Outstanding scenery, picturesque villages, charming tea rooms and a network of Quiet Lanes - all waiting to be explored. And what better way to do it than by bike? Silently travelling around this National Landscape under your own power, coming across hidden gems around every corner, this truly is a spectacular area for biking enthusiasts of all types and levels:
- Downloadable cycling routes
- Other Cycling Routes in the National Landscape
- Cycle Hire, Holidays & Coaching
We actively encourage the use of public transport in the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, for more detailed information visit our Travel Information page.
Other Cycling Routes
Gisburn Forest Cycleway - Gisburn is the largest forest in Lancashire and is managed by Forest Enterprise. Within the forest, adjacent to Stocks Reservoir, you’ll find several colour-coded mountain bike trails which can be accessed from designated car parks. The shortest ones are suitable for younger children or the inexperienced. Walkers can make use of any of the forest tracks but cyclists must keep to the way marked routes. Contact Forest Enterprise for further details on 01229 860010. A leaflet has been produced highlighting the cycle routes and also businesses in the area. There is also a cafe and bike hire on site - visit www.gisburnforesthub.com
- Click here to view the Gisburn Forest Mountain Bike leaflet
- Visit the Gisburn Forest Bike Trails website
Lancashire Cycleway - listed amongst the top 10 long distance cycle rides in Britain, (Daily Telegraph, 2008) and the Independent's top 50 cycle rides (2010) along with a number of rides in more exotic locations including Australia and America.
The route consists of a north and south circular route which meet at the historic town of Whalley, to the south-east of the Forest of Bowland. The route has been designed specifically to use minor roads which have low levels of traffic but also to pass through areas of scenic beauty. The Cycleway is well signposted and is also accessible from many railway stations near to the route.
Way of the Roses
The Way of the Roses is a coast to coast route which links Morecambe in Lancashire, via the historic cities of Lancaster and York, to Bridlington in Yorkshire. The section which cuts through the Forest of Bowland National Landscape includes part of the Millennium Cycle way along the river Lune from Lancaster to Caton. From there the route crosses over the river at the beautiful Crook o Lune, and upstream to Gressingham. Country roads take you on to Hornby and Wray – two delightful villages with ample stop off points for views, heritage and refreshments! The route then follows quiet lanes towards Bentham, passing by the Great Stone of Fourstone and then across the border into North Yorkshire. Beautiful views across the Craven dales and the three peaks greet you as you leave the National Landscape at Clapham, but there are many more miles to go if you want to complete the route.
A one day ride from Morecambe to Settle, and a return by train if you prefer, is about 25 miles.
Bowland by Bike - The Bowland by Bike leaflet details 5 stunning cycle routes in and around the Forest of Bowland. These routes vary in length and surface and have been selected to give you a flavour of the excellent cycling opportunities available throughout the National Landscape. Available from Tourist Information Centres in the area or via the link below.
Cycle Hire, Holidays & Coaching
Visit https://www.ribblevalley-e-bikes.co.uk Tel: 01200 426246
- Leisure Lakes Bike Hire - Lancaster
Visit http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/hire-bikes-lancaster Tel: 0800 083 0888
- Open Road Open Skies - Cycling and Walking Holidays - Forest of Bowland, Way of the Roses, Morecambe Bay and more
Visit: www.openroadopenskies.co.uk Tel: 01524 840072 Email: info@openroadopenkies.co.uk
- Trail Motions - mountain bikes skills coaching
Visit www.trailmotions.co.uk or Tel:01524 792928 / 07941 910866