Peel Tower – Gravel path to Peel Tower loop from Rawtenstall

Mountain biking trails

Peel Tower – Gravel path to Peel Tower loop from Rawtenstall

Hard

3.8

(4)

riders

Peel Tower – Gravel path to Peel Tower loop from Rawtenstall

02:19

31.2km

520m

Mountain biking

Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: November 3, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 13.0 km for 82 m

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

8.30 km

View of Holcombe Moor from Holcombe Road

Highlight • Viewpoint

Holcombe road is on the national cycle network. It runs from Ramsbottom in the south over the shoulder of Holcombe Moor and down to Helmshore in the north.

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9.58 km

Moor Road Descent Near Ramsbottom

Highlight • Viewpoint

This is a nice downhill section on loose rocks through the beautiful countryside near Ramsbottom. The route can be slippery when wet so be careful.

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13.1 km

Peel Tower and Pilgrims' Cross Monument

Highlight • Viewpoint

busy at weekends

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13.1 km

Peel Tower

Highlight • Monument

Built in 1852 this monument was erected in tribute to Sir Robert Peel; founder of the Police force and Prime Minister 1841-1846.
The tower opens around once a month when you can climb right to top and enjoy incredible views on a clear day, right over Manchester to the south and to the coast and Snowdonia to the West.

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13.1 km

Gravel path to Peel Tower

Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint

Good surface to climb, easy descending and watch for walkers.

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18.2 km

The Whistlestop Sculpture, Ramsbottom

Highlight • Monument

get in the small chainring.. it's all up from here!!!!!

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21.1 km

Lumb Viaduct

Highlight • Bridge

On 18th September 1848, the East Lancashire Railway opened a branch from its Manchester-Rawtenstall line at Stubbins Junction, just north of Ramsbottom, heading over the hills to Accrington. Only a single 146-yard tunnel was needed at Haslingden, but the route did demand a number of viaducts.One such was about a mile north of Stubbins, alongside the small community of Lumb. Engineered by J S Perring and Sturges Meek - the latter being a pupil of George Stephenson, it comprises nine segmental arches, each 40 feet in span and boasting red brick soffits. These enabled the railway to reach a height of 60 feet over the River Irwell .The arches are supported by rock-faced sandstone piers.Following closure on 5th December 1966, part of the double-track route became the adopted home of the East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society until it relocated to Bury in 1972.Lumb Viaduct was Grade II listed in November 1984

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