The best traffic-free bike rides in Forest Of Bowland Aonb

There are over 30 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails in the Forest of Bowland National Landscape. These routes range in difficulty, with 3 easy, 8 moderate, and 20 difficult options, ensuring there's something for every skill level.

The Forest of Bowland offers a diverse gravel biking experience. You'll encounter a mix of quiet country lanes, rugged bridleways, and forest tracks. The landscape features deeply incised gritstone fells, heather moorland, and blanket bog in the uplands, transitioning to rich green lowlands and wooded valleys. Some routes, like sections of the legendary Salter Fell, can be challenging with long uphill drags and rocky sections, while others, such as those in Gisburn Forest, provide smoother fire roads.

Yes, there are several easy and family-friendly options. For instance, the Stocks Reservoir and Gisburn Forest loop is an easy route perfect for families, offering a pleasant ride through scenic landscapes. Gisburn Forest, in general, is known for its smooth fire roads, making it an excellent starting point for less experienced riders or families with children.

Many trails offer stunning views and pass by notable landmarks. You might encounter prominent fells like Clougha Pike or the Trig point at Longridge Fell summit, offering panoramic vistas. The region is also famous for the Trough of Bowland, a scenic mountain pass. For a specific route with a viewpoint, consider the Trough of Bowland Viewpoint loop from Dunsop Bridge.

Yes, parking is generally available at key access points and villages throughout the Forest of Bowland. Popular starting points like Gisburn Forest often have dedicated parking facilities. Many routes also begin near charming villages such as Slaidburn, Chipping, Dunsop Bridge, and Downham, where you can often find parking options.

The Forest of Bowland is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn often provide the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking, with milder temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer is also excellent, though trails can be busier. During winter, some higher or more exposed routes might be challenging due to weather conditions, but lower-lying forest tracks can still be enjoyable.

Many bridleways and public rights of way in the Forest of Bowland are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept under close control, especially around livestock and ground-nesting birds. Always check local signage and be mindful of the natural environment and other trail users. It's advisable to keep dogs on a lead in sensitive areas.

Yes, the Forest of Bowland is dotted with charming stone-built villages such as Slaidburn, Chipping, Dunsop Bridge, and Downham. These villages often have traditional pubs and cafes where you can refuel and relax after your ride. Gisburn Forest also has facilities, including a café, which can be a convenient stop.

The no-traffic gravel bike trails in the Forest of Bowland utilize a mix of paths. You'll find routes incorporating quiet country lanes, dedicated bridleways, and forest tracks. This variety ensures a diverse riding experience, from smoother sections to more rugged, off-road terrain, all designed to minimize interaction with vehicle traffic.

The Forest of Bowland is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's unspoiled and richly diverse landscapes, the quiet and remote nature of the trails, and the stunning natural features. The mix of challenging fells and picturesque valleys, combined with the extensive network of bridleways and tracks, makes it a truly rewarding destination for gravel biking.

Absolutely. The Forest of Bowland offers numerous challenging no-traffic gravel routes. Many of the 20 difficult trails feature significant elevation gains and technical sections. Routes like the Bowland Knotts Climb – The 8 – Swoopy Section loop from Tosside or the Long Lane Descent – View of Moughton and Austwick loop from Clapham provide demanding climbs and rewarding descents, often requiring very good fitness and advanced riding skills.