The best road cycling routes around Altham

Altham offers a wide selection of road cycling routes, with over 240 options to explore. These routes cater to various skill levels, including 34 easy routes, 157 moderate routes, and 49 challenging routes for experienced cyclists.

The road cycling terrain around Altham is quite diverse, ranging from undulating lowlands to dramatic open moorland. You'll encounter quiet country lanes, picturesque villages, and areas with significant elevation gains, especially when venturing towards the Forest of Bowland National Landscape or around Pendle Hill.

Yes, Altham and the surrounding Lancashire region offer traffic-free cycle routes, including off-road paths and canal towpaths, which are ideal for families. While specific road cycling routes are generally on quiet country lanes, the broader network includes over 340 km of traffic-free options, providing safer and more relaxed rides for all ages.

Road cycling routes around Altham often pass by significant natural and historical landmarks. You can enjoy views of Pendle Hill, known for its dramatic vistas, or the Confluence of the Rivers Calder and Ribble. Historic sites like Stonyhurst College and Compston's Cross also offer interesting points of interest.

The road cycling routes around Altham are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 140 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the diverse terrain, the scenic beauty of the Lancashire countryside, and the quiet country lanes that make for an enjoyable riding experience.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in the Altham area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the moderate route Chipping Village – Whalley Village Centre loop from Read is a popular circular option, as is the Whalley Village Centre – Hodder Bridge loop from Read.

For advanced road cyclists seeking challenging climbs, the areas around Pendle Hill and within the Forest of Bowland National Landscape offer significant elevation gains and demanding ascents. Routes like View of Rivington Reservoir – View of Chorley and the Coast loop from Huncoat provide a difficult, long-distance challenge with substantial climbing.

The best time for road cycling in Altham is generally during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October) when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer. This period offers the most pleasant conditions for exploring the diverse landscapes of Lancashire.

Yes, many road cycling routes in the Altham area pass through charming villages within the Ribble Valley and the wider Lancashire countryside. These villages often have local cafes, pubs, and shops where cyclists can stop for refreshments, meals, or to refill water bottles.

While Altham itself is not directly on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, sections of the Pennine Cycleway (Route 68) carry on along the iconic Leeds-Liverpool Canal towpath. You can access these sections from nearby towns like Burnley, which connect to Altham's wider cycling network, offering a traffic-free alternative for part of your ride.

Altham is a village in Lancashire, and while local bus services connect it to nearby towns like Accrington, public transport options for reaching specific rural cycling starting points might be limited. It's advisable to check local bus schedules or consider driving to a suitable starting point with parking, especially for routes further into the Forest of Bowland.

For those looking for longer rides, routes like Whalley Village Centre – Downham Village loop from Huncoat covers approximately 37.9 miles (61.0 km). The most challenging route, View of Rivington Reservoir – View of Chorley and the Coast loop from Huncoat, extends to nearly 60 miles (96.9 km) and features significant elevation.