The 265 mile (425km) Lancashire Cycleway showcases the idyllic scenery of England's historic Red Rose County. Comprising of two distinct loops that intersect at Whalley in the Ribble Valley, the Northern Loop contrasts the quiet lanes and peaceful countryside of northwestern Lancashire with the thrill of the open moors of the Forest of Bowland AONB; the Southern weaves its way between the villages and towns in the south of the county, an area rich in social history.Easily accessible from the region's rail network, the route - which is all on-road - can be cycled either as a tour or a series of day rides. This guidebook presents the Lancashire Cycleway in 11 stages of 16.5 - 30.9 miles (26.6 - 49.7km), plus two short connections to link the loops to the major regional stations at Lancaster and Wigan, as well as 17 varied day rides for those wishing to explore the county further.Detailed route description and 1:200,000 mapping is presented alongside a wealth of information on local points of interest and facilities, and the magnificent colour photography offers a small taste of what the routes have to offer. The guide also includes useful advice for those new to cycling or cycle touring.

Map keyOverview mapRoute summary tablesIntroductionThe Lancashire CyclewayPreparationBike choice and setupClothingCarrying gearPotholes and pitfallsDeviations from the routeSignageMaps, apps and timingsUsing this guideThe Northern LoopStage 1a The Lancaster LinkStage 1 Halton to HornbyStage 2 Hornby to SlaidburnStage 3 Slaidburn to WhalleyStage 4 Whalley to BilsborrowStage 5 Bilsborrow to Great EcclestonStage 6 Great Eccleston to HaltonThe Southern LoopStage 7 Whalley to Laneshaw BridgeStage 8 Laneshaw Bridge to Holcombe BrookStage 9 Holcombe Brook to Appley BridgeStage 9a The Wigan LinkStage 10 Appley Bridge to CrostonStage 11 Croston to WhalleyDay RidesDay Ride 1 Lancaster-Silverdale one-wayDay Ride 2 Lancaster-Silverdale-LancasterDay Ride 3 Lancaster-High BenthamDay Ride 4 Lancaster-High Bentham-LancasterDay Ride 5 High Bentham-Slaidburn-High BenthamDay Ride 6 High Bentham-Long PrestonDay Ride 7 Clitheroe-Slaidburn-ClitheroeDay Ride 8 A circuit from WhalleyDay Ride 9 A circuit from ColneDay Ride 10 Colne-AccringtonDay Ride 11 Entwistle-Haslingden-Ramsbottom-EntwistleDay Ride 12 A circuit from LeylandDay Ride 13 A West Lancashire circuitDay Ride 14 Preston-WhalleyDay Ride 15 Whalley-Longridge-WhalleyDay Ride 16 Preston-Longridge-Woodplumpton-PrestonDay Ride 17 Kirkham-LancasterAppendix A Further informationAppendix B TransportAppendix C Bike shops