This easy and largely traffic-free 20k ride explores Lancaster's historic city centre, the spectacular Millennium Bridge, and the wide-open spaces of Morecambe's famous prom before meandering back into town along the leafy Lancaster Canal.

Refreshments: Lancaster City Centre and Morecambe Promenade
Public toilets: Marketgate, Lancaster and Festival Market, Morecambe
Bike Shop: On Yer Bike Caton Rd, Lancaster LA1 3NY; Bays Bikes, Marine Road Central, Morecambe LA4 4BQ

1. START

From Lancaster mainline station entrance, head left, then left again to cross the railway bridge. Turn right onto the city loop, heading past the football ground. After 250m, turn right under the bridge, then immediately left and continue along the multi-user path past the church and through woodland to the Millennium Bridge.

2. 1.0km

Cross the Millennium Bridge and follow the cycleway along the north bank of the Lune, heading out through the suburbs on Roeburn Way and Pilgrims Way. Cross the railway with care and continue west into Morecambe beside the station.

3. 6.5km

At the roundabout in the retail park, take the first left, then right at the next roundabout onto the Promenade. Continue north past the Midland Hotel and along the prom for the next 4 km.

4. 11.5km

At the northern end of the promenade, rejoin the carriageway with care and climb the hill to cross the railway. Take a right along Rushley Drive, right again at the cul-de-sac, and down the track to join the canal.

5. 12km

Follow the canal for 4 km as it meanders back into the city. After the turning bay in the canal, cross the river via the spectacular Lune Aqueduct, offering stunning views upriver towards the Lonsdale Fells to Ingleborough. After crossing the Aqueduct, continue along the canal, crossing the main road and following the towpath around to the right and through the golf course.

6. 16.5km

At Bridge 105, head half-right on Cycleway 69, signposted River Lune Millennium Park. Join the cycleway on the broad pavement beside the main road. Opposite the cycle shop, cross into Millennium Park and follow the Lune downstream past a skatepark.

7. 18.5km

Fork right and take the underpass under the main road. Go around right and then back left to the riverside. Continue back to the Millennium Bridge and retrace your route around the castle to the station.