southport, and Morecambe for those seeking seaside rides.

Many of Preston's traffic-free paths, particularly those along canals and through parks like Avenham and Miller Parks, are ideal for family cycling. The Guild Wheel also offers sections suitable for leisurely rides, allowing families to enjoy the scenery in a safe environment.