Top 10 Best Bike Rental Services in Pendle

Cycling in Pendle

Pendle offers some of the most varied cycling in Lancashire. The Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath provides flat, traffic-free riding through Nelson, Barrowford, Foulridge and Barnoldswick. Quiet country lanes lead to picturesque villages such as Barley, Downham and Wycoller. The Lancashire Cycleway passes nearby, and just to the north, Gisburn Forest has some of the best purpose-built mountain bike trails in the North West. For road cyclists, climbs such as the Nick of Pendle are well known and demanding.

Bike rental lets visitors and residents enjoy these routes without owning a bike or transporting one. E-bikes, in particular, have opened up Pendle's hills to riders of all fitness levels. Here are ten of the best bike rental options.

How We Chose These Rental Services

We considered bike quality and range, including e-bikes and mountain bikes, proximity to Pendle and popular routes, pricing, safety equipment, route advice and customer feedback.

The Top 10 Bike Rental Services for Pendle

1. Gisburn Forest Hub Bike Hire

Gisburn Forest Hub is the centre for mountain biking in the Forest of Bowland. Bike hire at or near the hub offers hardtail and full-suspension mountain bikes, plus e-mountain bikes, so riders can tackle the forest's graded trails. It is the top choice for off-road riders from Pendle.

2. Pedal Power Clitheroe

Pedal Power is a well-established cycle shop in Clitheroe, close to the Pendle border. As well as sales and servicing, it has been known to support hire and group rides. Its knowledgeable staff can advise on routes in the Ribble Valley and around Pendle Hill.

3. E-Bike Hire Specialists in the Ribble Valley

Several e-bike hire businesses in the Ribble Valley deliver bikes to hotels and holiday cottages. E-bikes make climbing the Nick of Pendle or the lanes around Downham achievable for most riders and are increasingly popular with couples and families.

4. Canal Towpath Hire Providers

Along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, seasonal and independent hire operators offer hybrid bikes suitable for gentle towpath riding. The route between Foulridge, Salterforth and Barnoldswick is especially scenic and suitable for beginners and families.

5. Skipton Bike Hire Services

Skipton, a short trip from Earby and Barnoldswick, has bike shops and hire services serving visitors to the Yorkshire Dales. They are ideal for riders planning to combine Pendle with longer Dales routes.

6. Brompton Bike Hire

Brompton Bike Hire offers folding bikes from lockers at selected stations and locations in the UK. Folding bikes are handy for rail users who want to combine train travel with cycling, including trips into East Lancashire from larger cities.

7. Lancashire Cycling Hubs and Community Schemes

Community cycling projects in Lancashire sometimes offer low-cost bike loans, adaptive bikes and guided rides. These schemes encourage health and active travel and are particularly good for people returning to cycling.

8. Adaptive and Inclusive Cycling Providers

Inclusive cycling organisations provide trikes, handcycles, tandems and side-by-side bikes for disabled riders. They help make Pendle's traffic-free routes accessible to everyone.

9. Holiday Park and Hotel Bike Hire

A number of holiday parks, glamping sites and country hotels around Pendle offer bikes for guests. This is a convenient option for visitors who want to explore without planning a separate hire.

10. Local Bike Shops With Demo Fleets

Bike shops in Nelson, Colne and Burnley often have demo bikes available to test. While mainly intended for potential buyers, demo days and short-term hire can be a good way to try an e-bike or mountain bike before committing.

Best Routes to Ride on a Hired Bike

The canal towpath from Barrowford to Foulridge Reservoirs is flat and peaceful. A loop from Barley through Roughlee and Newchurch-in-Pendle gives a taste of Witch Country on quiet lanes, with some steep sections. Gisburn Forest's trails range from family-friendly routes to technical singletrack. Experienced road riders can tackle the Nick of Pendle climb and descend towards Sabden and the Ribble Valley.

Cycling Trends in 2026

E-bikes are the fastest-growing segment of the cycling market, making hilly areas like Pendle far more accessible. Gravel bikes have become popular for mixed-surface routes combining lanes, bridleways and forest roads. Local authorities are investing in active travel infrastructure, including improved towpaths and cycle lanes. Bike hire businesses increasingly offer online booking, delivery and GPS route packages.

Safety and Practical Tips

Always wear a helmet and check the bike's brakes and tyres before setting off. Carry water, snacks, a repair kit and a charged phone, as mobile signal can be patchy in rural areas. Weather on Pendle Hill can change quickly, so pack waterproof layers. Be considerate on shared paths, especially the canal towpath, and give way to walkers. Check the e-bike battery range against your planned route.

Final Thoughts

Pendle is a rewarding place to ride, whether you want a gentle canal cruise or a challenging mountain bike session. Gisburn Forest Hub, Ribble Valley e-bike specialists and local shops offer quality bikes and expert advice, while community and inclusive schemes help everyone get involved. Hire a bike, choose a route and discover Pendle on two wheels.