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Walks & Bike Rides in Preston
Thanks to the outstanding countryside in Northwest England, there are loads of great walks and bike rides in Preston and the surrounding areas to enjoy.
There are several areas that are renowned for great walks and cycling, including The Lake District and Forest of Bowland, that are easily accessible from Tickled Trout Hotel. Equally, there are lots of more local sights to see on a self-powered journey of discovery when visiting us.
So, whether you are staying with your dog and looking for a gentle stroll, trying to find the best views in the area or want a family-friendly bike route in Preston, these are our favourite walking routes and cycle trails near Preston.
Walks in and Near Preston
Brockholes Nature Reserve
Accessible on foot from the door of the hotel, there are over 250 acres to explore at Brockholes Nature Reserve. Several well marked trails will guide you through some of the reserve’s most scenic areas and allow you to get closer to wildlife.
The Ribble Way
The Ribble Way is a long-distance trail that goes from the Lancashire coast to the Yorkshire Dales. As the river, and so the trail, passes the back of the Tickled Trout Hotel, walking just a part of this trail is possible when staying with us. You can either head west along the trail through Averham and Miller Park and on towards Preston Docks or follow it East towards Ribchester in the Ribble Valley.
Lancaster Canal & Haslam Park
The walk begins at the start of The Lancaster Canal in the centre of Preston. The tow path of the canal is followed to Haslam Park, where you can stroll down the lime tree avenue and admire lakes, ponds, and tranquil gardens before retracing your steps back to the starting point.
Bike Rides & Cycle Routes
Preston Guild Wheel
This circular 21-mile route orbits the city of Preston, taking you through both urban and countryside areas. It can be started (and finished) at The Tickled Trout Hotel and whether you go clockwise or anti-clockwise, it will begin and end by following the River Ribble as it meanders past the south of the city. As well as following the river, you will cycle along the canal, through ancient woodlands and serene nature reserves.
Jeffrey Hill Circuit
Starting in the city centre, this lung-busting bike ride takes you out to the stunning viewpoint of Jeffrey Hill in the Forest of Bowland. Although the route follows roads all the way, being a touch over 37 miles and climbing over 2,000 feet, it demands a good level of fitness.
Preston to Bamber Bridge & Lostock Hall
Following National Cycle Route 55 along what was once a railway line, this bike ride provides a traffic-free cycle south of the city through Preston Junction Nature Reserve and on to the villages of Lostock Hall and Bamber Bridge. As it’s an ‘out-and-back’ route, you can extend the route further or keep it short and sweet if a gentler cycle is preferred.
Bike Hire in Preston
No bike? No problem. Cycle hire is available from Leisure Lakes Bikes next to Preston Train Station while Visit Lancashire provides details of other bike hire providers across the county.