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LUCA Guest Blog by Zoë - Yorkshire: my favourite rides

Thank you to Zoë for for writing a LUCA guest blog on her favourite cycling routes in the Yorkshire Dales. We love cycling outside of London and we can't wait to try these routes ourselves! Let us know if Zoë's blog has inspired you to plan a Yorkshire trip too!

Although I’m not originally from Yorkshire, after more than 5 years here, it is certainly where I call home. I consider myself very lucky to have such beauty right on my doorstep and the ability to escape on my bike into the beautiful Yorkshire Dales as often as I do.

Below is a little flavour of what the Yorkshire Dales has to offer, with three of my favourite ride routes, all very local to me. Of course, there is some climbing in all three routes, but then this is Yorkshire! And remember, the views at the top are always worth the effort in getting there.

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The Cinnamon Bun Run

This one is my local go-to ride, I’ve done this route a zillion times and it never gets boring. Maybe it’s because the scenery is ever-changing through the seasons, or it’s the magical just-baked and still warm cinnamon buns on offer at The Riverbank Café, it’s just my go to route.

Start and finish: Otley, West Yorkshire
Distance: 37.5 miles / 60km 
Total ascent: 2562ft
Terrain: Rolling

This is an out and back ride starting from my hometown of Otley in West Yorkshire and out into the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. There are a number of lovely cafes along this route, however, my favourite would be The Riverbank Café in Burnsall. A very welcoming river side café, usually full of cyclists and walkers, it offers all the usual hot drinks and food, along with the now famous (in my eyes) cinnamon buns. The café is approximately half way into the route as well so works out perfectly for a coffee stop.

Heading out from Otley, its immediately on to quiet lanes out towards Ilkley and onwards into Wharfedale. It’s a rolling route following the river along and passing by landmarks including Bardon Tower and Bolton Abbey. There is a nice descent into Burnsall, a bit of a tourist hotspot, and it’s here for the cinnamon buns!

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After the coffee stop, we cross the river and the route turns back, heading through Appletreewick, where if you are ready for another stop, the Craven Arms is a superb pub, nestled in the heart of Wharfdale offering real ales and great food. It’s picture perfect and a great stop in all seasons with outdoor seating and views, and roaring log fires in the winter.

A couple of small hills come next, then back across the river and we re-join the original route. Rolling back to Otley, we usually end up in the Black Horse for post-ride beers, coffees and chats.

This ride is mostly quiet lanes, rolling hills and is an enjoyable ride for all levels and abilities.

Cinnamon Bun Run | 37.5 mi Cycling Route on Strava

Staying over? If you’re visiting Otley and staying over, here’s some venues you must try:

Underground Bakery – baked goods a plenty including sourdough, boule loaves, cruffins,
croissants, Danish pastries and more!

A Casa di Alessia – the best pizza ever! And also my fave go to for coffee!

Nam Jai Thai – If you like Thai food, you’ll love this quirky little eatery. A must try.

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Tan Hill Loop

Start and finish: Hawes, North Yorkshire
Distance: 55.5 miles / 89 km
Total ascent: 5700ft
Terrain: A challenging ride with wonderful views and the highest pub in Britain.

Taking in the highest pub in Britain and some amazing views, this route is one not to be missed. Tan Hill features in Simon Warren’s 100 Climbs, however, it’s less of a climb and more of a drag! 10km, 2% average, through spectacular moorland but also well-known for having a headwind!

Starting out from Hawes in North Yorkshire, you can get a pre-ride coffee from Stage 1 Cycles (also a handy bike shop for anything you may have forgotten to bring). You can also find car parking here; it is chargeable but not too pricey. From Hawes we get right into it, hitting Buttertubs almost immediately. Buttertubs from Hawes is short, but steep, it also featured in the 2014 Tour de France and in the 2019 UCI World Champs.

