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I'm planning a trip for about 4 of us (though could be up to 8) and am thinking of heading to S Yorkshire, probably staying Skipton/Settle way.
This seems like a good area for both great natural trails and a trail centre (Gisburn) - is that right? We're coming from all over the UK so need somewhere that is reasonably easy to reach - this seems like an idea because is close to M6.
Also, we are a mixture of skills levels so need somewhere that will suit all of us...
Do you think this is a good idea? Any ride recommendations and accom suggestions?
Also, what are people's thoughts on group size? I think 4 is the ideal but I've never ridden with a larger group. Seems like more hassle than is worth tho.
Thanks for your help guys!
Good routes in these 2 excellent publications:
I live here, so I'm biased in favour. 🙂
You won't go too far wrong with most of these:
http://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/outandabout/gettingactive/cycling/mtb/mtb-findaroute
Not sure about location and accommodation - Skipton probably better for restaurants and pubs, not so good for accommodation.
Riding in a group can be great or a pain - depends on how close the group is ability wise. If you've got a couple of riders who are way fitter/better than the others then they'll be forever waiting around which when you are up on the tops in the wind and rain isn't much fun.
From what I've done in that area most of the natural trails in the south of the Dales are old drover roads or farm tracks so pretty steady riding but with great views.
Thanks for the advice - I actually ordered the South Dales book from Vertebrate on the weekend! Think we'll keep it to the usual 4 of us to keep it simple.
So it seems accom is a bit of a problem up that way? Any ideas?
Also, what's Gisburn like?
Accommodation shouldn't be a problem - it's a holiday area, after all. Just not sure what you're after - hotel, cottage, hostel, camping?
Gisburn is a nice half-day loop, a decent wet weather option, certainly. Circuit is about 12 miles, XC in nature, lots of pedalling, couple of really good sections. Now has toilets and a cafe which is open on Fri/Sat/Sun.
Gisburn red is good - there's a few black options that you can do if you want. Hully Gully is given black but the hardest bit is the first drop off the fireroad, the rest is a hoot. The Hope Line is good and worth adding in to the red particularly on the way back otherwise you've got a steepish fireroad to do twice in quick succession just before the climb up through the quarry.
Can't help you with the accom, sorry.
A good selection of routes with .gpx files at http://www.pedalnorth.com/content/yorkshire-dales-mtb-routes
Many places in the Dales get booked up well in advance. I've stayed at the [url= http://www.rendezvous-skipton.co.uk/ ]Rendezvous hotel in Skipton[/url] before. Pretty bike friendly for a big(ish) hotel.
Yeah, I haven't really put much thought into the accom side of things but probs B&B or something - love camping but after a couple of days riding I think a proper bed will be v welcome. Plus having someone else cook breakfast is always a winner.
I've stayed at the Rendezvous hotel in Skipton before. Pretty bike friendly for a big(ish) hotel.
The only hotel in Skipton to have experienced a drive-by shooting! 😀
(I believe it was an isolated incident rather than a sign of extensive gang activity in the area...)
HA! Brilliant! If ever there was a reason to choose a hotel... Never had Skipton down as a gangland kinda place...!
a lot of the south dales routes are very xc not at all technical, which might be a good thing if you're mixed ability. one good route that has a bit of everything is a circuit Addingham, skipton, flaxby, Rylestone, Bolton Abbey, it's quite long but you can cut out the flaxby bit. also if you search embsay crag, there's a good shortish fig of 8 we do. bad weather route would be tunnels and bridges from clapham or gisburn trail centre. There's a circuit out of settle which I think goes to malham tarn, starts a bit meh, but gets quite good.
BTW Skipton is not in South Yorkshire 🙂
Oooooh. I see. But is close, no?! I was thinking of it as a base to explore the area... Also, any thoughts on Settle from anyone?
Dying for a pint of Black Sheep now....
Ha - can you tell I didn't do geography after gcse?!?!
OK, so meant south dales rather than south yorkshire. sorry!
As a Lancastrian living in West Yorkshire it is probably inappropriate for me to comment on this thread so I'll leave it to the natives 😉
We've always had a room at the back overlooking the canal. I'll keep a look out for narrow boat owners with Uzis next time. 😀The only hotel in Skipton to have experienced a drive-by shooting!
Yes, done that a couple of times. Starts off with a soul-destroying climb, but is pretty good after that. As B.A.Nana says, Dales are very much XC territory rather than technical, which is why I like it.There's a circuit out of settle which I think goes to malham tarn, starts a bit meh, but gets quite good.
Settle Loop is much better clockwise with a couple of tweaks IMO. That first road climb is best avoided altogether. Descent down Stockdale Lane (rocky in places) then some cheekyish options to rejoin the out-route above Langcliffe, fast drop into Stainforth, cross the main road then back lanes to Settle to finish.
It's worth coming back on here just before you go for more weather-dependent advice, as some loops are a bit rubbish in wet conditions.
As regards B&Bs, take your pick in Settle or Skipton, depends on budget really, but you should be able to find somewhere nice. The best in Skipton is the Chinthurst, but it's not exactly cheap!
Lots of great help, thanks very much everyone. Very excited!