The best traffic-free bike rides around Bolton-By-Bowland

There are 8 dedicated no traffic touring cycling routes around Bolton-By-Bowland featured in this guide. These routes offer a mix of moderate and difficult options, ensuring a peaceful ride away from busy roads.

Yes, many of the routes are circular, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the challenging View of Slaidburn – View of Bowland Knotts loop from St Peter & St Paul is a great circular option, covering over 63 km with significant elevation.

The routes traverse the diverse and picturesque landscapes of the Forest of Bowland National Landscape. You can expect to cycle through dramatic gritstone fells, expansive peat moorland, and heather moorland offering panoramic views. The routes also wind through deep valleys, alongside rivers like the Ribble and Hodder, and through semi-natural woodlands, providing varied and serene scenery.

While the routes in this guide are generally moderate to difficult, the Forest of Bowland area does offer quieter country lanes that are suitable for families and beginners. For dedicated off-road options, Gisburn Forest Bike Trails, mentioned in the region research, has purpose-built tracks ranging from easy to difficult, though these are more mountain biking focused. Always check the route details for specific difficulty and terrain to ensure it suits your group's abilities.

Many routes offer scenic views and pass by charming villages. You might encounter highlights such as the Cross of Greet Climb from Slaidburn, offering stunning vistas. The area is also rich in history, with picturesque traditional stone villages like Slaidburn and Downham, which often feature historic buildings and welcoming pubs.

Bolton-by-Bowland and surrounding villages often have public parking available. The Ribble Valley aims to be cyclist-friendly, so look for designated parking areas in villages like Slaidburn or near popular trailheads. It's always advisable to check local signage for parking restrictions and fees.

Public transport options to Bolton-by-Bowland can be limited, as it's a rural area. While some bus services connect larger towns in the Ribble Valley, direct routes to specific trailheads might be infrequent. Planning your journey by car or considering a starting point in a more accessible village with public transport links, then cycling from there, might be more practical.

The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling, with warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours. Autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage. While winter cycling is possible, be prepared for colder weather, shorter days, and potentially challenging conditions on higher fells.

Yes, the charming villages within the Forest of Bowland, such as Slaidburn, Chipping, and Downham, often feature welcoming pubs and cafes where you can refuel. The Ye Olde Naked Man Café – Settle Town Centre loop, for instance, includes a café in its name, indicating cyclist-friendly stops. Many businesses in the Ribble Valley are also known to offer bike storage facilities and even meal deals for cyclists.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.57 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning natural beauty, the quiet country lanes that provide a true 'no traffic' experience, and the rewarding challenges of the fells. The picturesque villages and the sense of stepping back in time are also frequently highlighted as enjoyable aspects of cycling here.

The no traffic touring routes around Bolton-By-Bowland range from moderate to difficult. For example, the The 8 Trail, Gisburn Forest – The 8 – Swoopy Section loop is classified as difficult, featuring significant elevation gain. Routes like the Ye Olde Naked Man Café – Settle Town Centre loop offer a moderate challenge. Be prepared for varied terrain, including climbs and descents, typical of the Forest of Bowland's fells and valleys.

While many outdoor areas in the Forest of Bowland are dog-friendly, it's important to keep dogs under control, especially in areas with livestock or ground-nesting birds. When cycling, ensure your dog is accustomed to being near bikes and other users. Always check specific route guidelines or local signage for any restrictions, particularly within nature reserves or private land sections.