Best Cycling Routes In The Yorkshire Dales

Luckily for us, the Yorkshire Dales is only a quick drive away from our North Yorkshire based shop here in Stokesley. The Yorkshire Dales is nestled in the heart of England, and the Yorkshire Dales National Park offers some of the most picturesque and challenging cycling routes which can be found anywhere.

The Yorkshire Dales has everything you need for a beautiful and challenging ride, it has rolling hills, ancient landscapes, and miles of quiet country roads, it's a haven for cyclists looking for an unforgettable adventure. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a leisurely rider, there's a route in the Dales that's perfect for you. The best time to visit the Yorkshire Dales is a dry day, and midweek days are always quieter on the roads.

Below, we run through some of the most popular options for cyclists heading to the Dales for a day in the saddle.

The Classic Dales Loop

This iconic loop takes you through the heart of the Dales, offering breathtaking views and a true taste of the varied landscapes within the park. It's a challenging route with several significant climbs, including the infamous Buttertubs Pass which is certainly not forgottein in a hurry. Climbing out of Hawes, this stretch will test your legs but reward you with unparalleled views. The route also passes through charming Dales villages such as Grassington and Kettlewell, where you can enjoy well-earned refreshments.

We class this route as challenging, you can start and finish at Skipton and the complete route sits at 130km.

Settle Circular Bike Ride

Ideal for those looking for a shorter, yet still challenging ride, the Settle Circular skirts around the base of Pen-y-ghent, one of Yorkshire's famous Three Peaks. With moderate climbs and some faster flat sections, this route provides a great mix of terrain. The views of Ribblesdale on the ascent towards Halton Gill are particularly rewarding, and the descent back towards Settle offers miles of brilliant roads. We rate this route as moderately difficult, and the ride is approximately 45km long, there’s some fantastic photo opportunities on this ride, and plenty of places for a well deserved coffee or beer on completion, as you start and finish in Settle.

Malham Cove Circuit

This scenic route offers a gentler ride, perfect for families or those new to cycling in the Dales. Starting and finishing in the picturesque village of Malham, the route takes you past some of the area’s most famous natural attractions, including Malham Cove and Gordale Scar. With fewer challenging climbs, it’s the perfect way to enjoy the beauty of the Dales at a leisurely pace. The distance of this ride is still an impressive 38km.

The Ribble Way

Following the River Ribble, this route can be switched up to suit any level of cyclist. The Ribble Way offers a variety of landscapes, from lovely and relaxing riverside paths to more challenging hill climbs. You can start your ride from several locations along the river, making it incredibly flexible. Exploring the Ribble Valley by bike is a fantastic way to experience one of Yorkshire’s most beautiful areas.

The Hawes Loop

Starting in the bustling market town of Hawes, this loop takes you on a circuit of the stunning Wensleydale area. The route includes a mix of sharp ascents, fast descents, and stretches of flat road, offering something for everyone. Key highlights include the climb up Fleet Moss, one of the highest roads in Yorkshire, and the tranquil beauty of Semer Water. The distance of this route is around 52km and is classified as moderate to challenging, ideal for the more experience rider, or a rider equipped with electric power!

If you are tackling any of the above rides or routes, ensure your bike & kit is up to the challenge with Westbrook Cycles.