Yorkshire Dales Road Cycling Routes – pedalnorth

Grantley Hall Cycling Routes

Pedalnorth Website — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 20:33:32 +0000

Cycling routes from Grantley Hall

Grantley Hall is based within some of the most spectacular and beautiful countryside in the U.K. and has a wealth of great cycling routes from the door. On both road and mountain bike, there is so much to explore and see.

We’ve put together a few routes for you to make the most of your day on the bike, with breath-taking scenery, lots of history and some useful stops for cake too . Wherever you’re travelling from, anywhere in the world, you won’t find a better hotel; nor one that is better situated for epic cycling adventures. Based just outside the historic Cathedral city of Ripon, close the the World Heritage Site of Fountains Abbey, Grantley Hall is easily accessible from air, road and train – and bike!

Recommended Cafe Stops

It’s critical to know the best places to stop and take on board refreshments! Ask any keen cyclists . Here’s a few of our favourite places:

Johnny Baghdad’s Cafe – Masham Market Place. Situated in the corner, near to the church, this eclectic cafe is famous with local cyclists, and serves some of the best cafe food in the Dales.
Jervaulx Abbey Tearooms – Based at historic Jervaulx Abbey, in Lower Wensleydale, this cafe has no equal for its home-made cake!
The Curious Coffee Company, Easingwold – based in Easingwold market place, on the edge of the Howardian Hills, this is a ‘must stop’ venue on a ride across the Vale of York.

Grantley to Greenhow Hill

A world class ride that takes in the famous Greenhow Hill and other classic steep Yorkshire road climbs in beautiful Nidderdale

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Grantley and rolling lanes to Ripon

Ride the quiet rolling lanes on the edges of the Dales, with a stop at Ripon to see the Cathedral and Fountains Abbey

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Grantley and the Vale

Ride along easy lanes that skirt the Vale of York, through scenic villages to historic Boroughbridge before heading back

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Grantley in the Dales

It’s time to head into the Yorkshire Dales National Park, on this ride that explores hidden gems to give you the most scenic of rides

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Visit Grantley Hall

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Coverdale and Wensleydale

Pedalnorth Website — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 13:59:17 +0000

Coverdale & Wensleydale

This is probably one of the most picturesque rides in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, taking in some superb climbs along its short distance. Starting from the market town of Masham, it takes you on a tour with lots of history, passing abbey’s and a castle along the way, before returning to Masham for cake

It takes you to East Witton, a beautiful Dales village, before climbing the hidden roads of Coverdale, to tiny villages with epic views across the National Park.

Route Information

Stats 48 km 3736 metres

OS Map:

Refreshments & Where to Stay

Plenty of choice at Masham. Our favourite is the Johnny Baghdad’s Cafe in the corner of the market square, by the church.

Character

It’s a short ride, but filled with great climbs and descending, taking in quiet lanes that twist and turn.

Route

Head out of Masham on the road towards Leyburn, the A6018.
At East Witton, turn off left and ride up alongside the village green, taking the narrow lane that climbs to open countryside, before descending to the medieval bridge near to Coverham Abbey. Do not cross the bridge, but instead, climb upwards to West Scrafton.
At West Scrafton, descend and cross the river on the narrow and bravelly tarmac road – take care. Climb to the road T junction with the Coverdale Road, turning right and climbing to the village of Carlton.
From Carlton,ride to Melmerby, before turning off, signed to ‘West Witton’ and climbing steeply to Pen Hill. The summit is reached soon after crossing the cattle grid.
Once you’ve reached the summit, descent for 300 metres and then turn right, following the road as it runs alongside the horse training gallops (Common Lane).
At the next junction,turn right and cycle for 400 metres until a narrow road on the left is seen – take this and descend with care to the main Coverdale Road once more, heading left towards Middleham.
This road descends at speed into historic Middleham,but take care due to race horses training in the area. They use this road to get access to the gallops. Pass through Middleham and head back to Masham, once more riding past Jervaulx Abbey.
Time for cake at the cafe in the corner of the square, by the church.

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Settle to Carlisle Cycling Route

Pedalnorth Website — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 20:16:26 +0000

Settle to Carlisle Cycling Route
Photo by Samuel Girven on Unsplash

Riding the Route of the Settle to Carlisle Railway

A ride of discovery and history

One of the most famous rail journeys in the U.K., the Settle Carlisle road cycling route takes you from the historic Yorkshire Dales market town of Settle, all the way through the magnificent Dales National Park, to historic Carlisle and its wealth of Roman and medieval history.

