| 1. A very varied route, suitable for a hybrid cycle. The route varies from canal towpath, quiet roads and a bracing climb over Darwen Tower down to Darwen returning on A Roads.
Follow the Leeds and Liverpool Canal to the Top Lock at Wheelton. Come off here and follow the signs to Brinscall and Abbey Village.
Take the bridleways through Tockholes Wood alongside the reserviours to emerge at the Royal Arms Pub.
Take the bridelway behind the pub up onto Darwen Moor to the tower, a steep descnent follows down to the main road at Darwen.
Take the A666 to Ewood and follow Livsey Branch Road and Green Lane to return to the train station
The route is suitable for anyone with a resonable level of fitness and experince of off road riding.
There are numberous climbs on the ride and from the canalit is virtually all uphill to the tower.
The tower stands above 300m so it can get blowy and wet, it is advisable to take OL287 West Pennine Moors Map.
It is a really good ride I have just started doing and takes me 2.5 hours allowing time fot an odd rest. |