Cycling Collection by Amy
From the countryside to the coast – Lancashire Cycleway loop
7 days
1-3 h/day
275km
2,110m
2,080m
The Collection will guide you around the 172 mile (277 km) Lancashire Cycleway circular in seven stages ranging in length from 11 miles (17 km) to 38 miles (62 km). Mile crunchers can combine the stages together to complete the route in less time.
Lancashire is a beautiful area with plenty to see and do and is a delightful county to explore from your saddle. This Collection will take you through centuries of local history from fascinating medieval halls to industrial railways, and up to the modern-day at the Blackpool pleasure beach.
Outside of the pleasant towns and cities such as Preston and Blackpool, the Lancashire countryside is spectacular. Rare birds flock to its coastal nature reserves, moody green fells extend into the horizon and peaceful farmland flanks the road – it’s truly lovely.
At the end of each stage, you will find various places to stay and eat. Lancashire is known for its excellent food – don’t miss trying black pudding and Eccles cake – as well as its beer! You’ll find pubs brimming with friendly locals dotted along the route.
The Lancashire Cycleway mostly follows along quiet rural lanes and cycle paths. Any bike in good working order should be fit for the challenge, although slick racing tyres may struggle on some sections that become muddy after rain. Apparently it rains as much in Lancashire as it does in the Amazon, so don't forget to pack your waterproof gear.
In total, you will climb 6,890 feet (2,100 meters) over the seven stages, with one longer climb into the Forest of Bowland. However, you will be distracted from any burning muscles by the spectacular views here.
The route starts and ends in Lancaster, known as a "small city with a big story" thanks to its once gory past. Nowadays, the city is much more peaceful with over 43 miles (70 km) of canal to explore. Lancaster also has various bike rental and repair shops to help you get pedaling on your journey.
You can easily reach Lancaster by train as the city enjoys direct links to London, Leeds, Glasgow, and Manchester.
For train timetables and tickets, visit: thetrainline.com/live/departures/lancaster
For more information on Lancashire, visit: visitlancashire.com
Visibility:
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Ready to get going? Create and customize your own version of this adventure using the full route below as a template.
Lancashire Cycleway (Northern Loop)
210km
1,860m
1,870m
Last updated: November 28, 2024
Do it yourself!
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Ready to get going? Create and customize your own version of this adventure using the full route below as a template.
Plan your own version of this adventure in the multi-day planner based on the stages suggested in this Collection.
Activities
1. Stage 1: Lancaster to Pilling – Lancashire Cycleway
30.4km
01:48
140m
150m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2. Stage 2: Pilling to Preston – Lancashire Cycleway
62.8km
03:40
230m
220m
Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3. Stage 3: Preston to Longridge – Lancashire Cycleway
53.8km
03:15
280m
200m
Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4. Stage 4: Longridge to Grindleton – Lancashire Cycleway
32.7km
01:56
250m
260m
Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5. Stage 5: Grindleton to Wray – Lancashire Cycleway
41.7km
02:49
630m
680m
Expert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6. Stage 6: Wray to Priest Hutton – Lancashire Cycleway
16.8km
01:01
140m
160m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
7. Stage 7: Priest Hutton to Lancaster – Lancashire Cycleway
36.8km
02:28
440m
410m
Expert bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
Collection Stats
Activities
7
Distance
275 km
Duration
16:57 h
Elevation
2,110 m
2,080 m
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