The Bolton Ironman has kicked off and we have rounded up six of the best places in and around Darwen to experience it all without breaking a sweat.

The Bolton Ironman UK event attracts thousands of fans and participants from across the country and is due to take place from Friday, June 30, to Sunday, July 2.

The main event takes place on Sunday and competitors are expected to get started at around 6am.

Thousands of competitors of all ages will take part in three different events across the weekend and some of the cycle route in the main Ironman event comes through Darwen.

If you want to cheer on the competitors from the sidelines we have tracked down six of the best pubs and cafes in an around Darwen to visit.

All of them are on the Ironman route, which is 112 miles long and is a loop which racers tackle three times, meaning spectators will get to see plenty of action through the day.

The 6 best places to watch Bolton Ironman

1.Old Function Room, Watery Lane, Darwen

Competitors will likely be going at a good speed as they whizz past this popular pub, sitting on a downhill stretch of the route after riders have slogged up Roman Road and Blacksnape Road.

This site opened as a pub in 2013. It is know for its quiz and karaoke nights, as well as its food offerings.

The pub has been praised by customers for its entertainment offerings and “great selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks”.

 

2. Craven Heifer Inn, Pole Lane, Darwen

Slightly further up the hill from the Old Function Room, it will be a top spot for viewing and is easily accessible.

This pub is known for its roast dinner on Sundays.

The pub has five star reviews on Google with one customer writing: “First visit, as we're moving nearby soon. The pub is well looked after, the staff are welcoming, friendly and helpful. Food was very nice.”

 

3. Park Inn, Cemetery Road, Darwen

Parking a short distance away and walking down to the Park Inn is the best way to get to this venue to watch the race.

Punters will see riders turn onto the A666 and head back towards Bolton as they sit in the sunshine.

This pub has a 4.3 rating on Google, with the friendly staff and “great beer” being praised by customers.

It has also been highlighted as a good place to get real ale.

One customer said: “This is a proper local, nothing fancy just a good pint and a good bunch of people.”

 

4. Rose and Crown, Bury Road, Edgworth

Come the third loop there will be some weary faces passing this pub as riders have hit the 90 mile mark.

 This is a traditional family country pub with live music at weekends. It serves breakfast and roast dinners on Sundays.

The first record of the pub was in 1871. It was originally two cottages. It was originally owned by Dutton’s Brewery who were eventually acquired by Whitbreads in 1978.

There is outside seating with views of the countryside to admire.

 

5. White Horse, Bury Road, Edgworth

Just up the road from the Rose & Crown, this pub dates back to the 18th century. Situated prominently at the Bolton-Bury crossroads in good walking country, this fine local is a large stone built corner building with an impressively decor.

The menu includes British pub classics using locally sourced, fresh ingredients. At weekends there is a brunch menu and Sunday lunch on offer.

 

6. Lotties of Belmont, Belmont Road, Belmont

If you fancy a cup of coffee instead of a pint while you cheer on the athletes, why no consider Lotties?

It also serves breakfast, with cake and coffee available too.

On the final loop riders will have passed the 100 mile mark and be close to the finish of leg two - all they'll have left to tackle after that is a marathon - easy!

The venue is likely to be a bit of a walk to access due to road closures, but the food and drink on offer are worth it.