Along the way, you’ll see some of the most magnificent viaducts in the country, and stop off for tea and cake (and cheese you choose) in Hawes, the market town at the head of Wensleydale. We’ve developed this ride to help you to discover cycling rides that have less impact on our countryside. Once you arrive at Carlisle, you can simply catch the train back to Settle; and, there’s ample railway stations along the way, if you choose to ride short sections without having to drive here.

Route Information

Distance & Climbing: 137 km & 1,6868 metres

OS Map:

Refreshments & Accommodation: Both Settle and Carlisle have a wealth of great places to stay. Check out our link to places at Booking.com (on this page). Hawes and Appleby have excellent choices for food and snacks along the ride too.

Route Character: It’s a long day in the saddle, unless you break the journey.If you do, then Hawes is an excellent spot, with a Youth Hostel and good hotels. There’s a long climb into the hills, on a reasonable country road to Ribblehead, then rolling roads to Hawes, before things get easier and more descents become the order of the day.

1. Head from the Mrket town of Settle on the road to Giggleswick, before taking the minor and very quiet lane signed to ‘Stackhouse’ and ‘Little Stainforth’.

2. Cross the small packhorse bridge near Stainforth Falls waterfall and follow the winding road to the main B6479 road – turn left and follow this to Harton in Ribblesdale, where you’ll see the first of the famous ‘3 Peaks’ hills – Pen-Y-Ghent, standing sublime to your right.

3. Continue climbing to the magnificent viaduct at Ribblehead.

4. From Ribblehead the road gets bleak, as you climb and roll towards Wensleydale and the market town of Hawes. There’s so much to see here, and some of you will want to rest overnight and enjoy the area.

5. Leave Hawes on the A684 road towards Sedbergh. On reaching Garsdale Head and the viaduct, turn off onto the A6259 towards Kirkby Stephen. The high hills to your right are where the infant river Ure is formed, as rain falls onto the mossy ground and falls down to the valley.

6. From Kirkby Stephen take the road towards Appleby in Westmoreland, before riding under the A66 main road and riding to Brampton and Milburn. The roads climb and roll just a little bit less now, as you ride on to Langwathby, in the land of red sandstone.

7. From Langwathby go a short distance on the A686,before turning off right onto the B6412 road though the Eden Valley and towards Lazenby.

8.Quiet roads now lead to to the border town of Carlisle and its historic train station.

Points of Interest

Along the route are several important natural features and historic sites:

Stainforth Force Waterfall and packhorse bridge
Ribblehead Viaduct
Arten Gill Viaduct
Hardraw Force Waterfall (biggest drop in England)
Lammerside Castle
Appleby Castle
Little Salkeld Water Mill
Carlisle Castle

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Around the Howgills

Pedalnorth Website — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 10:02:18 +0000

AROUND THE HOWGILLS

This is a superb route for wild and rugged scenery, on good roads with long climbs and great descents. When riding in autumn and winter, you really do need to make sure that your bike is well serviced, that you have tools and inner tubes and good cold weather clothing. It’s also wise to use a rear light during daytime riding, as tree lined country roads with hidden sunlight can make it difficult for cars to pick you out early. Anyway, to the route.

We start this ride from Oxenholme railway station near to Kendal, as you can take the train to the start and finish and enjoy an environmentally friendly adventure. Nearby Kendal can provide excellent opportunities for a bite to eat as you finish the ride too, and the ride is also easy to do if you’re planning on a few days in the Lake District. Make sure that you check the weather reports prior to setting off, as the Howgills are beautiful but remote and wild.

The Howgills provide sublime views to those driving up the M6 motorway and passing through Cumbria. Close to the road, these wild hills stand proudly and defiant. The climbs are steep and at times brutal, but the rewards are epic. It’s time to take a closer look at the hills that sit between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales.

Route Information

Stats 80 km 1,181 metres

Map Link:

Refreshments & Where to Stay

Nearby Kendal has everything required and the two national parks in the area have a wealth of great accommodation choices.

Character

A long and remote route amidst the hills. Weather can be wild here, so be prepared. The climbs are long and steep, but the views are amazing.

