Road cycling

An awe-inspiring way to explore some of the beautiful scenery, small towns and villages in the Yorkshire Dales.

There are a range of road cycling routes to suit all abilities with a good cycling network of quiet lanes, off-road tracks and a section of the national byway, Britain’s Heritage Cycling Route, for road cyclists.

Road cycling guides

There are short cycle routes along valley bottoms, suitable for beginners and families to much longer bike rides with hill climbs that will challenge even experienced cyclists.

• Northern loop – This is a 40 mile (65km) circular cycle route which explores the northern part of Nidderdale National Landscape including Pateley Bridge, Upper Nidderdale, Masham and some of the eastern villages. The route passes by The Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal World Heritage Site and Brimham Rocks.
• Southern loop – This is a 39 mile (63km) circular route (with the option of an extra 4 miles (6km) each way to Ilkley) which explores the southern part of Nidderdale National Landscape including the Washburn Valley, the towns of Ilkley and Otley and some of the beautiful villages of lower Nidderdale.

Please be aware that these routes use bridleways and country roads which are also used by horse riders and walkers. Cyclists must give way to these users and be particularly careful when approaching horses from behind – it helps if you call out to let the horse and rider know that you are there. It is important to pass horses & riders and walkers slowly and wide. Please follow the International Mountain Biking Association code of conduct and ride responsibly, while showing respect for others, and care for the environment.

** Please note that the tourism information on this website is designed to provide an overview of opportunities in the area. The Nidderdale National Landscape team do not have the facilities or resources to deal with individual tourism enquiries and these should be directed to the tourist information office at Nidderdale Plus or one of the other local Tourist Information Centres.