The 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.
The route described in this booklet starts at Colne Railway Station. It is easy to get to by rail from Preston, and sits close to the end of the M65 with ample parking available. There is a sports centre next to the station for those who want to indulge in a dip after a long day in the saddle.

This route is not intended for beginners. It is 35 miles long with a total ascent/decent of 4,286 ft and with a massive highest point of 1,153 ft. There are some steep climbs and the route is high and exposed in places. Some spare food, a basic cycle toolkit, a waterproof and a bit of common sense will go a long way to ensuring that you have a great ride.