Spring is finally arriving in Lancashire, so I headed out on a 50‑mile training loop from Bury to see if I could spot the first signs of the season. I let Strava’s Route Maker take charge and it didn’t disappoint. From smooth lanes to “chunky” canal paths that would ruin your day on a road bike, this route had a bit of everything.
The ride takes me through Helmshore, Baxenden, Accrington, Blackburn, Chorley, Adlington, Horwich, Bolton and back to Bury. Along the way I get hit with the smell of Holland’s Pies, stumble across a dragon (yes, really), watch a narrowboat work its way through the Leeds-Liverpool locks, and even find a field full of emus. Early‑season lambs, migrating geese, and the first roadside daffodils all made it feel like spring is finally waking up.
A hidden bakery in Brindle delivered a top‑tier bacon barm and coffee stop, and Winter Hill looked glorious under blue skies as I climbed towards home.
If you’re looking for a 50‑mile loop starting in the Bury/Bolton area, this one’s a winner — just make sure your tyres can handle a bit of towpath grit.
Have you ever used Strava’s Route Maker and ended up somewhere totally unexpected? Share your best (or worst) surprises in the comments.
#cyclingvlog #chunkygravel #stravaroutes #lancashirecycling #springride #roadcycling #gravelbike #cyclingcommunity #winterhill
Kit List:
– DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro Camera: https://amzn.to/3NzYfv7
– DJI Neo Drone: https://amzn.to/4bRWyTB
– DJI Mic 2: https://amzn.to/49XsSBR
– Mouth Mount: https://amzn.to/4bVNdu3
– Panaracer Gravelking SK TLR 700x32C Tyres: https://amzn.to/4rgW91F
5 Comments
I didn't realise emus and sheep got on! And that astra definitely gave you the look! Looked like a nice ride all round and you chose the perfect day for it.
nice ride mate the sun is shining aging
I cycled a different version of your route twice the past week, my route included Preston but shared a lot of the canal. There's a beautiful abandoned church, I think its called St James , its 1 minute over that bridge to the left, time stamped @3:16. There's some very impressive graves from the 1800s. It made me feel a little sad, the church is derelict. The Leeds Liverpool canal is absolutely fascinating and a lens into our industrial past. Cheers for your video. Enjoy your adventures. Let's hope we have another good summer ☀️
You came within a stones throw of Whittle-le-woods dude! That’s my neck of the woods
I remember that part of Leeds Liverpool from when I cycled the length of it in a day last year, it’s a nice stretch of canal. Although I did have to encounter lunchtime drinkers at The Wharf!
Need to get a microphone like yours for my vids, what camera are you using by the way?