How Long is Guild Wheel?

The Guild Wheel is a 21-mile circular route that can be ridden or walked in any direction for as far as you want, providing a scenic and safe cycling and walking route for all the family to use. The route is mainly off-road and traffic-free, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy the beautiful scenery around Preston, Lancashire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Guild Wheel Details

1. What is the history of the Guild Wheel? The Guild Wheel was initiated by members of Preston Cycle Forum, including Peter Ward, an ex-City Councillor and former racing cyclist, and Mike Atkins, the County’s former cycling officer, with Peter Ward receiving an MBE for his services to cycling after the completion of the project.

2. How long does it take to complete the Guild Wheel? It generally takes an average of 7 hours and 18 minutes to complete the Guild Wheel, which is considered a moderately challenging route.

3. Is the Guild Wheel signposted? Yes, the Guild Wheel is well signposted, allowing users to easily navigate the route in either clockwise or anti-clockwise direction.

4. What direction do you ride the Guild Wheel? You can ride the Guild Wheel in either clockwise or anti-clockwise direction, but be prepared to walk the steep and slippery hill near Brockholes.

5. Where do you park for the Guild Wheel? There are several car parks available for the Guild Wheel, including Frenchwood Recreational Ground, Behind Shawes Arms Pub, and Brockholes.

Cycling and Bicycles

6. When was the bicycle invented? The first bicycle was invented by German Inventor Karl von Drais in 1817, with his machine known as the “swiftwalker” having no pedals and a wooden frame.

7. What is the circular cycle route in Preston? The Guild Wheel is a 21-mile circular route that takes you round the city of Preston, suitable for walking, running, cycling, or using a mobility scooter or wheelchair.

8. What does once every Preston Guild mean? Once in a Preston Guild is a Lancashire saying that means a rare occurrence, as Preston Guild takes place every 20 years.

Route and Trails

9. How long is the Preston Dock? The Albert Edward Basin is 3,000 feet long by 600 feet wide, covering an area of around 42 acres and providing over 1.8 km of quayside for loading and unloading vessels.

10. Is the Rebellion Way signposted? The Rebellion Way is not a signposted route, but it overlaps with National Cycle Network route 1 and the Boudicca Way walking trail in some areas.

11. What route is pedal cycles only? A blue cycle sign indicates a route that is for pedal cycles only, with no other vehicles allowed on the off-carriageway path.

Cycling Techniques and Safety

12. Why do cyclists bend on circular paths? Cyclists need to bend inward while going on a circular track to provide the necessary centripetal force to perform circular motion.

13. Why do cyclists ride so close to each other? Cyclists ride two abreast to reduce the length of the group, making it easier for vehicles to overtake, and to make riding more enjoyable by allowing them to talk to each other.

14. Why do cyclists stay behind each other? Cyclists ride in a paceline to experience the benefit of drafting, which reduces wind resistance and the amount of energy required to pedal.

15. Why do bikers lean sideways when taking a turn? Bikers lean sideways when taking a turn to maintain balance, as tilting the bike moves the centre-of-mass sideways, allowing gravity to cause a torque that helps with the turn.