Comprising two distinct loops that intersect at Whalley in the Ribble Valley, the 425km (265 mile) Lancashire Cycleway showcases the idyllic scenery of England's historic Red Rose County. The Northern Loop contrasts the quiet lanes and peaceful countryside of northwestern Lancashire with the thrill of the open moors of the Forest of Bowland AONB; the Southern weaves its way between the villages and towns in the south of the county, an area rich in social history. Easily accessible from the region's rail network, the route – which is all on-road – can be cycled either as a tour or a series of day rides. 

 

This guidebook presents the Lancashire Cycleway in 11 stages of 26.6-49.7km (16.5-30.9 miles), plus two short connections to link the loops to the major regional stations at Lancaster and Wigan, as well as 17 varied day rides for those wishing to explore the county further. Detailed route description and 1:100,000 mapping is presented alongside a wealth of information on local points of interest and facilities, and the magnificent colour photography offers a small taste of what the routes have to offer. The guide also includes useful advice for those new to cycling or cycle touring. 

 

Lancashire is a great place to cycle, and cycling is a great way to see Lancashire. One of its delights is its sheer variety. There's easy riding on the flat expanses of the west of the county and the gentle undulations of Arnside and Silverdale or the Ribble Valley. More stirring challenges are found in West Pennine Moors and the epic crossing of the Bowland Fells. But even on the wildest stretches, you're never too far from a welcoming pub and somewhere to sleep.

The Northern Loop

Stage 1a The Lancaster Link

Stage 1 Halton to Hornby

Stage 2 Hornby to Slaidburn

Stage 3 Slaidburn to Whalley

Stage 4 Whalley to Bilsborrow

Stage 5 Bilsborrow to Great Eccleston

Stage 6 Great Eccleston to Halton

The Southern Loop

Stage 7 Whalley to Laneshaw Bridge

Stage 8 Laneshaw Bridge to Holcombe Brook

Stage 9 Holcombe Brook to Appley Bridge

Stage 9a The Wigan Link

Stage 10 Appley Bridge to Croston

Stage 11 Croston to Whalley

Day Rides

Day Ride 1 Lancaster–Silverdale one-way

Day Ride 2 Lancaster–Silverdale–Lancaster

Day Ride 3 Lancaster–High Bentham

Day Ride 4 Lancaster–High Bentham–Lancaster

Day Ride 5 High Bentham–Slaidburn–High Bentham

Day Ride 6 High Bentham–Long Preston

Day Ride 7 Clitheroe–Slaidburn–Clitheroe

Day Ride 8 A circuit from Whalley

Day Ride 9 A circuit from Colne

Day Ride 10 Colne–Accrington

Day Ride 11 Entwistle–Haslingden–Ramsbottom–Entwistle

Day Ride 12 A circuit from Leyland

Day Ride 13 A West Lancashire circuit

Day Ride 14 Preston–Whalley

Day Ride 15 Whalley–Longridge–Whalley

Day Ride 16 Preston–Longridge–Woodplumpton–Preston

Day Ride 17 Kirkham–Lancaster