Once at the top the scenery is spectacular but watch out for those sheep!! The route then descends into Muker and continues through Swaledale to Reeth where we turn towards the Tan Hill climb. If you’re lucky enough to have a tail wind (I’ve only managed this once) then it’s an easier ride to the first stopping point of the ride  Tan Hill Inn, at 1732 feet (528m) above sea level, it's Britain highest pub.

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After much-needed refreshments, its onwards and across the border into Cumbria. The route here has some unbelievable views as we snake our way along and descend down. Approx 40 miles in you arrive at the market town of Kirkby Stephen. This is a great place for another quick coffee stop, with plenty of cafes to chose from. Then it's onwards making our way back towards Hawes.

This is a route I usually only opt for in summer months, so it’s usual for me to finish up with a trip to The Old Sweet Shop in Hawes for some well-earned ice cream (they have the best flavours)!

Tan Hill Loop | 55.5 mi Cycling Route on Strava

If you’re after something more substantial post ride or staying over, then why not try:

The Bunkhouse – this is part of Stage 1 Cycles with bed and breakfast options and bike hire available too.

The Stonehouse Hotel – If you’re looking for a treat why not stay at The Stonehouse Hotel.

The White Hart – Pub with rooms.

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 Halton Gill & Malham Tarn

Start and finish: Ilkley, West Yorkshire
Distance: 63.5 miles / 102 km
Total ascent: 5200ft
Terrain: Quiet lanes, tough climbs, beautiful views!

Starting out from the spa town of Ilkley, our usual spot for pre (and post) ride coffee is La Stazione a particular favourite for cyclists in the area. The coffee is simply the best and the welcome is always warm & friendly.

Setting out from Ilkley we head up the Wharfdale valley towards Bolton Abbey and Burnsall. This is perfect rolling terrain with views across the valley. Our first coffee stop is at Kilsney Park Café for a quick pick me up before we start the real climbing! From here we head out into Littondale, passing through the picture perfect villages of  Arncliffe and Litton (I also highly recommend The Queens Arms in Litton for a coffee, drink, food or stay) and onwards to Halton Gill. The first of the tougher climbs on this route, Halton Gill is short and steep, approx. 1.6km with an average gradient of 7% and a maximum of 14%.

After the initial ramp, it’s a rolling road with views a-plenty! This stretch of road is simply stunning and you’ll find it hard to take your eyes off the majestic mountain that is Pen-y-Ghent. After a lovely descent it’s then a left turn on Henside Road, be prepared, this is a steep descent followed by a sharp incline, probably the steepest of the route. Henside Road is short, but hits 25% at points and although its starts with a descent, there’s a cattle grid to contend with before you start to climb.

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After this climb its over to Malham Tarn with views a-plenty and a descent towards the café stop. This comes at Town End Farm, Airton. This is one of my favourite cafes, with a perfect outdoor area which is a real sun trap in good weather. From here there is approx. 23 miles back to Ilkley, which is rolling but the harder climbing is now completed! Heading out of Airton towards Hetton and Skipton, the route then turns towards Embsay, where if your legs are feeling it, there is an option for a further climb over over Embsay Moor, however, if it’s a sunny day, I prefer to take the Low Lane option and make a pit stop at Billy Bob’s Ice Cream Parlour. Much more social!!

From here it’s just 10 miles back to Ilkley along the rolling lanes we started out on. Once back at Ilkley there’s plenty of choices for post ride food and drink. Our favourites include Bar Tat, Bini Tap House and Friends of Ham. And if you’re looking for a place to stay, check out the Cow & Calf Pub – a pub with rooms and a great view!

Halton Gill & Malham Tarn | 63.4 mi Cycling Route on Strava

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about my favourite routes. I’d love to see you in Yorkshire soon, hopefully for a LUCA weekender!!

Zoë

@thebreakfastingblonde

We'd love to hear about your local area and cycling routes! If you'd like to write a LUCA guest blog, send us a message via Instagram or by email: hello@rideluca.com 

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