The Preston Guild Wheel

A route that follows the beautiful River Ribble through Avenham Park towards Albert Edward Dock and on to Riversway. The route then crosses over the Blackpool Road Bridge and follows the Ribble Link Waterway and north towards Broughton. Then, heading south towards Salmesbury, to pick up the route alongside the River Ribble, through Fishwick Bottoms and return to the start point at Frenchwood.

The Preston Guild Wheel is a very popular, mostly traffic free cycleway around the city of Preston. Not a long ride at 21 miles but a route that has something for everyone. Built as a legacy project for the 2012 Preston Guild it connects the city centre to the countryside taking in the picturesque River Ribble, the historic docklands, ancient woodlands and the Brockholes Nature Reserve.

The majority of the route is 'off road' on hard surfaced roads and cycle paths, river paths, canal tow paths, compacted shale type paths and a couple of short hills. Suitable for most bikes (slick tyres are not recommended though). There is a short sharp descent which some riders may prefer to walk down rather than cycle due to the incline and the surface which can be difficult after wet weather.

We will take a refreshment break at the Final Whistle Cafe located at the UCLAN Sports Arena, Tom Benson Way, PR2 1SG. Please note that the stop is after 8 miles.

All riders will be required to wear a helmet and carry spare inner tubes and the means to be able to repair a puncture (assistance will be provided if required). Don't forget some money for the cafe stop.

This is a very scenic route in some excellent cycling countryside on a well established and popular route and there will be plenty of photo opportunities along the way. We want everyone to enjoy this very friendly group ride so it will be at a pace to suit all riders in the group and to take account of the weather conditions (usually between 9-11 mph). We will never leave anyone behind and we want everyone to enjoy the ride!