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As the title says really. Got a day off tomorrow, live north of Leeds and forecast looks ok. Does anyone know how the Dales or Peak District is holding up and which routes seem to be better? I'm hoping conditions aren't too bad as its been a pretty mild and fairly dry autumn so far. I'm not worried about puddles or a bit of mud - but would like to avoid any unridable bogs!
And I won't be doing Rushup Edge, whatever the conditions!
Any preferred route in the Dales? I can give you an idea of conditions.
Well the area I usually go to is Grassington, or Malham or Settle way. Its the nearest/easiest part for me to get to. But willing to travel to somewhere else if better to ride.
Which bits can you give info on??
Thanks
Actually, it's not all that bad TBH, the only place I'd probably avoid is the run up and over Weets Top from the Grassington side, and perhaps the lower part of the descent towards Calton from Weets, which will be a bit of a slog in places.
But even that's going to be rideable, so you could save the true all-weather stuff like Nidderdale/Settle Loop/Clapham loop for when the crap weather truly arrives.
Thanks - that's really useful. I had already discounted my 'local' Grassington Weets Top loop as the lower bit by the reservoir is boggy at the best of times.
Might do Grassington - Threshfield Moor - Mastilles Lane - Malham Tarn - Hawkswick Cote then road back to Grassington. How does that sound?
I still think you'll find slop at some point on top of Threshfield/Boss Moor when you hit the main N/S track. Will still be passable, obviously, just slowish. I think Ton and the lads did the Hawkswick Cote descent a week or so ago and found it OK.
As a variation from the tedium of roading it back to Grassington, you could go up from Conistone towards Mossdale, and pick up the lead mines track across and down to Grassington either via Yarnbury or carry on down Hebden Gill (nice but a few too many gates).
Most of the main tracks in & around Swaledale are always 'puddly' but not boggy. Thats where we always head after a wet spell.
A bit further south, but Barden moor riding well today.
Thats an idea - even nearer to me! Hows the descent from the road at Halton Moor down to the Woods and Bolton Abbey at the moment? I have known that bit be horrifically muddy and churned up by the cows
Might do Grassington - Threshfield Moor - Mastilles Lane - Malham Tarn - Hawkswick Cote then road back to Grassington. How does that sound?
Yep met up with Ton and Junkyard last sunday and no problems with mud or bogs on any of that route .
and going up boss moor was surprisingly not boggy
we did the classic settle loop today and barely got dirty, certainly didn't bother getting changed back at the car.
Also did the Threshfield/Boss moor loop last Sunday and it was fine.
Also did the Threshfield/Boss moor loop last Sunday and it was fine.
Surprised! Normally gone to pure bog by now. The world is your oyster OP.
Should think the bit you mention over towards Bolton Abbey would be OKish.
I did the track down to Halton East instead, because I was pushed for time. Served me right as I pinch flatted, not backing off.
+1 on dales being firm. We did a lovely loop from settle to littondale and back last wed in full sun, fully rideable.
Thanks everyone. Looking good for a ride. Now just got to decide which one to do.....
Also did the Threshfield/Boss moor loop last Sunday and it was fine.
Surprised! Normally gone to pure bog by now. The world is your oyster OP.
Yeah I was surprised, they've also done a few repairs in places as well.
I used to live in Langcliffe and family have for 30 odd years...you'll never have too much issue even in terrible weather around Settle/Malham. A lot easier than days gone...bloody hard work before they laid the Lancliffe-Malham highway.. honestly you could loose the bike in winter down the old 4x4 ruts.
If you're bothered there is a top, very fast DH from Attemire caves down to the Castlebergh plantation. It isn't in any way techy but hell fire it will put a serious grin on ya mush! I dare you not to touch the stoppers till then wall ends on your right side.
Have fun what-ever you ride!
Where did you ride Tom? How did it go?
It was a good ride thanks. Bright sunshine and fairly warm. Only issue was the strong westerly wind making Mastilles Lane more of a challenge than usual.
Started at Grassington then Threshfield, through the old mines up to Boss Moor. This track was all fine, solid with just the odd bomb hole that was avoidable or obvious. Dropped down to Mastilles Lane just above Kilnsey then upto Street Gate. This was all fine- a few biggish puddles but all with solid base. Then climbed again and down Hawkswick Cote to Littondale. This was the muddiest part - lots if cattle I think but all rideable just a bit softer and slower than usual. Overall conditions much better than I had expected. Nursery pick up was beckoning so it was head down and pretend I was in the (very slow) TdF along the lanes back to Grassington. Not a bad ride at all for November.