A rewarding ride from the heart of the city into the rural Lune Valley. This 42km route follows the river into the rolling countryside of north Lancashire, then climbs high above the river to offer inspiring views of the surrounding countryside and the fells of the Lake District and the Dales.

Refreshments: Lancaster City Centre and The Redwell Inn, on the ridge between Gressingham and Over Kellet.
Public toilets: Crook O’Lune Picnic Area
Bike Shop: On Yer Bike Caton Rd, Lancaster LA1 3NY

1. START

From the quayside, ride past the Millennium Bridge heading upstream on the right bank on the traffic-free cycleway through the Millennium Park. After 3km, give way to crossing traffic after the car park at Halton.

2. 4.4km

At Crook o’ Lune, cross the first bridge but then head left up through the picnic spot and onto the road. Caution! Road Traffic. Climb for 250m then turn left through gates and over the cattle grid, signposted Cycleway 69. Climb through parkland and past Halton Park to crest the ridge and go right to follow the road along the crest, taking another right after 500m signposted Aughton.

3. 9.5km

Descend the hill, admiring the views up the valley to Ingleborough and the Yorkshire Three Peaks. Bypass the village of Aughton and continue on the flat towards Hornby and Gressingham. To the right, the silvery ribbon of the Lune meanders into the hills, while ahead the Three Peaks almost merge with the velveteen hummocks of the Howgills.

4. 14.8km

After another mile or so, at the junction turn right, following Route 69 to Gressingham, forking left in the village to join Cycleway 90, signposted Arkholme. After half a mile, at the junction, turn right to Arkholme on Route 90. At the crossroads in Arkholme, turn left, following Route 90 to Docker for two miles.

5. 20.2km

Just before the railway bridge, fork left signposted Borwick and Docker Park. Climb past Docker Park, turning west back towards the coast. After two miles of descent, turn left at the next junction, riding alongside the railway for half a mile, then turning left again, signposted Capernwray and Arkholme, and continue straight on past the church. Settle in for a pretty sustained 15-minute climb up and over the lip of the valley to turn right onto the road over the crest.

Caution! Fast road. Continue for half a mile past the Red Well Inn, then turn left signposted Lancaster.

6. 29.8km

Continue for another half mile, then take the road on the right signposted N. Kellet and O. Kellet. Continue through Swarthdale, past the pond, then left to Nether Kellet and cross the M6 motorway.

7. 37.5km

Immediately after the motorway bridge, turn left and climb steadily towards the transmitter tower. After a long descent, turn right onto the suburban road, then left after 250m to join the canal towpath. Cross the Lune viaduct, then, at the far side, descend the ramp to return to St George’s Quay via the cycleway.