Route

Set off from Oxenholme station on the B6254 signed towards Old Hutton. After a very short distance turn off left into Hayclose Lane prior to the Station Inn.
At the junction with the famous A684 Dales road, turn right towards Sedbergh and continue on the A684 until you cross the M6 motorway. Once over the motorway bridge, turn off right into the narrow lane towards Killington. This beautiful narrow lane takes you on a true country cycling journey, with amazing scenery. However, take care along the winding lane for oncoming traffic; for whilst this is minimal, the narrowness of the road enquires attention.
After 2 km, turn sharply left to Killington village and ride through towards the B6256 road, climbing most of the way, with meadows and hedgerows beside you. Join the B6256 and turn left and continue towards the A684 and the famous Howgills literary town of Sedbergh.
After a brief stop in Sedbergh for any refreshments, the A684 is swapped for the A683 towards Kirkby Stephen. The climbing continues as you cross remote and exposed countryside and climb towards Kirkby Stephen.
At the junction with the A685 turn left towards Newbiggin on Lune and ride into the village itself once reached. Then cycle along the minor country road that runs parallel with the A685, through Kelleth, eventually crossing over the A685 and onto Tebay. Now cycle along the old A6 road that follows alongside the route of the M6 south. Turn off to Kendal and enjoy the descent after some tough climbs.
Kendal has ample places to choose from for food and drinks, before you ride the short distance back to Oxenholme, or simply take a train from Kendal itself.

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Great Climbs – Church Bank

Pedalnorth Website — Wed, 19 Feb 2020 12:48:04 +0000

A climb for all seasons

Church Bank, Nidderdale

As a cycling venue Yorkshire is hard to beat; whilst it may not have the endlessly long climbs of the Alps and elsewhere, it does have a plethora of savagely steep climbs that hit you in quick succession. Jere in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, you’d have difficulty finding a hill that has a gradient sign unless it’s over 12% – they’d simply run out of signs! We thought that as Yorkshire is the heartland of where Pedalnorth began, we ought to produce a guide to our favourite killer climbs.

Church bank is an unrelenting wall of tarmac, on a narrow and winding climb that never seems to ease off… until the summit. Whilst not the steepest, it is very likely to hill that requires the most spirit and determination.

Many of them you’ll recognise, but there’ll be a few that are new to you, unless you’re a local and know the secret roads that wind their way around this beautiful corner of the U.K.. We thought that we’d start things off with a surprise choice, taking you up Church Bank at Pateley Bridge in Nidderdale, with a short burst up the Devils Elbow climb too. For most cyclists, Pateley Bridge brings forth images of Greenhow Hill, used on the Tour De France, Tour de Yorkshire and the recent World Road Cycling Championships. However, Church Bank is steeper, tighter, more twisty and more painful, whilst still leading you up to amazing views across the wild and beautiful landscape of the Dales. Let’s get climbing then …

Total distance: 43 km

Total ascent: 710 metres

Start: Park in the main car park at Pateley Bridge, or ride into the valley from your local home.

Refreshments: Lots at patley Bridge, and a cafe at Fountains Abbey (halfway)

Ascending Church Bank

The route starts from the car park adjacent to the river in Pateley Bridge, and without any warning it immediately throws you onto a climb as you turn right and head up the famous High Street a a gradient of 9%. Passing Kendals Butchers on the right and the oldest sweet shop in England on the left, the road ahead bends sharply right, but not for us – we simply start to pray and cycle straight ahead, turning onto Church Lane.

The climbing is steep from the start as you weave past the houses on either side before the road narrows and hits 20%+ as houses and cottages are soon left behind. Trees and hedgerows lime the dark lane ahead, adding to the foreboding nature as the road begins to bite. There’s no room to weave, and you simply have to grit your teeth and crank it out. Short respites are given as you cycle up mere 14-20% sections, before cottages on the right hand side break out from the trees and the road bends to the left and stays steep and unrelenting.

Church Bank Summit to Devils Elbow

The tree line is finally cleared and the road edges up in a traverse that hangs on the side of the Nidderdale valley. A bench to the left of the road gives an opportunity to rest and to take in the magnificent view, but we prefer to suffer and climb. Passing the bench, the road soon winds back to to right and the gradient once more steepens towards 20%, passing a farm lane to the left and footpath sign to the right. Your eyes open to the easier road ahead as things start to relent, having given you a 1.5 km sufferfest. Passing the road junction signed to Blazefield on the right, the climbing is now straightforward but continuous, with open views all around.

