I'm wondering if anybody has any ideas or .gpx for a figure of eight road loop in Yorkshire Dales?
Planning a road cycling weekend there in March with a few mates but between new babies, job stuff and however the weather turns out in the next few months I suspect there will be quite a range of fitness levels between us.
So ideally we want a figure a circa 70-80 mile figure of eight loop so there's a bail-out option for anyone who's suffering after 40 or 50 miles. And by anybody, I mean probably me.
Thinking of basing ourselves in Skipton but open to ideas if there are better places?
Also if anybody has any recommendations for any bike friendly accommodation I'm all ears.
Edit to say it obviously doesn't have to actually be in the shape of an eight- any route with a bail-out option will do!
Loads to go at in the Dales.
Something like this could work, but starting from Skipton:
https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/1515053725
I'd recommend trying not to spend too much time on the main B-roads, i.e. the one from Hawes south to Settle, and the other from Skipton north to Buckden and Aysgarth. They are both busy and a bit boring, but most of the more minor roads around them are great, especially IMO:
- Gayle south to Oughtershaw
- Arncliff to Malham
- Stainforth to Halton Gill
- The Coal Road south of Garsdale station
- The very minor road going North from Ingleton to Dent
White Rose Classic medium route fits the bill. No. 65 on here with ride with GPS details:
https://www.ilkleycyclingclub.org.uk/rides/route-library/
Plenty more to go at there, all easily adapted to include Skipton.
Guessing, but a figure eight which starts at Skipton, heads through Grassington to Buckden, over Fleet Moss into Hawes, over Buttertubs to Reeth, Grinton, Aysgarth then Kidstones to Buckden, then back via Burnsall and Embsay?
That gives you bail-outs at Buckden and Wensleydale and contains some of the classic climbs of the Dales.
That is perfect, thanks very much guys!
Have a look at the Fat Lad at the Back sportive routes - should be up on the website. Start in Ilkley but could be tweaked.
Booked marked for later.
