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Yorkshire Dales Cycleway

The Yorkshire Dales Cycleway (YDCW) is a challenging 210km (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 your fitness. 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. An alternative link to Ilkley (unsigned) has been included for those wishing to start or finish here.

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. It also goes through many of the loveliest towns and villages in the area, where you can get a warm welcome, have a slice of cake or try some of the locally brewed beer.

Route information

Maps

To see the whole 130 mile (210km) route in more detail, use our interactive route map. Follow the link or click on the image below:

View the interactive route map of the YDCW

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. This not only shows you the route, but also where you can find accommodation, cafes, pubs and shops.

It is available from our online shop or direct from Harvey.

Distances between settlements

	Split distance	Cumulative distance
Skipton	Nil	Nil
Burnsall	11 miles (16km)	11 miles (16km)
Malham	12 miles (19km)	23 miles (35km)
Settle	10 miles (17km)	33 miles (52km)
Ingleton	12 miles (20km)	45 miles (72km)
Dent	11 miles (16km)	56 miles (88km)
Hawes	13 miles (22km)	69 miles (110km)
Reeth	17 miles (28km)	86 miles (138km)
Wensley	8 miles (14km)	94 miles (152km)
Kettlewell	14 miles (23km)	108 miles (175km)
Grassington	6 miles (10km)	114 miles (185km)
Bolton Abbey	10 miles (16km)	124 miles (201km)
Skipton	6 miles (10km)	130 miles (211km)

Things to see and do on the route

Section 1: Skipton to Malham

The route starts in the busy market town of Skipton, ‘Gateway to the Dales’, takes you through Eastby and over a moorland climb to reach Wharfedale. The wooded area of lower Wharfedale is visited before the route crosses spreading farmland to Malhamdale. Highlights of this section include Barden Tower, a former hunting lodge, and the cliff of Malham Cove. You also pass through some lovely villages including Eastby, Appletreewick, Burnsall and Hetton.

Section 2: Malham to Ingleton

The highlights of this part of the cycleway are the peaceful upland waters of Malham Tarn, the town of Settle, and the villages of Clapham and Ingleton. In Clapham you could take the opportunity to visit Ingleborough show cave, and Ingleton is the start of the magnificent waterfalls walk.

Section 3: Ingleton to Hawes

This section takes you through five of the Yorkshire Dales: Kingsdale, Deepdale, Dentdale, Widdale and Wensleydale. Each has its own distinctive scenery and character. The route reaches into some of the quietest corners of the National Park before descending into the lively market town of Hawes. Dent village is stunning with its cobbled streets, and further up the valley you will see the Settle-Carlisle railway that passes high above on the viaducts at Arten Gill and Dent Head. The descent down into Dentdale is steep and there are a number of gates across the road, some of which are hidden round corners!

Section 4: Hawes to Grinton

From Hawes the route lies down Wensleydale to the beautiful village of Askrigg which featured in the filming of ‘All Creatures Great and Small’. Just out of Hawes you can visit Hardraw Falls. A steep climb takes you high onto the moors of Askrigg Common. The descent (steep sections) into Swaledale and the trip down dale will make it clear why Swaledale is held by many to the most beautiful of all. Reeth is just off the route but worth a visit.

Section 5: Grinton to Kettlewell

This section marks the start of the return journey south, returning to Wensleydale over the high moors before making the long climb up Coverdale and over the watershed to the attractive village of Kettlewell. The descent to Kettlewell again has some steep sections and hairpin bends. You pass close by the dramatic Castle Bolton, and Aysgarth Falls are not far off route. Also nearby is the Forbidden Corner offering the chance to revert to childhood exploring the secret passages and grottos.

Section 6: Kettlewell to Skipton

The final stretch travels along Wharfedale to Bolton Abbey. The contrast between the wide, limestone dominated middle reaches of the Dales seen in the early section and the narrow gritstone valley closer to Bolton Abbey will be apparent as you travel to your final destination of Skipton. Grassington is a great little town with cobbled square, and Appletreewick has two well known pubs. Bolton Abbey is well known for its riverside walks and the remains of the Abbey, and the road from here takes you past Hesketh Farm Park.

Terrain

The whole route is on tarmac roads most of which are quiet back roads where you will see more sheep than cars. There are a few sections which can be busier, most notably the road into settle and the descent to Hawes. This is a challenging touring route with some signifiacnt climbs which have steep sections. The rewards are spending the time in the fabulous Yorkshire Dales scenery, and the feeling of satisfaction at the end of the day.