Eventually, as you see large glacial boulders in the field to the right at around 2.5 km, it’s safe to say that Church Bank has been conquered. The road now winds it’s way through spectacular moorland, with birds of prey flying overhead, as you head towards the next challenge – the short but steep Devils Elbow. At around 5.5 km a junction is reached and you turn left, dropping down to the sharp bend (the Devils Elbow) and the road rises to 20%. The grind is however short lived, as once you bend to the left it eases off and takes you once more through open moorland scenery.

Devils Elbow to Fountains Abbey

Stay on this road, crossing a cattle grid with care at around 9 km, where the dry stone walled road narrows tightly and sheep meadows create an endless green carpet. At 11.5 km pass the junction to Laverton on your left, staying on the lane as it once again twists and turns and climbs, with picture postcard views all around you. A friend and cycling writer colleague who stayed last year, likened the views to being constantly within a film set, as the countryside was so typical of that seen in the movies.

A sharp bend at 13 km signifies the end of the winding roads for a while, as things straighten out. Ahead lies a junction with a wider road – Gate Bridge. Turn left and ride on for another 2 km, reaching a junction on your right signed for Galphay. Take this road on the right and head through Galphay, where the road bends sharply and requires care. At 1 km past Galphay the road drops sharply to a bridge and then climbs at around 14% before easing off and descending on a tight and twisting lane lined by high hedges all the way to Ripon. It’s time now for tea and cake at Fountains Abbey before riding back to Pateley Bridge along the main road.

Via Brimham Rocks back to Pateley Bridge

From Ripon, take the B6265 road that twists and turns and then climbs from the entrance to Grantley Hall hotel, initially up another short 20% hill, before bending to the left and easing off. Follow this road as it then continues to climb, albeit gradually, through Risplith village, which when passed through, increases the gradient once more. The road eventually eases off and heads straight towards Pateley Bridge.

A useful detour 2.5 km from Risplith is the junction and road to the left, signed to Brimham Rocks. Follow this for 3.8 km, them turning down right towards Summerbridge. For the first time today, you get to ride down a steep hill, descending for 3 km to Wilsill and taking the road right for a final 3.5km back to Pateley Bridge and refreshments.

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Cycling Nidderdale

Pedalnorth Website — Fri, 13 Dec 2019 20:23:12 +0000

Cycling in Nidderdale

Ssh…don’t tell anyone about this place. It’s a real gem and a secret cycling centre of excellence – Nidderdale. With the long and winding ascent – or descent – of Greenhow Hill, coupled with Lofthouse Bank, it has climbs to match anywhere in the Dales. This long and narrow working dale is also blessed with some sprinting straights, hemmed in by close drystone walls and rising fells that twist as the lock you into the valley head, with the only exit being a lung busting ascent to Masham. At its centre lies the historic market town of Pateley Bridge, blessed with a delightful river which runs beside the park – and two award winning pie making butchers! Tempted?

Larisa Chinces riding the World Championships roads in Nidderdale. With sweeping bends and climbs called ‘Devil’s Elbow’, you know it’s tough

Breaking down Nidderdale, it has a variety of access points, each providing their own cycling style. Entry from Wharfdale over to Greenhow is via an open and somewhat barren landscape. Lead mining has sculptured the landscape here, leaving a wealth of history amidst the hills. Tight twisting lanes rise and fall between Greenhow and the A59, with hidden hamlets springing up as you turn a corner. The tough and rugged gritstone buildings defy the winds that sweep across from the open moorland towards the West Riding and Otley, bending trees into formed shapes and testing the cyclist. A scarred map of lanes run off the main highways, hemming you in as you lean and swerve to negotiate the tight and narrow bends out towards Thornthwaite on unrelenting gradients.

Entering the dale from Harrogate is an easier option, as the road sweeps elegantly along, with long running curves that encourage the glide. Green meadows filled with sheep and cattle line the way, producing scenes expected elsewhere in the more familiar dales. Lanes run off however in the narrow Nidderdale style, climbing steeply towards the gritstone boulder field of Brimham Rocks, a remnant of the last ice age, and a great place to stop for tea and cake, at the National Trust café. On the other side of the valley, long sweeping roads climbs with ease towards the golf balls of RAF Menwith Hill and the further afield to Otley once more.

