4.5
(164)
2,680
riders
247
rides
Touring cycling around Twiston offers routes through the picturesque Ribble Valley, nestled within the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The region is characterized by diverse landscapes, including remote fells, open moorland, and serene riverside areas along the River Ribble. Prominent features like Pendle Hill provide a distinctive backdrop and challenging ascents, while a network of quiet country roads connects charming villages.
Last updated: May 8, 2026
5.0
(1)
21
riders
49.8km
03:26
850m
850m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
18
riders
80.6km
05:31
1,370m
1,370m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(1)
17
riders
33.9km
02:16
510m
510m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
15
riders
14.9km
01:07
340m
340m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
12
riders
16.2km
00:59
130m
130m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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I went today to for a stop off but the woman told me it's not a cafe anymore. But you can come in if your interested in weddings. Nevermind plenty more cafe around.
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On the narrow grass verge between the road and the footpath in the village of Roughlee stands a memorial to Alice Nutter. Approaching cyclists from a distance might immediately think, "What a lovely statue." But anyone who stops to take a closer look will surely notice the woman's hands bound with a heavy iron chain, as well as the sad expression on her face. Alice Nutter was born around 1560 and, along with several other women, was convicted of witchcraft and executed in 1612.
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She patiently waits here, on the narrow grassy strip between the road and the footpath in the village of Roughlee. From a distance, the slowly approaching hiker might spontaneously think, "What a lovely monument." But up close, the attentive observer will not fail to notice the hands bound with a heavy iron chain, nor the sad expression on this woman's face. Her name is Alice Nutter. She was born around 1560 and in 1612—along with several other women—was convicted of witchcraft and executed.
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Lovely place, easy to park there. Also quite good place to finish the hike as plenty of places to get food and drinks.
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Bowland Knotts 430.7m P88 (1413ft) Forest of Bowland Definitive List. County of Yorkshire Definitive List. Kent List.
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More a wedding venue these days, but still worth including on a ride.
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There are over 240 touring cycling routes around Twiston, offering a wide variety of experiences. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 160 reviews.
Touring cycling around Twiston immerses you in the diverse landscapes of the Ribble Valley and the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You'll encounter remote fells, dramatic open moorland, serene riverside areas along the River Ribble, and charming villages. The majestic Pendle Hill often provides a distinctive backdrop to many routes.
Yes, Twiston offers a good selection of routes suitable for various skill levels. There are 47 easy touring cycling routes available. For example, the Waddington Village – Clitheroe Castle loop from Chatburn is an easy 16.2 km (10.1 miles) route that takes you through picturesque villages and past historic sites.
For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, Twiston offers over 100 difficult routes. A notable option is the The Forest of Bowland – View of Pendle Hill loop from Gisburn, a 48.7 km (30.2 miles) trail with significant elevation gain, taking you through unspoilt countryside and dramatic moorland.
The area around Twiston is rich in attractions. You can visit the historic Alice Nutter Statue in Roughlee, explore the picturesque Downham Village, or enjoy views from the Pendle Hill summit trig point. Many routes also pass through charming villages like Waddington, known for its scenic beauty.
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Twiston are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. An example is the View of Pendle Hill – Foulridge Wharf and Café loop from Nelson, which offers varied landscapes and views of Pendle Hill.
The Ribble Valley and Forest of Bowland are beautiful year-round, but spring and summer generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling, with milder weather and longer daylight hours. Autumn also provides stunning scenery with changing foliage. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.
Many villages along the routes, such as Downham and Waddington, offer pubs and tea shops. Bashall Barn is also a convenient stop-off point on some routes, providing a shop, café, and brewery. The The Clarion House is another option for a cafe stop.
While Twiston itself is a small village, public transport options exist in the wider Ribble Valley area. For detailed information on bus services that might connect to starting points of routes, it's advisable to check local transport websites or plan your journey using public transport apps.
Many routes in the Forest of Bowland and Ribble Valley are suitable for cycling with dogs, provided they are well-behaved and kept under control, especially around livestock. Always ensure your dog is comfortable with the distance and terrain, and carry enough water for both of you. Some specific trails or private lands may have restrictions, so always look for signage.
Parking is generally available in the larger villages and towns surrounding Twiston, such as Gisburn, Downham, and Nelson, which serve as common starting points for many routes. Always check for designated parking areas and any local restrictions or fees before leaving your vehicle.


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