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Family rides

The family rides available here are suitable for less experienced cyclists, and while it is impossible in the Dales to completely avoid hills and enjoy absolutely traffic free cycling, the roads are generally quiet and the stunning scenery is definitely worth the odd climb!

Each downloadable PDF file contains a map and route description.

Gargrave circular route

Start/finish: Gargrave village hall
Distance: 8 miles (14km)

This is a relatively short route with no big climbs, which takes you from the small town of Gargrave up into the southern Yorkshire Dales. The roads have little traffic, and there are great views of Flasby and Barden Moors. Gargrave has the well known cyclists’ cafe called the Dalesman, and at Hetton is the Angel Inn which is famous for its food.

Route map and description

Ilkley to Bolton Abbey

Start/finish: Ilkley
Distance: 5 miles (9km) one way

The back road from Ilkley to Bolton Abbey is one of the most popular routes for cyclists in this area. This description just takes you through to Bolton Abbey but there are many continuations from there going further up Wharfedale or over to Embsay and Skipton.

Route map and description

Into Dentdale

Start/finish: Car park behind Sedbergh Tourist Information Centre
Distance: 13 miles (21km) for circuit to Dent village, 19 miles (32km) for continuation to the head of the valley

This gentle ride takes you up the lovely valley of Dentdale, along quiet country roads.

Route map and description

Lower Wharfedale

Start/finish: Grassington National Park Centre or Bolton Abbey
Distance: 5.5 miles (9km) to 16 miles (27km), depending on the route taken

This route explores the delights of lower Wharfedale. There are no big climbs although there are plenty of small ones. Shorter variations are possible: 5.5 miles (9km) by turning back at Burnsall, or 12 miles (20km) by turning at Barden. The route back is on a slightly busier road so you may prefer to simply retrace your route.

Route map and description

Exploring Swaledale

Start/finish: Reeth
Distance: 15 miles (24km)

Swaledale is a beautiful valley to explore by bike with its quiet roads and beautiful views. This route uses the main valley road to go to Gunnerside and then includes some very quiet back roads for the return journey. The route is not completely flat, and you should expect a few climbs along the way.

Routemap and description

Settle circular

Start/finish: Settle Market Square or Clapham
Distance: 17 miles (28km)

This is a lovely gentle ride through beautiful scenery, with one section along a stone track which is not suitable for racing bikes. The cycling is on quiet roads but you will need to cross the busy A65 twice.

Routemap and description

Skipton and Bolton Abbey

Start/finish: Skipton or Bolton Abbey
Distance: 6 miles (10km) one way

This is a great back road route taking you out of Skipton and through great countryside to reach Bolton Abbey. From there you can either return the way you came or follow other routes further up Wharfedale or along to Ilkley.

Routemap and description

The Howgills

Start/finish: Car park behind Sedbergh Tourist Information Centre
Distance: 14 miles (23km)

A challenging ride through a quiet corner of the Dales, taking you along the side of the Howgills and past Holme Open Farm. You also pass Fox’s Pulpit where George Fox, a Quaker, preached in the open air to over a 1,000 people in 1652.

Routemap and description

Upper Wharfedale

Start/finish: Grassington National Park Centre
Distance: 6.5 miles (11km) to 23 miles (38km) depending on route choice

This is a lovely route exploring Upper Wharfedale and Littondale and has no big climbs on it. You can do shorter variations such as a return trip to Kilnsey (6.5 miles, 11km), or to Kettlewell (12 miles, 20km). Although an out and back ride, the change in views and scenery means that the return journey is never dull.

Routemap and description

Need more info?

In addition to the routes above, there are also two excellent Harvey maps available for the Yorkshire Dales:

• Cycle Rides in the Yorkshire Dales details eight cycle rides in the National Park that vary in length from 11 to 23 miles. It is available in many Tourist Information Centres or direct from Harvey at £2.20.
• Yorkshire Dales for Cyclists covers the whole of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Beauty at a scale of 1:100,000. As well as many Tourist Information Centres, it is also available from our online shop or direct from Harvey at £6.95.

Even more is available in a leaflet with five 'do in a day' rides in the Sedbergh and Dent area. It is available from Sedbergh Tourist Information Centre.

If you feel that you currently need to have traffic free conditions then there are a few opportunities close by:

• Sections of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal where the towpath has been upgraded for cycling - more details of these are available on waterscape.com, Britain's official guide to canals, rivers and lakes.
• Gisburn Forest, close to Settle, has a number of different routes graded by difficulty. Yorkshire Water have also developed a number of cycle routes near their reservoirs including Scar House near to Pateley Bridge, and Swinsty and Timble between Skipton and Harrogate.