The entry from Ripon is a refined affair, designed for sprinters, along the straights of the Pateley Bridge Road, or the endless moorland roads from Kirkby Malzeard and Dallowgill. This side is moorland country, with Buzzards and Owls hovering overhead on the thermals. A rugged landscape that is lit in summer by sweeps of purple heather amidst landscape managed for country sports. It provides a reflective ride in silent solitude, with scenic viewpoints to enjoy the endless views. The Queen Victoria Memorial Tower at Dallowgill gives views all the way to the Hambleton Hills in the east, drawing you in for a long ride across to these guardians of the North Yorks Moors. However, the connoisseur will return to Pateley Bridge via Church Lane Hill, holding onto the brakes for dear life as they twist down this alpine-esque hill.

And last but not least is the entry to Upper Nidderdale from Masham and Lower Wensleydale. A blend of meadowland and moorland sweeps across, with rising fells that provide the watershed for reservoirs to feed the thirst of the West Riding. Steep descents and ascents lead to Lofthouse and How Stean Gorge, a superb limestone river gorge with eerie sculptured sides torn by water. The café at the gorge provides a welcome cyclist tea spot before the climb of Lofthouse bank leads you home again and tests the spirit of any climber.

The best time to go is early spring when the sun is not yet too hot and cool breezes will keep you cool. For the top rides to follow,simply click below and choose a ride ?

Masham to Scar House Reservior

Masham to Scar House Reservoir and back. Leading out from the small town famous for its 2 breweries, the road rises and falls through delightful farmland the village of Healey. The farmland soon gives way to heather clad moor and the first of the reservoirs at Leighton. Here the hills really begin, sweeping and twisting down before rising cruelly. A gentle amble then calms the legs before a descent of Lofthouse Bank. Over the small and ancient packhorse bridge, the narrow road leads to How Stean and tea. Once refreshed, take the reservoir road to Scar House, climbing with a sting, before a rest and reverse journey home again.

Harrogate into Nidderdale

1. Head down West Park Stray, turning left at the junction with Beech Grove (traffic lights). Follow Beech Grove around West Park Stray until the junction with Otley Road. Turn right, heading up Otley Road on the first climb of the day. At the junction with Harlow Moor Road (right), turn right and enjoy the descent all the way to the bridge and traffic lights. Get in gear however, because a steep climb up Peny Pot Lane follows.

2. Climb Peny Pot Lane and go straight ahead at the large roundabout. Take the junction on the left down Burley Bank Road and cross over the main A59 with care, heading along Rowden Lane before descending towards the village of Hampsthwaite. At the ‘T’ junction turn right along High Street, then follow the road as it bends around to the left, signed ‘Birstwith 1 1/2 miles’. The road twists and turns through fantastic scenery, along the valley bottom, allowing you a break before the climbs to come.

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Col du Dallowgil

This is an excellent ride from the cathedral city of Ripon, which also allows you the opportunity to visit nearby Fountains Abbey, a World Heritage Site.

It takes in the lesser known lanes on the edge of Nidderdale, but does so with spectacular scenery and sweeping lanes that rise and fall, leading to the isolated moorland village at Dallowgill. Historic Ripon has some superb places to stay,from the Old Deanery Hotel opposite the oldest cathedral in England, to the 5 star plus Grantley Hall nearby, one of the finest hotels in Europe.

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Col Du Dallowgill

Pedalnorth Website — Thu, 21 Mar 2019 10:50:58 +0000

Col du Dallowgill

Route Information

Stats: 32 miles and 2300 feet of ascent

OS Map:

Refreshments

Fountains Abbey visitor centre is ideal, and has a great restaurant for post ride meals and snacks.

Character

This route takes in the winding lanes on the dge of the Dales to hidden places with superb climbing.

