Trough of Bowland - 100 Mile Tour through Two AONBs

Please feel free to download our Trough of Bowland information PDF

Although called the Trough of Bowland, this tour takes you through two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty - the Forest of Bowland and Arnside and Silverdale AONBs. In the middle of the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is the beautiful, scenic and challenging Trough of Bowland. The Trough itself gets mistaken for the the Forest of Bowland but it is only one area in this fantastic wilderness.

This 100 miles (160 km) loop, a place where Sir Bradley Wiggins used to prepare for his 2012 Tour de France victory, a picturesque cycling route using cycle paths, lanes and quiet roads which follows the Trough Of Bowland, as well as parts of the Way of the Roses, the Pennine Cycleway, Lancashire Route 90 and the Morecambe Bay Cycleway.

A fantastic route, shorter than the coast to coast tours, but full of scenic villages, stunning vistas, river valleys, pristine castles and cathedrals, challenging hills, country pubs, fantastic restaurant as well as the City of Lancaster. The tour can also be extended by approximately 10 miles or so by visiting Settle before following the Way of the Roses back to Hornby, but this would miss out travelling over the roof of the Forest of Bowland on the road from Slaidburn to Bentham.

A great two-day cycling holiday for the experienced rider or you could take your time and take four days to cycle through the Trough and around the Forest of Bowland at around 25 miles per day. With our two, three and four day options there is something for everyone. The starting point is either Lancaster or Clitheroe, both accessible by train.

All tours include Bed & Breakfast, baggage transfer, maps and itinerary, and transfers if applicable. If renting bikes, it also includes bike delivery and collection. Our tours are flexible, so let us know what your plans are and we'll adapt ours to meet yours.

Please get in touch with us for group prices or if you have any questions about this tour, you can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or use the contact form below.

Self-Guided Tours

Tour notes & Set 2 - 4 Day Tour Options

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