Details for Yorkshire Dales Cycleway

Section 1: Skipton to Malham (21 miles, 36km)

The route starts in the busy market town of Skipton, ‘Gateway to the Dales’, then on through Eastby and over a moorland climb to reach Wharfedale. Next passing through the woodlands of lower Wharfedale before crossing sprawling farmlands to Malhamdale. Highlights of this section include Barden Tower, a former hunting lodge, and the cliffs of Malham Cove. The route passes through some lovely villages including Eastby, Appletreewick, Burnsall and Hetton.

Section 2: Malham to Ingleton (22 miles, 38km)

The highlights of this part of the cycleway are the peaceful upland waters of Malham Tarn, the town of Settle, and the villages of Clapham and Ingleton. In Clapham you could take the opportunity to visit Ingleborough show cave, and Ingleton is the start of the magnificent waterfalls walk.

Section 3: Ingleton to Hawes (24 miles, 39km)

This section takes you through five of the Yorkshire Dales: Kingsdale, Deepdale, Dentdale, Widdale and Wensleydale. Each has its own distinctive scenery and character. The route reaches into some of the quietest corners of the National Park before descending into the lively market town of Hawes. Dent village is stunning with its cobbled streets, and further up the valley you will see the Settle-Carlisle railway that passes high above on the viaducts at Arten Gill and Dent Head.  The descent down into Dentdale is steep and there are a number of gates across the road, some of which are hidden round corners!

Section 4: Hawes to Grinton (18 miles, 30km)

From Hawes the route lies down Wensleydale to the beautiful village of Askrigg which featured in the filming of ‘All Creatures Great and Small’. A steep climb takes you high on to the moors of Askrigg Common. The descent (steep sections) into Swaledale and the trip down the spectacular dale reveals exactly why Swaledale is held by many to be the most beautiful of all.

Section 5:Grinton to Kettlewell (21 miles, 36km)

This section marks the start of the return journey south, returning to Wensleydale over the high moors before making the long climb up Coverdale and over the watershed to the attractive village of Kettlewell (featured in the film of the ‘Calendar Girls’) in Wharfedale. The descent to Kettlewell again has some steep sections and hairpin bends.  Passing close by the dramatic Castle Bolton, and Aysgarth Falls are not far off the route. Also nearby is the Forbidden Corner offering the chance to revert to childhood exploring the secret passages and grotto's.

Section 6:Kettlewell to Skipton (21 miles, 36km)

The final stretch travels along Wharfedale to Bolton Abbey. The contrast between the wide, limestone dominated middle reaches of the Dales seen in the early section and the narrow grit stone valley closer to Bolton Abbey will be apparent as you travel to your final destination of Skipton. Grassington is a quaint little town with cobbled square, and Appletreewick has two well known pubs. Bolton Abbey is well known for its riverside walks and the remains of the Abbey, and the road from here takes you past Hesketh Farm Park.

Getting here

Being a circular route you can start and finish the route wherever you wish. The official start is in Skipton with an alternative beginning in Ilkley and it is easy to access either by train. The trains from Leeds to Skipton and Ilkley carry bikes free of charge and with no need to book, although it is worth avoiding rush hour services. There is also the famous Leeds to Settle–Carlisle line which can take you to Settle, Clapham and Dent stations. Again bikes are carried free but it is a good idea to book a place. There is also the Wensleydale Railway from Leeming Bar to Leyburn and Redmire, which carries bikes free of charge in the  guard’s van.