Route

Head out of Fountains, down through the Deer Park and to the main Pateley Bridge Road. Turn right towards Ripon and then turn left after 300 metres, towards Galthay.
Go past the Inn and down to the T junction. Turn left and ride the rolling climbs to High Grantley.Just before the village,take the road to the right towards Skelding. Follow this winding lane to the T junction on the moors road.
Turn right on this road towards Laverton and Dallowgill. Ride over the cattle grid and after the tight and narrow twisting lane take the minor road on the left signed to Dallowgill.
Twist and climb this awesome country lane, as it guides you to the Col at Dallowgill, with spectacular views.
Follow the long and rolling road, with testing climbs to the edge of Kirkby Malzeard. Ride the short Laverton Loop before crossing the junction in Kirkby Malzeard and riding to Grewelthorpe.
At Grewelthorpe take the road towards Ripon for 1 mile before turning left and descending Mickley Bank.
After the village of Mickley, climb up and turn right onto the narrow lane. At its end turn left and shortly afterwards turn right onto a lane that brings you to the Ripon Road.
Turn left and ride into Ripon and back to Fountains Abbey.

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Lake Shoes Ride – UCI TT & TDF

Pedalnorth Website — Thu, 07 Mar 2019 19:25:08 +0000

Lake Shoes Ride Yorkshire – UCI TT & TDF Routes

This ride takes in the majority of the 2019 UCI World Road Cycling TT route, and a section of the 2014 Tour de France Grand Depart route.

It starts and finishes at Studley Royal, a World Heritage Site.

Stats: 61 km & 820 metres of climbing (2692 feet)

UK Ordnance Survey Map:

Refreshments

Visitor centre at Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal World Heritage Site, and also at Jonny Baghdad’s Cafe, Masham along the ride.

Character

This route starts at the ancient Cathedral city of Ripon, taking on the main part of the 2019 UCI World TT route, before heading off on local country roads, before joining a section of the 2014 Tour de France route. Climbs and descents on tight twisting lanes, and epic countryside, make it a ride to remember.

Route

The ride starts at Studley village, heading through the famous Deer Park, and joining the private road for Fountains Abbey.
Leave the visitor centre road onto the twisting lane that descends to the rear abbey entrance, turning sharply at the abbey and then turning left, climbing up towards Sawley. Stay on this road, descending steeply before a steep 20% climb that leads to a long and flat straight.
Turn off right to Bishop Thornton, riding through Shaw Mills, before climbing to Bedlam. After descending Bedlam Bank, turn off left and head back towards Fountains Abbey.
Stay on the quiet lane and cross over the B6265 road and head down and around via Low Grantley and a few short climbs to Kirkby Malzeard.
At Kirkby Malzeard, ride straight over and down the twisting hill, riding on to Grewlthorpe.
At Grewelthorpe take the long climbing quiet lane (Nutwith Lane) which climbs to a road junction, then turn right and then right again. Then descend down to Swinton via Warthermarske Hill, a long and steep descent where care should be taken.
Ride into Masham and onto the town square – time for a coffee.
From Masham join the main road towards Ripon, part of the 2014 Tour de France Grand Depart. Stay on this all the way to North Stainley. Just before North Stainley turn off right and follow the twisting lanes across to the Kirkby Road, then heading left and into Ripon.
At Ripon ride back to Studley village on the Pateley Bridge Road, back to Studley village.

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Yorkshire Dales Touring Route South

Pedalnorth Website — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 18:00:24 +0000

Yorkshire Dales Touring Route South

Route Information

Stats: 106 miles and 5389 feet of ascent

OS Map:

Refreshments

Skipton has it all: accommodation, food stops, bike shops etc. You may want to book a night at the travel lodge for when you return. On route, there are several options. Please feel free to contact us for any advice. Or simply click onto the National Parks accommodation link from this site.

Character

If you’ve quickly glanced at the elevation and the distance to the right, you will have taken a sharp intake of breath, muttered ‘Oh my God’ and quickly turned to another ride. Trust me stick with it. This is one of the finest rides you are likely to come across, and probably one of the best in England in my view. This ride is 106 miles of truly awesome Dales landscapes, some of the quietest roads and plenty of ‘off saddle’ activity to take your mind off your sore bum.

This route can be completed in various ways, so start from where ever you like, take as long as you want and take in as much of the Dales as you want to. It’s a ride for serious sporting riders, and for those wanting a fresh challenge or the keen biker (or groups) looking for a different holiday. My choice is 3, 4 or 5 night stop over. Now this may sound a lot of stops, but remember you are riding through the highest parts of the county of North Yorkshire. In fact over 8000ft of ascent and your thighs may not be your friend any more if you do too much too quickly.

