Explore the Yorkshire Dales Cycleway
The Yorkshire Dales National Park has always been a favourite destination for British cyclists. It mixes famous scenic landmarks, towns and valleys with hidden geographical gems and rarely visited villages into a perfect recipe for riding.
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Distance: 209 km (130 miles)
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Total climbing: 3,922m
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Starting point: Skipton
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Finish point: Skipton
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Difficulty Rating: **** (click here for more details)
Map Key
Highlights
Askrigg
A perfect stopping point to recharge on your cycling holiday
Aysgarth Falls
This dramatic set of waterfalls have inspired the likes of William Wordsworth, John Ruskin and JMW Turner, and continue to move all those who visit.
Bolton Abbey
Often referred to as one of Yorkshire’s best day outs, you can explore the ruins of the Priory as well as the 30,000 acres of beautiful countryside it’s set in which boasts over 80 miles of riverside, woodland and moorland footpaths.
Bolton Castle
Another of England’s best-preserved medieval castles; originally built as one of the finest and most luxurious homes in the land for Lord Bolton, it bears the scars of over 600 years of fascinating history.
Kilnsey Crag
This huge, overhanging limestone cliff is an iconic Dales landmark. It was shaped by glaciers that once filled the valley and plucked away the sheer rock face thousands of years ago. It now draws rock climbers and tourists from far and wide.
Malham Cove
A geographical marvel which comprises a huge curving amphitheatre standing 260 feet tall, naturally carved from a limestone pavement. It is a strange pattern rarely seen in England and has been attracting visitors for centuries.
Ribblehead Viaduct
This incredible feat of engineering appears out of nowhere on remote, open moorland and is undoubtedly the most impressive structure on the Settle-Carlisle railway line. It features 24 massive stone arches rising to 32 metres.
Skipton Castle
A 900-year-old fortress which is one of the most complete and best-preserved medieval castles in England. It withstood a three-year siege during the Civil War and was the last Royalist bastion in the North.
Wensleydale Creamery and Wallace & Gromit
Enjoy a Taste of Yorkshire at Wensleydale Creamery Visitor Centre based at Hawes, in Wensleydale, in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Don't forget this is also Wallace's favourite cheese!
Suggested Itinerary
The Yorkshire Dales has always been a favourite destination for cyclists and is home to some of the county's most iconic scenery and attractions. With spectacular limestone valleys, picture postcard villages and historic castles, it serves up the perfect recipe for riding and is a place that stirs the emotions of everyone that visits.
This challenging yet rewarding loop allows you to explore the very best of this renowned National Park. The route starts at ‘The Gateway to the Dales’ in Skipton and you’ll pass Malham Cove before heading over open moorland, through the quaint market town of Settle and on to Ingleton, a village famous for its waterfall and caves.
Ribblehead Viaduct provides a stunning backdrop before you descend into Wensleydale and pick up the same route that was used in the 2014 Tour de France. We’ll then take you up Coverdale, which is off the beaten track and regarded a true hidden gem, before crossing into neighbouring Wharfedale, where you’ll marvel in awe at Kilnsey Crag and visit Bolton Abbey before arriving back in Skipton to celebrate a job well done.
Book This Holiday
If you're interested in booking this ride as a package holiday option, the following trusted tour operators each offer different variations of it which can be tailored to suit your own specific requirements:
Yorkshire | The Yorkshire Dales Cycleway
