Clitheroe is the natural gateway to the Ribble Valley, and its position roughly nine miles from our Dunsop Bridge base makes it a popular destination for visitors wanting to combine e-bike hire with a market town day out.
Riding to Clitheroe from Dunsop Bridge
The most direct route follows the valley road down through Newton and Bashall Eaves before dropping into Clitheroe itself – a ride of around 9 miles that’s mostly gently downhill on the way there (and, helpfully, assisted by your e-bike’s motor on the way back). It’s a genuinely lovely ride, with the limestone outcrop of Clitheroe Castle visible for much of the approach.
Confident riders often make a loop of it, returning via Waddington and Bashall Town for a change of scenery and a look at some of the prettiest villages in the valley.
What to Do in Clitheroe
Clitheroe Castle and its museum sit on a limestone knoll right in the centre of town, with genuinely impressive views back towards the Bowland fells you’ve just ridden down from. The town itself has a good range of independent shops, cafes and a weekly market, making it an easy place to while away an hour or two before heading back.
Popular Loop: Clitheroe – Gisburn – Dunsop
One of our most requested longer routes links Clitheroe with Gisburn before looping back to Dunsop Bridge, taking in around 30 miles of classic Ribble Valley and Bowland scenery in a single day. It’s a proper undertaking even with electric assistance, so it suits riders who already have some cycling fitness and want to make the most of a full day’s hire.
Refreshment Stops
Clitheroe has plenty of options, from traditional cafes to more contemporary spots around the town centre. If you’re stopping en route, Waddington’s Higher Buck is a solid choice for a proper pub lunch roughly at the halfway point.
Why Hire an E-Bike for This Route
The gentle climb back up the valley towards Dunsop Bridge at the end of the day is the part that puts many cyclists off doing Clitheroe as a there-and-back ride. With an e-bike, that return leg becomes a relaxed cruise rather than a slog, meaning you can enjoy the town without worrying about the ride home.
Explore our rental options or contact us to plan your Clitheroe ride.