[Closed] Route advice; Swaledale

Drop into:

http://www.dalesbikecentre.co.uk/

They've got some route maps, they all know the trails surrounding and the recent conditions. If that's not enough the coffee and cake is excellent!

I'll second that Madfly, stayed there a few years ago, really friendly people with awesome cake and great knowledge of the local area.

Any of the bridlesway you can find on a map are rideable, they hold up in the wet weather very well..mainly stony tracks, relatively little mud. But, as above, go see Stu in DBC, he'll see you right.

You could also drop into Swaledale Outdoors and talk to Rich. They have a map room and a kettle.

http://www.swaledaleoutdoors.co.uk/about/

smogmonster - Member
Any of the bridlesway you can find on a map are rideable

I would slightly disagree with that - there are one or two places where there is a BW on the map and nothing on the ground, particularly on the north side of the dale.

That said, mostly there are lots of good tracks (legacy of lead mining combined with upkeep of bigger tracks for grouse shooting access), and most of them are pretty well-drained so the riding is great whatever the weather. As above, see Stu at Dales Bike Centre and you will not be disappointed (particularly if you try the cake too).

I would slightly disagree with that - there are one or two places where there is a BW on the map and nothing on the ground, particularly on the north side of the dale.

I see you too have tried to find the track from Great Punchard to Tan Hill? 😀

Any of the bridlesway you can find on a map are rideable

Part of the descent on the byway from nr Gale Houses to Low Houses across the river from Low Row was beyond me. A long rock garden made up of varying sized rocks and boulders with a coating of green algae. After 2 near wipe-outs I bottled it.

@jota180

That's not the one I was thinking of, but yes, it's definitely on the list!