QUEEN STAGE: LANCS
Overview
One of our flagship stages of the Tour de Britain takes in the beautiful lanes of Lancashire over the best parts of the 2027 Tour route.
Take on the 149km long route or 91km medium route starting & finishing in the Ribble Valley and enjoy some mega climbs in the Forest of Bowland and some flatter, recovery sections near the coast.
- Five epic climbs on the long route & four on the medium route from the picturesque Trough of Bowland to the super punchy Waddingron Fell.
- Ride parts of the Tour before the pros. We take in 65km (long route) or 40km (medium route) of the 2027 Tour 2nd stage.
- Enjoy glorious views and quiet lanes in the Forest of Bowland.
Included in Entry
Route Details
Long Route
One of the great road routes in the UK taking in an area often missed in favour of the Lake District to the North or Yorkshire Dales to the East.
Our ride starts in the market town of Clitheroe before an ascent of the mighty Pendle Hill. From here we head into the Forest of Bowland over the remote and wild Cross o Greets.
We then join the route of the 2027 Grand Depart for the final 65km with a recovery section near the coast and a couple of ramps back into the Forest of Bowland - the beautiful Trough of Bowland and the punchy Waddington Fell, two climbs that will see KOM points & competitive racing next year.
Medium route
The medium route splits from the long route straight away and avoids the long climb up Pendle Hill.
We head north for our first climb at 5km over Grindleton Fell and into the Forest of Bowland and then over the Cross o Greets.
From there we cut across to join the route of the 2027 Grand Depart for the final 40km over the Trough of Bowland and up the sharp Waddington Fell before a long 8km descent back to Clitheroe for a well earned beer.
Key Climbs
Nick o'Pendle
A legendary climb in this part of the world up Pendle Hill (which translates as hill hill hill - very apt for a tough 4km climb).
It's a pitchy climb with a couple of sections of 10% plus ramps but an ideal warm up for a tough ride.
Grindleton Fell
Starting out in Grindleton (home to the legendary Rum Fox pub), this climb takes you out of civilisation and out into the glorious Lancashire countryside.
This is a gradual climb with a couple of pitchy sections - one to find your rythmn and enjoy the views!
Cross of Greet
Wild, remote & beautiful. You actually start climbing out of Slaidburn with a 3km warm up before a short descent and then your onto this narrow climb with cracking views over the Forest of Bowland
Trough of Bowland
One of the most famous climbs in Lancashire heads through the gorge with stunning views. This is a really iconic, unique stretch of road and one of the highlights of the route.
It's fairly long but only steep for about 500m near the end. One to enjoy rather than suffer.
Waddington Fell
One of the toughest climbs in Lancashire and sure to be a painful one coming near the end of the ride.
Starting out of Newton (also home to a legendary pub - The Parker's Arms), the climb starts with 300m at over 12% before settling into a long, beautiful ascent up to the second highest point of the route and a long, fun descent back to Clitheroe.
Event Program
Off the bike
The Ribble Valley is a fantastic place to enjoy a weekend break. Aside from the brilliant road cycling (and gravel cycling in Gisburn Forest and the legendary Salter Fell), we recommend:
- A great hike up Pendle Hill (allow a couple of hours)
- Eat at one of the great gastro pubs in the area including the Parkers Arms, Inn at Whitewell, Freemasons & The Rum Fox
- Enjoy a night out at Holmes Mill in Clitheroe
- For sports fans, watch a competitive game of cricket in the Lancashire League
- Visit the centre of Britain (and a great place for river swimming) at Dunsop Bridge
- Bring your MTB or gravel bike & explore Gisburn Forest
Checklist for the ride
Make sure you bring the following essentials:
- We recommend getting your bike checked or serviced a couple of weeks before the ride.
- We will send out a tyre guide from Michelin so you know how to setup for the route.
- Our rides go into remote areas so ensure you are self-sufficient with tools / spares for basic roadside repairs & layers if you are stuck by the side of the road
- A personal medical kit including foil blanket is recommended
- Even though the route is fully marked, we ask all riders to have the GPX (we send these out a few days before the ride) on your bike GPS.
- This is not a race so come to enjoy the journey and the company of your fellow riders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Food is Served at the Feed Stops
At all feed stops you will find bananas, waffles, g/f options, gels, bars & water. At most feeds you will also find tea & coffee. At the main (lunch) feed stop, we also have sandwiches & crisps with options for g/f and vegans.
Is There a Minumum Age
No but anyone under 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult at all times.
What Happens if I Can't Make the Ride After I've Booked?
Let us know within one week of the ride and we can transfer your entry to any other 2026 ride.
Where Does the Ride Start / Finish?
This ride starts & finishes at Clitheroe Auction Mart on the outskirts of Clitheroe. At the ride village there is a mechanic, cafe & beer at the finish.
Are E-Bikes Allowed?
Yes, our events are open to E-Bikes. provided they are allowed in the UK. Time trial bars are not allowed.
Is There a Cut Off Time
The ride starts at 8am and you need to be back at the finish for 6pm so you need to be able to avg at least 15km/h
