The dramatic landscape that can be seen along the Yorkshire Dales Cycle Way has been attracting visitors for many years and the heart of the Dales has been designated as both a National Park and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The Yorkshire Dales boasts some of the finest scenery in the country, with marvellous limestone formations contrasting with the heather clad moorlands and valley bottoms full of beautiful meadows. There are many lovely villages and towns to explore along the way, where you can take the opportunity to have a break and discover some of the fascinating history of the area.
Cycling along the Yorkshire Dales Cycle Way is a lovely way to explore the area. Y ou get to see more and feel more in touch with the countryside around you, and you can be fully justified in stopping by at The Royal Hotel, Kirkby Lonsdale for Afternoon Tea or a pint of local ale in or Bar.
We wouldn’t pretend that the Yorkshire Dales is the easiest place to start cycling as it is difficult to completely avoid hills, and there are few opportunities for completely traffic free cycling. However, on many Dales roads you will meet few cars and the stunning scenery is worth the odd climb. For more experienced riders the Dales offers some fantastic riding and there are some of the most famous climbs in the UK to take on including the Buttertubs Pass, Fleet Moss, Park Rash and the Coal Road. If you need a gentler day in the saddle there are some long valley rides, and the more undulating countryside to the east to explore.
Cycle touring is a great way to explore the area, and is a totally different experience to going on a day ride. The Yorkshire Dales Cycleway takes you around the whole area, it’s a a challenging 130 mile circular route visiting most of the major dales in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It is designed to be started and finished in Skipton, but it can be started at any point, or divided into sections to suit you. Many will find it is ideal for a leisurely six day tour, while others may wish to cover more than one section in a day. Make The Royal Hotel your end destination and enjoy a stay in our luxury bed and breakfast or take advantage of our fantastic DB&B for £123 offer.
The route includes challenging climbs through wild areas which will test your limits, swooping descents and stunning quiet dales to explore. It follows country lanes for its length including many where you will see more sheep than cars. While the majority of the route is well signed using the symbol of the Yorkshire Dales National Park – a Swaledale sheep, it is always worth having a copy of the dedicated map with you.
Interactive Route Map
You can plan you route using this interactive map.
Bike shops
There are a number of cycle shops in the surrounding areas, and two within the National Park itself. There is also a mobile repair service – the Dales Bike Doctor. Below is a list of the shops that are on the route:
The Bicycle Shop
3-5 Water Street
Skipton
North Yorkshire, BD23 1PQ
01756 794386
Dave Ferguson Cycles
3 Albion Yard
The Ropewalk
Skipton
North Yorkshire, BD23 1ED
01756 795367
Outdoorhuman
Unit B, The Gallery
Wood Lane
Grassington
North Yorkshire, BD23 5LU
01756 751865
www.outdoorhuman.co.uk
3 Peaks Cycles
7 HIgh Street
Settle
North Yorkshire, BD24 9EX
01729 824232
www.3peakscycles.com
Dales Bike Centre
Parks Barn
Fremington
Reeth
North Yorkshire, DL11 6AW
01748 884908
www.dalesbikecentre.co.uk
Leyburn Bikes
Hill Top Farm
Moor Road
Leyburn
North Yorkshire, DL8 5DJ
07764 156229/01969 623565
www.leyburnbikes.co.uk
Dales Bike Doctor
Mobile repair service for the Yorkshire Dales area based in Ingleton.
07540 403 455
www.dalesbikedoctor.co.uk
