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The Yorkshire Dales is lucky to have 10 of the top 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs as depicted by author Simon Warren in his book, Road Cyclist's Guide to Britain's Hills. Six of these lie within the Boundary of the National Park!
Set up in 1995, any donations to the Dave Rayner Fund are much appreciated. All proceeds go directly into the fund to allow it to continue supporting up and coming riders.
The Etape du Dales is the flagship fundraising event for the Charity (registration no. 1185306).
If you would like further details then please click Here.
The Etape du Dales Routeoffers cyclists an excellent opportunity to cover much of the first day of TDF2014 as it passes through the very scenic and beautiful countryside of the Yorkshire Dales.
The route is an extremely difficult 110 mile ride which starts and finishes in Threshfield, nr Grassington in Wharfedale and takes in most of the major climbs in the Yorkshire Dales, including the steep and technical descents!
It is very challenging and route recce’s can be carried out at any time.
Entries for the race open from mid-January and there is usually an entry limit of 970. Compulsory equipment for the race is required.
Northern loop: A 40 mile (65km) circular cycle route which takes in Pateley Bridge, Upper Nidderdale, Masham and some of the other eastern villages.
Southern Loop: Another circular route that offers 39 miles (63km) of some of the best scenery in Nidderdale. As well as the Washburn Valley it also passes through the towns of Ilkley and Otley.
Further information about both of these routes can be found HERE!
Richmond Cycling Club currently has around 50 members who are active in many cycling disciplines and at many different standards.
Based in Richmond, North Yorkshire, they are always keen to attract new members, whatever their experience.
Settle ‘World Wide’ WheelersFormed in 2001 and based in Settle, they welcome new members. With the usual weekend rides and mid-week time trials there is something for everybody here.
Skipton Cycling Club One of the largest clubs in the area, Skipton’s a club for all cyclists. Whether you are new to the sport or very experienced the club will always give a friendly welcome to all!
They have rides Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.
Ilkley Cycling Club is the largest cycling club in the UK with over 1000 members! In addition to organising a number of events, their aim is to promote cycling to the people of Ilkley and surrounding areas!
Eden Vally CTC Established in 1996 and with over 80 members, the group rides every Wednesday and Sunday with normal and moderate routes to suit all abilities.
Dales Active: There are a number of well established Cycling Clubs that serve the Yorkshire Dales and most cater for all ages and all standards.
If you are interested in Road Cycling or Mountain Biking and new to the sport or, have just moved to the area then please take the opportunity of contacting a club to find out which one might suit you best!
Cycling Clubs that operate in and around the Yorkshire Dales!
No. 5 Park Rash, Kettlewell - A short but stiff climb from Kettlewell on the road over to Coverdale. Following an early climb it then heads off towards Park Rash where it quickly climbs over 200m through a very steep section which also takes in a couple of hairpins. The gradient then eases a little towards the summit.
No. 46 Oxnop Scar, Nr Muker - Tough little climb from Swaledale which starts as soon as you leave the road junction marked Askrigg. Steep twisty start which takes you past Crow Trees Farm on the left before easing off a little. This is then followed by a pleasant ride alongside Oxnop Gill and the imposing Oxnop Scar. It gets steeper once again towards the summit but leads on to one of the best views overlooking Wensleydale with Semerwater in the far distance. A rapid descent into Askrigg follows!
No. 47 Malham Cove, Malham -A long hard climb with some great views! After a tough mid-point, the climb gets a little easier towards the top where you can either turn right towards Arncliffe or left towards Settle.
No. 48 Langcliffe Scar, Nr Settle - Your straight into this climb from the village of Langcliffe which takes you through a series of steep twists and turns. It then eases off but is still a long drag up to the top towards Malham.
No. 49 Buttertubs, Nr Hawes/ Muker - A Dales Active favourite, the route is from the North side Nr Muker to the summit which starts with a gradual climb from the road junction signposted Hawes. The gradient is pretty relentless and gets steeper towards the top. However, most prefer the route from the South near Hawes which provided the first category climb of the 2014 Tour de France. It starts with a short climb from the road junction marked Muker before easing off a littler The climbing really starts once you have passed Simonstone Hall on your left and is pretty sustained all the way to the top although the intensity does vary. Both routes offer fantastic descents although it is wise to check your brakes before hand and be aware of sheep on the road.
No. 50 Fleet Moss, Oughtershaw - The mere mention of Fleet Moss is enough to strike fear into any Fell Runner but for cyclists it is a tad more civilised! A steady but sustained climb from Hawes in Wensleydale first takes you through the village of Gayle before the long grind up to the summit. It gets steeper towards the top but generally it is just a good hard slog! A good descent follows towards Oughtershaw and Buckden but beware of the many potholes!
No. 51 Tan Hill, Keld - A great climb to the highest pub in Britain! Begins with some sharp ‘S’ climbs from the road junction just beyond Keld. Once you have negotiated these, it is a long steady climb with a final kick about ½ mile from Tan Hill where you can then take that well earned drink! A wonderful descent back to Reeth is possible from here.
No. 51 Tan Hill, Keld - A great climb to the highest pub in Britain! Begins with some sharp ‘S’ climbs from the road junction just beyond Keld. Once you have negotiated these, it is a long steady climb with a final kick about ½ mile from Tan Hill where you can then take that well earned drink! A wonderful descent back to Reeth is possible from here.
No. 52 Greenhow Hill, Pateley Br idge - A brute of a climb out of Pateley Bridge on the Grassington road which eventually eases off as you head towards Greenhow. For those who prefer to take it at a more leisurely pace, you pass an excellent farm cafe, Toft Gate Barn Cafe, once the main of the climbing has been done.
No. 53 Norwood Edge, Nr Otley - A tough 1.2 mile climb with the hardest point near the start at the reservoir before easing off through hairpins towards the top. Great views down the Wharfe valley along the way!
No. 57 The Stang, Arkengarthdale -This is a popular climb which runs north from Arkengarthdale towards Barnard Castle from the road junction just past the CB Pub/Restaurant Nr.Langthwaite. There is an early steep section which is then followed by easier climbing up to the boundary between Yorkshire and Durham.
