5 Simple Cycle Routes in Clitheroe & Ribble Valley

5 Simple Cycle Routes in Clitheroe & Ribble Valley

1) Church to Church

Starting in central Clitheroe at Clitheroe United Reformed Church, head out on Edisford Road, crossing the River, and continuing to Waddington. Take the right after The Lower Buck Inn, and you'll arrive at the second church, St Helen's. This is the halfway point, and your sign to start looping back around. Continue and you'll hit Clitheroe Road, and take it back to central Clitheroe.

Depending on your exact route once you're back over the River Ribble, your distance may change a little, but on average, this circuit is approx 5 miles long. It's roads all the way, and a nice mix of quiet country roads and a little village life.

Starting Location: Castle Gate, Clitheroe BB7 1AZ


2) Clitheroe Worston Loop

This is another route which is roughly 5 miles long, however this has a few more cycleways which is always nice, especially for beginners. This circuit begins and ends at The White Lion pub, which, depending on your preference, may or may not provide some extra motivation to make good time towards the finish!

Take Pendall Road via Wellgate Road, then turn right down a narrow country road just before reaching the A59 roundabout. Follow the trail all the way, crossing the A59 at one point to stay on the trail, until you come to the Calf's Head Pub, where you'll turn left. You'll come to the A59, turn right on it before turning left onto Worston Road then left again on Clitheroe Road to head back towards Clitheroe town centre.

Starting Location: 11 Market Pl, Clitheroe BB7 2BZ

3) Gisburn Forest

Gisburn Forrest provides routes ranging from easy to severe, and even a Skills Loop which helps riders sharpen up their cycling. It's a good idea to build confidence on off-road trails, so you can experience Ribble Valley, at its most beautiful, away from the main roads.

Think of Gisburn Forest as a one-stop-shop for cyclists of all abilities and a great place to ease into a new hobby.

Starting Location: Gisburn Forest, BB7 4TS

4) Downham Loop

Slightly over 5 miles long, this route begins at St Leaonard's Church. Take Main Street onto Pendle Road, and continue until you come to a crossroads. Turn left toward Twiston and follow until to hit Twiston Lane, which will take you left and back towards Downham. The roads are quite narrow so just be mindful of cars, and don't head round the bends too quickly!

It's a lovely scenic route, especially in the warmer months, and Downham itself feels like a mini time capsule. It's got a distinctly traditional quality, hence why it's been the setting for many period dramas over the years!

Starting Location: 2 Chatburn Rd, Downham, Clitheroe BB7 4BJ

5) Sportfields Dash

This is our entry level route, and because it's Active April, we've tied some local sports teams in for good measure. Start at one sports field, head to another, come back. Simple. The route begins at Silcock Park, the home of Clitheroe Rugby Club. From Copperfield Close, turn left onto Littlemoor and continue until you reach Pendle Road. Turn right and in about half a mile, you'll see a road on your left taking you down to the Clitheroe Wolves football complex. When you reach the pitches, you've cycled about a mile. End it here, or head back to the start to double your distance.

Starting Location: Littlemoor Rd, Clitheroe BB7 1EW