Long Preston to Tosside

This route takes you across the Ribble Valley and up towards Gisburn Forrest at Tosside. You then loop back to Long Preston on very quiet lanes.

The route at a glance

  • Distance: 12.3miles/20km
  • Approx time: 3 hours
  • Climb: 235m
  • Start and finish: Long Preston
  • Parking: Long Preston
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Must see

Tosside, a village of circa 100 people living mostly in Grade II-listed homes, is right on the border between Yorkshire and Lancashire with the dividing line running through the town. It centres around an old stone water fountain (pictured)

Getting to the start from Skipton

Take the train from Skipton to Long Preston (four stops). Drive or cycle the A65 (a busy road). Buses are available from Skipton to Long Preston.

Route points

Start at the Maypole Inn and turn left down Main Street to take Station Road (the B6478).

Follow this road and cross a bridge over the River Ribble. Ride on for nearly 3km, to arrive in Wigglesworth at The Plough Hotel & Restaurant.

Ride up through the village staying on the B6478 signposted Tosside.

Ride up this road for 4km until you get to Tosside: enjoy the views! The Dog & Partridge pub is on the right hand side opposite the T-Junction with the stone water fountain.

Turn left at the T-junction with the stone water fountain and go past the village hall and a telephone box.

Follow this narrow lane for nearly 4km passing through the hamlet of Grunsagill.

At the T-junction turn left signposted Wiggelsworth.

In Wigglesworth turn right back onto the road you cycled earlier. Retrace your way back to Long Preston along the route you came or via the A65.