Slaidburn is often described as the prettiest village in the Forest of Bowland, and it’s an easy, enjoyable ride from our Dunsop Bridge hire base – making it one of the most popular short trips for visitors hiring an e-bike with us.
The Ride from Dunsop Bridge
The road between Dunsop Bridge and Slaidburn follows Back Lane, a quiet, rolling route of around 6 miles each way that gives you a genuine taste of Bowland without an all-day commitment. There are a few short, sharp climbs along the way, which is exactly where the e-bike’s motor earns its keep – you’ll arrive in the village warmed up rather than worn out.
For those wanting a longer day, the route can be extended into a loop taking in Newton and the Hodder Valley, or pushed further north towards Stocks Reservoir for a full day’s riding.
What Makes Slaidburn Special
The village itself is a cluster of stone cottages, a 13th-century church, and one of the oldest working village halls in the country, all sitting quietly beside Croasdale Brook. It has featured as a filming location more than once thanks to its unspoilt, timeless feel – there’s very little here that would look out of place a hundred years ago.
The Hark to Bounty Inn, one of the oldest pubs in Lancashire, is the natural focal point for a stop – a proper country pub with a good range of food, perfectly timed for a lunch break roughly halfway through a longer ride.
Extending Towards Stocks Reservoir
From Slaidburn, a further few miles north brings you to Stocks Reservoir, a genuinely special spot for birdwatching and one of United Utilities’ most important sites for wildfowl. The surrounding Gisburn Forest also offers excellent off-road trails if you’ve hired one of our e-mountain bikes rather than a road-going model.
Practical Tips
Back Lane is single-track in places with passing places, so a little care is needed around blind bends, but traffic is minimal outside of peak summer weekends. The climbs out of both Dunsop Bridge and Slaidburn are the steepest sections – set your assistance level to Medium or High for these and you’ll barely notice them.
Book Your Slaidburn Ride
This is one of our go-to recommendations for visitors wanting a genuine slice of Forest of Bowland scenery and history without needing to plan a huge day out. It works equally well as a gentle half-day trip or as the first leg of something longer.
View our hire bikes or get in touch to plan your Slaidburn ride.