Anyone have any good xc routes they’d like to share of 20-30 km? Ill be staying near aysgarth falls  over Xmas for a few days… if they are strava downloadable all the better.  Thanks

Castle Bolton http://streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=403232&Y=491827&A=Y&Z=120 – Carperby  http://streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=399859&Y=490409&A=Y&Z=120– road above Askrigg http://streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=395316&Y=492156&A=Y&Z=120 – road over to Swaledale to here http://streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=398268&Y=496413&A=Y&Z=120 – Apedale http://streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=399820&Y=495335&A=Y&Z=120 – Dent Houses http://streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=403037&Y=494242&A=Y&Z=120 – Castle Bolton

Easy to follow, the tricky bit is the first bit along Wensleydale but the rest of it, there’s really no other option. You should be able to use Strava route creator from the above points.

Perfect spot for XC loops from the doorstep.

This is much longer than you’re after, but you can break it up:

https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/1732468727

I think the BW’s between Bainbridge and Buckden are great, easy but really wild. For the best descent, probably go north to south. The climb from Bainbridge south west up Cam High road is pretty epic by Dales standards, and the gravel trail through the big forest of Langstrothdale is beautiful, again easy though.

Also, if you want to drive a bit to start, a loop from Grinton/Fremington (i.e. the Dales Bike Centre) would likely be great. I don’t know the area well but someone at the centre would likely point you in the right direction.

OP, might be worth you working a route out and asking about it. Most BWs in the Dales are fairly weatherproof (deep snow and ice excepted) but a few do become bog-fests. A few are just slogs whatever the weather or conditions.

The route whitestone posted is a fav of mine, but if you’re staying near the falls I would start and finish at Carperby. It’s right on your doorstep.

Just seen legometeorology’s post and the above route is the top loop on his map link. The lower loop is a good workout too.

Just had a closer look at that map link and the top loop isn’t quite how I would do it. If you want me to go through a couple of variations give us a shout.

Just looked at it myself. Firstly I’d do that upper loop clockwise, you get better descents. Secondly it goes past Dent Houses out to the road then down that to get to Castle Bolton, at Dent Houses turn right and climb the obvious track.

That’s what I noticed too. When you get to the top of the hill after the right at Dent’s houses, you can either go straight on through the gate and drop down to Castle Bolton or turn right and follow the track west along the ridge which takes you to carperby via Sweet William hut with a couple of nice descents.

Only done that track once but in the opposite direction and it was about 50% ice!!! Cheeky as well 🙂

Not too cheeky though, last time I looked it was open access up there.

Although I wouldn’t use it if they are shooting up there 🙂

Hi Jordan

do they shoot all year or just winter ?

Just autumn winter. To be honest, if you’re riding any of the bridleways in the vicinity you will hear if there is shooting going on. In which case just stick to the bridleways.