Yate And Pickup Bank
Yate And Pickup Bank
4.5
(173)
2,947
riders
248
rides
Touring cycling routes around Yate And Pickup Bank are set within the remote moorland landscapes of Blackburn with Darwen, Lancashire. The area features a diverse topography of hills and valleys, with streams feeding into local rivers. Key natural features include Pickup Bank Reservoir and the surrounding picturesque countryside. The region's altitudes range from 87 to 439 meters, providing varied terrain for cyclists.
Last updated: May 25, 2026
24
riders
17.1km
01:09
270m
270m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
22
riders
29.8km
02:03
480m
480m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(4)
15
riders
20.1km
01:22
310m
310m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
11
riders
34.1km
02:16
490m
490m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
riders
45.3km
03:16
610m
610m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Alice Baddelys comment has since been edited by kamoot as she didn't mention the climb from Accrington to Baxenden. Would have been better removed altogether.
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The path around the reservoir is worthwhile. It's used by many runners and dog walkers. Unfortunately, the reservoir is currently low on water.
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Alice Baddeley, have you ever ridden this section you are commenting on. The climb from Accrington to Baxenden gets to 6% in places though mainly less than this, hardly flat!
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The Hyndburn Greenway is a traffic-free rout in Lancashire that follows old railway lines and canal towpaths between Accrington and Blackburn, passing parks, art galleries and former mills. The climb gets up to 6% in some places, and averages 4 to 5%. Along the way, you'll also encounter the Ashton Flood Wheel, a striking engineering feature.
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Great ice cream and coffees here. A childhood trip down memory lane
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A lovely, easy walk along reservoir shores, with wooded borders that look beautiful in autumn sunshine
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I'm just wondering why someone feels the need to copy and paste my words. Don't you have anything to say yourself about this area?
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There are over 260 touring cycling routes in the Yate And Pickup Bank area, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. These routes are set within remote moorland landscapes, hills, and valleys.
The terrain around Yate And Pickup Bank is diverse, featuring remote moorland, significant hills, and valleys. Altitudes range from 87 to 439 meters, providing both gentle sections and demanding climbs. You'll find routes that traverse natural settings, waterside paths, and quiet country roads.
While many routes feature challenging terrain, the broader Blackburn with Darwen area, which includes Yate And Pickup Bank, offers options suitable for families. Look for routes with gentler gradients or those utilizing traffic-free paths and canal towpaths, such as sections along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. For a moderately challenging option, consider the View from Broadhead Road loop from Darwen, which offers varied landscapes.
The region is rich in natural beauty and interesting landmarks. You can cycle past the picturesque Pickup Bank Reservoir, or explore routes that offer views of other significant reservoirs like Entwistle Reservoir. Other notable sights include Darwen Tower (Jubilee Tower) and the historic Pickup Bank Methodist Church.
Yes, the wider area around Yate And Pickup Bank includes routes where you can encounter waterfalls. Consider exploring areas that might lead you to sights like Hoghton Bottoms Weir and Viaduct or Old Russia Stone Bridge and Waterfall, which are popular highlights in the region.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 160 reviews. Reviewers often praise the remote moorland scenery, the varied landscapes, and the challenging climbs that offer rewarding views. The extensive network of routes provides options for different ability levels, making it appealing to many.
Absolutely. The region's diverse topography includes significant elevation changes, providing demanding climbs and thrilling descents. Routes like Entwistle Reservoir β View of Entwistle Reservoir loop from Darwen and Belmont Reservoir β View of Rivington Reservoir loop from Darwen are rated as difficult and offer substantial challenges for experienced riders.
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in the area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the View of Entwistle Reservoir β Rose & Crown, Edgworth loop from Darwen, which takes you through reservoir views and local villages, and the Lower Rivington Reservoir β Rivington Pike loop from Darwen for a longer, more challenging circular ride.
The West Pennine Moors, where Yate And Pickup Bank is located, can be exposed. Spring and summer generally offer the most pleasant conditions with milder weather and longer daylight hours, making it ideal for exploring the moorland and reservoir routes. Autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage, but be prepared for potentially cooler and wetter conditions.
While the area is known for its hills, there are easier options available. Look for routes that stick to lower elevations or utilize canal towpaths for a gentler experience. There are 45 routes classified as 'easy' in the region, providing good starting points for beginners to enjoy the scenery without overly strenuous climbs.
Given the remote nature of Yate And Pickup Bank, parking availability can vary. Many routes start from nearby towns like Darwen, where public parking facilities are more common. For specific routes, it's advisable to check the route details on komoot for suggested starting points and parking information, especially near popular reservoirs or trailheads.
Yate And Pickup Bank is a scattered community, so direct public transport links might be limited. However, nearby towns such as Darwen, which serves as a common starting point for many routes, are generally well-connected by public transport. Cyclists can often use train services to reach these larger towns and then cycle to the starting points of the routes.


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