World class riders will be taking in Red Rose hills and moors next July, but the county has something for everyone.
Where you want a gentle roll along the promenade, a family off-road trail, or a serious hill climb, it’s all on your doorstep.
We checked out Visit Lancashire for some inspiration, check out what we discovered in the pages below:
1. Preston Guild Wheel
The Preston Guild Wheel is a 21 mile "Greenway" that encircles the city of Preston, linking the city to the countryside. The Guild Wheel route makes the most of the different landscapes that surround the city. Find out more at: https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/cycling/guild-wheel/ | David Dixon
2. Burnley Heritage Cycle Trail
Unearth the stories of life in the past for both the rich and poor as you cycle along through Lancashire’s landscape, discovering the place that once led the world in cotton production. Working mills, rich landowners’ mansions, Victorian schoolrooms and beautiful parkland can all be found in the mill town of Burnley. Start your journey at Queen Street Mill Textile Museum, the last surviving operational steam powered weaving mill in the world. Then go along the river and canal until you get to The Weavers’ Triangle Visitor Centre and discover what it was like to live in a 19th century mill town. Take a different route and start your journey at Towneley Hall where you can enjoy the beautiful parkland and visit the former home of the Towneley family. After exploring the house, meander throughRead More | submit Photo: s
3. The Oackenclough and Harrisend Fell Route
The Oackenclough and Harrisend Fell Fell Route is a 14 mile long circular route which should take about 2 hours to complete. It is an on road route to the east of Garstang which is undulating and strenuous in places. The route offers spectacular views of the coast and of the Lakeland fells. It is recommended for cyclists keen to develop their stamina and confidence. In addition to Garstang centre, drinks, snacks, shops and toilets are available in Scorton village. | Google Maps
4. Grand Tour of Pendle
Pendle is a wild and hilly district but it does have a gentle side. The ‘Grand Tour of Pendle’ Cycle Route will take you through rugged Pennine moorland, and on towards the rural splendour of the Ribble Valley before returning amidst the industrial heritage of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal Corridor. Almost entirely on quiet roads, the tour is a challenging ride for all but the fittest cyclists with stunning views and plenty of places to stop and take in the local atmosphere. Designed to be completed over two days, there are lots of places to spend the night and, since it is circular, there are a number of options for start and finish points. Keen cyclists might want to complete the entire route in a day but there are also shorter options. | Joy Margaret Clarke Photo: Joy Margaret Clarke
5. Lancashire Coastal Way, Rossall Promenade
Do you prefer peace, quiet and solitude? You might prefer to head in a northerly direction, beyond Cleveleys promenade towards Fleetwood. Head through the Five Bar Gate on Rossall Promenade onto the Lancashire Coastal Way. You’ll ride the coast from Cleveleys to Fleetwood. Pick your time and this is likely to be one of the quietest stretches of shoreline. The first couple of miles are concrete sea defences built after the floods in 1977. Then the concrete drops away at the side of Fleetwood Golf Course and opens out into sand dunes and a coastal path. You’ll pass the big leaning building at Rossall Point, then carry on round the peninsula to the beach huts and Marine Beach at Fleetwood. You can refuel there, at a number of cafes. You could even include a short sail across the River Wyre to Knott End and beyond. Take the Fleetwood Ferry which runs year round from the Esplanade at Fleetwood. | Google Maps
6. Witton Park Pump Track, Blackburn
A specialist cycling Pump Track is open to all at Witton Park, Blackburn. Riders can learn the techniques and improve their balance, encouraging riders to progress to the next levels. For use with mountain or BMX bikes. Photo: UGC