FREE bike rides led by a cycling expert are on offer around Blackburn and Darwen.

The three rides are a partnership between British Cycling and Blackburn with Darwen Council’s sustainable travel project Connect, and will take place around the more picturesque parts of the borough.

The first route, on Sunday from 2pm, is Off Road to Belmont, where riders will travel along the edge of Belmont Reservoir, taking in the ruins of Hollinshead Hall and Winter Hill.

West Pennine Wheelies is a 13-mile off-road route that takes place on farm tracks around the West Pennine Moors on Sunday, August 11, from 10am.

The final ride is Bumps and Barges, which will go along Blackburn’s flat canal towpaths and some hilly countryside. It is on Sunday, August 17, from 10am.

All rides will be led by British Cycling trained leaders. For more information, visit www.bwdconnect.org.uk and go to the events page.