Darwen Gravel Challenge

A gravel cycling route starting from Chorley

Plan your own route
in Chorley Plan your own route in Chorley

Conquer the challenging Darwen gravel challenge, showcasing Lancashire's rugged beauty.

Map

This challenging gravel route takes you through some of Lancashire's most rugged and scenic areas. With a difficulty level suitable for experienced cyclists, it provides an epic and rewarding cycling experience. Highlights along the route include Tims Peak, Darwen, Hail Storm Hill, and Smithy Bridge, each offering unique attractions and stunning vistas. Scored between 4 and 5, these highlights are definitely worth stopping by.

gravel

98 km

1378 m

Tough

Route profile

Highlights on the route

0 km

Start: Chorley City center

Chorley: The perfect destination for challenging climbs and scenic descents

Chorley in Lancashire, United Kingdom, presents a mix of challenging climbs and beautiful descents, creating an exhilarating experience for road cyclists. The locality features several iconic cycling routes, including the renowned Belmont Road Climb, which boasts breathtaking views at the summit. Additionally, nearby locations like Rivington Pike provide further climbing challenges and stunning vistas. Chorley's landscape and cycling infrastructure make it a popular choice for road and gravel cyclists alike. With multiple cafes and bike shops catering to cyclists, Chorley earns a ranking of 4 as a great cycling-friendly area.

16 km

Tims peak260 mPeak

Tims Peak is a notable landmark in the area, offering panoramic views and a challenging climb for gravel enthusiasts.

17 km

DarwenTown

Darwen is a small town nestled amidst beautiful moorland, featuring historic architecture and a Victorian tower with breathtaking views.

36 km

Hail Storm Hill477 mPeak

Hail Storm Hill is a steep ascent that provides an adrenaline-filled challenge for gravel cyclists, rewarding them with stunning views at the top.

40 km

WhitworthTown

Whitworth is a picturesque village known for its tranquil reservoirs and scenic cycling routes.

48 km

Smithy BridgeVillage

Smithy Bridge is a charming village located along the Rochdale Canal, offering peaceful surroundings and a break from the challenging gravel terrain.

58 km

HeywoodTown

Heywood is a historic market town known for its rich industrial heritage and Victorian architecture, providing a unique atmosphere for cyclists to explore.

76 km

BoltonTown

Bolton is a vibrant city located at the foot of the West Pennine Moors, offering a bustling center, vibrant cultural scene, and plenty of opportunities for cyclists to refuel and relax.

94 km

The ViewpointViewpoint

The Viewpoint offers stunning panoramic views of the beautiful Lancashire countryside, serving as a reward for conquering the challenging terrain.

98 km

ChorleyTown

Chorley provides a starting point for this epic gravel challenge, offering a range of amenities and historic attractions for cyclists to explore before embarking on the journey.