Route

Day 1: Start at the Travel Lodge, Skipton. Ride through following the guide to Grassington through to Pateley Bridge. Stay over in Pateley Bridge (25miles)

Day 2: Start out from Pateley Bridge heading North through Nidderdale. Take a detour to How Stean Gorge it’s worth a visit. Head back on yourself and left into Lofthouse (pub stop) and up the moor towards Masham. Stay over in the superb small town of Masham. At Masham you can take in the Black Sheep Brewery trip.

Day 3: Head out from Masham north west to Middleham and on to Leyburn. From Leyburn follow the road to Wesley and then take the North West lane up to Preston under Cliffe. Looking down you can take in the valley with the majestic Bolton Castle.

At Redmire you have a rest and if time permits take a train ride back along the scenic Wensleydale Railway. Drop down from Redmire and take in Asgarth Falls. A must see, and where Robin was filmed with Kevin Costner.

Over the bridge and turn right towards Bainbridge and Hawes. Your choice of stay over accommodation dependants on the legs; either in the pictureque village of Bainbridge or in Hawes. Bit more in the way of facilities in Hawes.

Day 4/5: Assuming you’ve stayed in Hawes head out South West and into a very different landscape of Widdale. This landscape will continue to change and you ride South. Ride in the shadow of Whernside to your right and Ingleborough to the front of you.

Take a rest at world famous Ribblehead Viaduct, part of the Settle to Carlisle railway. The Station Inn serves cracking food and some great refreshments.

Continue towards Horton in Ribblesdale with Pen-y-Ghent (Hill of Winds) on your left. In Stainforth take the left in the village and start ascending again; probably the last big incline on this route. It will be worth it as you are heading towards Malham Tarn, Malham Cove and Malham village.

From Malham follow the lane south to Conniston Cold and left onto the A65. Follow the A65 into Gargrave. At Gargrave take the right over the bridge and follow the lane to the A59 at Broughton. Turn left at the A59 and head back to Skipton and the start point of the Travel Lodge.

Contact pedalnorth.com for details on where to stay and other tourist activities to take in en-route.

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Wensleydale Castles

Pedalnorth Website — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 17:53:01 +0000

Wensleydale Castles

Route Information

Stats: 29 miles and 1562 feet of ascent

OS Map:

Refreshments

Middleham has a small selection of great little pubs and cafes. The halfway halt is Askrigg, so switch the damn Strava to pause (it does have a pause button!) and stop for a brew and cake at one of the local haunts.
The Cornmill Tearoom in Bainbridge is also well recommended and serves great cake.

Character

This is a great little rolling ride from Middleham Castle and a superb introduction to the Dales. It takes an obvious line through Wensleydale, with sweeping descents to catch some speed, using the parts of the Dale that Le Tour missed out on, as well as some of the Le Tour route. Some moderate climbs lead you nicely to Askrigg, home of the James Herriott series (filmed around here), before some easier riding back to Middleham, passing Castle Bolton.

Route

1. From the Castle head down to the village/ town cross and the A6108 road. Turn left and flow speedily downhill to the bridge over the Ure onto Mightens Bank. After a quarter mile, turn left onto the narrow lane (Low Lane) towards Wensley village itself.

2. A junction meets the A684 at Wensley. Turn left and cycle over another larger bridge before ascending to West Witton. The road drops down to Swinithwaite before climbing steeply to Aysgarth. Thankfully as you leave the village the road bends right and drops with speed into the Dale bottom, then continuing with ease to Bainbridge.

3. At Bainbridge take the junction right signed to ‘Askrigg’, dropping along the lane and over the bridge to the ‘T’ junction. Turn right and climb into Askrigg – time for tea.

4. Leave the village uphill on the Leyburn Road and stay on this, with some cheeky climbs fitted in on the way to Redmire. However, this return leg has a friendly more downhill gradient in your favour on the way back.

5. The road from Redmire sweeps down with a steep and twisting section to the junction with the A684 at Wensley. Turn right onto the A684 and then left at the church back onto Low Lane.

6. Cycle the 1.6 miles of Low Lane back to the A6108. Turn right and head back to Middleham, with a short climb to finish off the day.

2 famous castles and some superb Dales scenery should have whetted your appetite for more. Check out what’s on offer on our road routes section.

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