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Morning,
Looking for some route suggestions for decent ride out in the Yorkshire Dales this weekend, something around 20 miles give or taken, I'm reasonably fit...I like to think!
I don’t mind a pig of a climb or two providing there’s a nice rewarding view at the top and a good descent coming back down again. I’ve ridden the usual haunts around the Reeth area, Gunnerside, done the Scarhouse loop, Settle loop, Mastiles Lane/Arncliffe loop, tour of Whernside, up and down Ingleborough, all of which I’ve enjoyed for different reasons, not done anything around Peny Y Gent though, not done anything around Buckden or Hawes either…?
Given the recent change of weather we’ve had, the usual boggy moorland will be back to being well…total bog fests again, so something that’s ridable in all-weather with a variety of terrain (don’t mind riding some lanes to get to certain points) but not a route that just involves riding along one of the old roman roads which is usually just a farm track with a stone wall at each side for views.
Doesn't have to be a circular as such, providing I end up back where I started though.
Any ride suggestions/loops would be much appreciated, thanks.
I don’t mind a pig of a climb or two providing there’s a nice rewarding view at the top
In that case, have a look at the BWs around Kettlewell/Starbotton. the moor crossing from Old Cote in Littondale descending through Fosse Wood to Starbotton is decent, the descent is a cracker and really quite techy by Dales standards.
Climbing Top Mere Road out of Kettlewell then descending Starbotton Cam Road is also worthwhile, and fits your climb criteria certainly.
Not sure how you'd stitch those into a loop without some roadwork, some cheeky, or crossing the moor again from Redmires, which is not recommended by me..
Otherwise, try this one - Ribblehead - Cam High Road - PBW to Newby Head Road and onwards to the top of Arten Gill, descend this, head on road to the climb over Great Wold and descend to Ribblehead. Bit more XC that one.
In terms of Pen y Ghent, Foxup should still be in 'reasonable' nick, and the return via Dawson Close and the descent to Helwith also good, but you might find it a bit of a short ride.
Kettlewell to Cam Head, descend to Starbotton(?) Along road to Buckden(?) and up to Old Cote Moor Top. Descend to Litton. South-ish along road, left up to the lower part of Old Cote Moor and descen back to Kettlewell.
Three fairly brutal climbs (the biggest is the second one and is mostly unrideable), the other two are rideable if you are mega-fit. Three excellent descents - the first is wide, rocky and fast as you dare. The second starts off rutty and picky before becoming quick and fun. The third is a mix, but the latter part of it really ekes out the descent and is great fun.
The classic Tour of Pen y Ghent can't be beaten.
The classic Tour of Pen y Ghent can’t be beaten.
I prefer it in reverse - ie N-S on Foxup, descending from Dawson Close to Litton. Gives Foxup a slight downwards tilt on most of the sloggy bits in exchange for a short push at the north end (which is a pretty poor descent anyhow). Was running very fast when I did it about a month or so ago, should still be OK.
If you wanted to extend it a bit you start at Helwith Bridge (free parking), then when get round to Horton you can head north on a BW/Pennine Way to Old Ings, then take the Pennine Bridleway across the river and up to Thieves Moss. Cross this then look out for a small wooden gate on the left just after a bigger gate, drop and cross the limestone pavement on a lovely little bit of singletrack to pick up the FP towards Wharfe, which is another singletrack romp. Road back to Helwith.
I still think you wont have many bogs to contend with as we still havent had that much rain. I would say virtually all routes are still very easily ridden.
Thank you for your replies and suggestions, that's been really helpful, I'll let you know what I come up with (I'll plot something on Strava route builder!) and hopefully share some ride pics, thanks again.
Might see you out there if you're riding tomorrow. I should be doing a selection of bits from those I recommended. I'm the one trying to take advantage of the 15-20mph tailwind. 🙂
I still think you wont have many bogs to contend with as we still havent had that much rain.
Not full on slop, but a lot boggier than I was expecting today. The central Dales must have had a load of rain at some point which we missed in Skipton, as all the rivers and streams are brim full.
Tried (failed) to get down a very damp Fosse Wood with the full summer tyres caked in shite. Not a pretty sight, like Bambi on ice.