LET’S TAKE A RIDE…
This is a great country cycle ride through some pretty Ribble Valley villages as well as some challenging ascents and exhilarating descents!
CLITHEROE ROAD LOOP THROUGH CHIPPING AND SLAIDBURN
Route: 28.47miles / 45.82km
Elevation: 844m / 2769ft
Difficulty: 3.5/5
strava.com/routes/2770990960513366386
Being blessed with such great roads on our doorstep, the team at Ribble Cycles simply love to explore them. We also think that we have some of the best training ground for views, great climbs and stunning descents in the UK. So, to celebrate the forthcoming announcement of Ribble Cycles’ new flagship showroom, which is set to open in Clitheroe, here is a great route to brush off any cobwebs and put those bikes to good use.
Starting in the centre of Clitheroe, the route begins by heading out on Edisford Road/B6243. Cross the River Ribble and take the right turn after the Edison Bridge pub. Turn left when you see the signpost for Chipping, and this leads to the first climb of the day.
Bailey Bank is a 3km climb – starting off at around 10 per cent gradient, but thankfully levelling out towards the top. Follow the road all the way until you reach Chipping.
As you enter Chipping, take a right turn at the war memorial which is signposted for the Bowland Wild Boar Park. As you head up onto the country roads there are some incredible views, especially on a clear day. Heading along Little Bowland Road you will eventually turn left and ride adjacent to the River Hodder until you cross it at Dunsop Bridge.
Here, Puddleducks tearooms offers a perfect refreshment stop. Follow the road as it heads towards Newton, then it’s time to get into the easy gears for the rest of the day’s climbing.
Riding along the B6478 you will reach Slaidburn, continue past the War Memorial and once over the river the road has a switch back that climbs out of Slaidburn. Take the first right (signposted Clitheroe) to head back towards Clitheroe. There is around 4km of steady climbing on the road leading to a cracking descent. The relief is short lived as it is followed by the last climb of the day – but only a short one of around 1.7km.
After all that hard work, you can now enjoy the descent straight back into Clitheroe – and get yourself a well-earned brew and a slice of cake.
