@thegeneralist yeah I kinda thought if the route I wanted existed I’d know about it. Done Cadair and it’s OK.

Just read MBRs write up of Llyn Cowlyd, road descent doesn’t sound promising!

It would be on a Friday so not adverse to some off Bridleway riding as long as it’s a generally accepted route.

If you look at Crozon we recently stayed in a fantastic Air BnB. The costal hiking there is stunning!

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/631077346670915296?viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76

@dyna-ti this isn’t opportunistic theft

@noeffsgiven I’m unsure of his set up

I also asked ChatGPT just to test it, now I’m scared:

The Malham Settle mountain bike loop, located in the Yorkshire Dales, can be ridden either clockwise or anti-clockwise, and the choice largely depends on your preference for terrain and challenge.

Clockwise: Riding the loop clockwise typically allows for a more gradual ascent and a steeper descent. This direction might be preferable if you enjoy having a challenging climb at the start followed by a more exhilarating and faster descent towards the end.

Anti-Clockwise: Going anti-clockwise usually means tackling steeper climbs but having a more gradual and potentially more technical descent. This direction can be more rewarding for those who prefer a more technical and controlled descent, as well as for riders who relish the challenge of steeper climbs.

Ultimately, the best direction to ride the Malham Settle mountain bike loop depends on your personal riding style and what kind of experience you’re seeking. It might be worth trying both directions to see which you prefer!

Thanks for the input.

I went anti clockwise and feel that was the best direction. All in all, just what I was after, a good spin for the legs, head space in amazing scenery and scouting potential rides and walks for the family.

Yes clockwise would have the couple of small tech sections but not enough to warrant the worse overall loop. For me nothing kills a route like descending on road, so the 2nd half of Stockdale would have spoiled it. No need to push at any point although a few dabs on pointy, slippy limestone.

Brockhole Lane was a good call, and there’s a BW sign at the Lodge Road junction. Seems a better option than the road or all the way to the start of Lodge Road.

Weets Top to Calton is a very fun descent but living near Skipton I’d do that from Hetton.

Thank you!

It’s a recognised hiking route, they will have pretty much followed this:

https://peaksofthebalkans.com/

I’ve walked one section of the route in the opposite direction, Valbone to Teth, and spent most of the day wondering if sections “would go” on a bike.

Thanks Singletrack for the excellent article, my limited experience in the region echoes a lot of Jerome’s sentiments and reading it brought up some of my favourite memories! Such as being chased by a pack of pigs and drinking raki in a saloon with horses with chainsaws in their saddle bags tied up outside!

The answer is always Freerider Pro.

The trails around Piethorne reservoir (park at Hollingworth and ride along the bridleway under the M62) are good all year round. Nothing techy but could get a decent 10 mile loop in.

Surpsised Hebden Bridge or Todmorden haven’t been heavily mentioned. Local riding is amazing (if a little niche) and both towns have stuff going on (again, a little niche) and commutable on the train to Leeds or Manchester. 

My latest sponsor definitely make the bettererest product of all time 

Ergon have an automatic arse measuring machine if you can find them at an expo. I’m not even joking. 

There seems to be a really obvious happy medium here. If you see a wear and tear part you use on sale, buy it. 

Stamforth’s in Skipton is my personal favourite pork pie dispensary. Instead of jelly they have a piping hot liquor and possibly a thinner crust than most other pies.

Safety warning ⚠️ bite a chimney in the lid to let the scalding steam escape.

It would make sense for water proof trousers/shorts to be higher up your back to prevent the inevitable gap, but more like salopettes than dungarees.

Thanks @weeksy – that’s what I needed!

@mashr – firstly if I put it in the advert it should come up in more searches and be easier to spot, secondly I can post it in bike specific owner groups. Get your point that there is still more to consider.

Cheers @drdexx

Have a look on the website https://ardrock.co.uk/final-event-information/eventinfo/

I dont think there are limitations on spectators, you just pay camping per person. There was a limit for spectators during covid.

So you clip into clipless pedals, and flat pedals aren’t flat?

My interpretation of the OPs rules are:
A full route
Not uplifts or winch and plummet style e.g Golfie
No entry/exit transition sections of road or fire road etc
Can be a proper climb or even hike a bike but nothing awkward or annoying, or extensive pushing.

Racking my brain and struggling. Closest I can think of is Sticks Pass if you started and finished at the YHA rather than Glenridding.

Anything that comes with a coil shock!

Obviously there’s a wealth a natural rides you could access. If you wanted to do a combo you could do Whinlatter and Grisedale Pike to Hobcarton End.

Its 30 mins away.
Grisedale Pike would add in some natural riding and views without ever getting too remote. Whinlatter is one of the most fun trail centres and you can do any combo of the loops and shortcuts to the best two descents to fit your available time.

If you don’t….its you!

I’ve recently moved back to the area so continued advice appreciated!

Quite funny when there’s so many bridleways to nothing

Old Cote it is!

Hit the Fosse Wood and Walden Road descents. Both pretty good and what I was expecting for the area.

Will try the Pennine Journey into Halton Gill next time. Is there any intel on the BW between Litton and Buckden, either direction?

Brilliant, will plot and pick one of those!

3-4 hours

There was a very spikey looking log right in the middle of Bearded Lady on Sunday, it’s not their anymore.

Some incredibly narrow minded views on language here. Language is fluid, look up Stephen Fry on the pleasure of language for some enlightenment but essentially you cant pronounce your own name wrong!

I for one love Scotty’s series, its the best showcase of true all mountain Scottish riding I’m aware of. The fact some of the rides push a world class rider to his limits only confirms that Scotland should not be underestimated!

Buzzing! But yea hope it doesn’t get “fixed”.

Re fitting. Watch their video, follow the instructions exactly.

Doesn’t like beer. Renders the article irrelevant.

I find them a tricky bugger to fit!

I concur with @agentdagnamit, worth doing without the Jacobshorn descent as long as you’re hoping for an epic day in the mountains rather than outstanding riding. We did it in 2019 and always say it was one of our best days out even if the trails weren’t particularly exciting. If you get the timing right you can get an old school train back to Davos!

That’s really cool! Also shows how accurate they are, even looking for it some of them are hard to spot the difference between the shots!

Looks class! Great to see someone win!

Hamsterley taking in the excellent off piste would satisfy trails and terrain while making logistical sense.

North Lakes wouldn’t be a big detour either which opens up a lot of options.

Went for Glen Loin. It was as described, great loop to spend a few hours in old forest and stunning scenery with a fun singletrack finish.

I was definitely over biked but I only have one, and did manage to pick out a beautiful sliver of secret singletrack between fireroad a switch back just out of Succoth https://www.instagram.com/p/CeQ6k-Ts-W3/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=