The best road cycling routes in Yorkshire And The Humber

Embark on the York flat loop to Bolton Percy, an easy road cycling route that takes you 29.0 miles (46.7 km) through a blend of historic cityscapes and tranquil countryside. You will gain only 490 feet (149 metres) in elevation, making this a gentle ride that typically takes around 1 hours and 52 minutes to complete. Begin near York city center, passing iconic landmarks like Lendal Bridge and the magnificent York Minster before transitioning into open farmland and rural views.

This route is perfect for cyclists of any fitness level, offering predominantly flat and well-paved surfaces across its entire length. The path guides you through the agricultural landscape to the west of York, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. You can look forward to a peaceful escape into the countryside, making it an accessible option if you are seeking a less challenging ride.

As the most popular road cycling route in the York area, this trail offers a unique combination of urban history and natural beauty. You will cycle past beautiful architecture such as Bishopthorpe Palace and its gardens along the River Ouse, where you might even spot otters. Its blend of historic urban sights with serene agricultural landscapes makes it particularly appealing to a wide range of cyclists.

Embark on a challenging road cycling adventure with the Wensleydale & Swaledale loop from Bainbridge. This difficult route covers 35.9 miles (57.8 km) and features a significant elevation gain of 3762 feet (1147 metres), typically taking around 3 hours and 16 minutes to complete. You will experience varied terrain, from well-paved roads to potentially unpaved segments, as you cycle through windswept hills, expansive moors, and deep glacial valleys, passing charming villages and stone barns. The landscape transforms from drystone walls and wildflower meadows to wild, remote moorland as you move between the distinct dales.

To make the most of your ride, consider planning your visit for late spring, specifically May to June, or early autumn, from September to October. During these periods, you can expect milder weather conditions and fewer crowds on the roads. The route starts from Bainbridge, a good base for exploring the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Be prepared for a hard road ride that requires very good fitness due to the challenging climbs and descents throughout the loop.

This loop is one of the most popular road cycling routes in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, an area well-known for its excellent cycling opportunities. The region's challenging climbs have even hosted parts of the prestigious Tour de France route, highlighting the quality of the terrain. As you ride, you will witness the natural beauty of both Wensleydale and Swaledale, characterized by prominent limestone features and quiet roads where sheep often outnumber cars, offering a peaceful and immersive experience.

Embark on a moderate racebike loop through the Yorkshire Dales National Park, offering a scenic road cycling experience. This route spans 23.4 miles (37.7 km) with an elevation gain of 1365 feet (416 metres), taking about 1 hour and 57 minutes to complete. You will cycle on largely well-paved, quiet roads that wind through dramatic limestone landscapes and valleys. Enjoy views of the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct and the majestic Pen-y-ghent as you navigate the rolling hills. The trail provides a unique blend of natural beauty and challenging ascents, requiring a good level of fitness.

This popular road cycling route is well-regarded by local cyclists, suggesting good accessibility for starting your ride. While the area is known for varied terrain, this specific loop is generally considered to have mostly well-paved surfaces, making for an enjoyable ride. Always be prepared for quiet roads that showcase the varied landscapes characteristic of the Yorkshire Dales. Plan your visit to allow ample time to appreciate the views without rushing.

A significant highlight of this loop is the impressive Ribblehead Viaduct, an architectural marvel that makes for a popular photo opportunity. The entire route is set within the stunning Yorkshire Dales National Park, ensuring a ride through some of England's most picturesque natural scenery. You will traverse dramatic limestone landscapes and valleys, with spectacular views of Pen-y-ghent particularly visible from the B6479 between Horton-in-Ribblesdale and the viaduct.

For a challenging racebike adventure, the Etape du Dales south loop takes you through the remote and windswept Yorkshire Dales. This difficult route covers 61.5 miles (98.9 km) and includes a significant 3815 feet (1163 metres) of elevation gain. You will cycle past dramatic landmarks like the Ribblehead Viaduct, experiencing vast, open landscapes and picturesque valleys. Expect to spend around 4 hours and 46 minutes on this demanding ride.

When planning your visit, remember that this route traverses high and exposed areas of the Dales. Conditions can change rapidly in the national park, so always check the weather forecast before you head out. Be prepared for challenging conditions, especially if you are riding outside of the official event. This preparation will help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the road.

The Etape du Dales south loop offers jaw-dropping views and a truly immersive ride through the Dales. You will find yourself surrounded by glorious scenery, with glimpses of iconic peaks like Pen-y-ghent. This route is notable for its demanding nature and the stunning natural environment it showcases, making it a highlight for experienced road cyclists in the region.

Embark on the Cocayne Loop for a rewarding racebike experience through the tranquil, remote beauty of the North York Moors National Park. This moderate route spans 28.1 miles (45.3 km) and challenges you with a significant 2062 feet (628 metres) of elevation gain. You can expect to complete this ride in about 2 hours and 22 minutes, enjoying stunning views, especially as you descend the Winding Road and loop around Bransdale, surrounded by scattered farmhouses and quiet landscapes.

Planning your ride on the Cocayne Loop is straightforward, as the route is primarily well-paved and perfectly suited for road bikes. You can typically begin your journey from nearby towns such as Helmsley or Kirbymoorside, where parking is generally available. Always remember to check local conditions before you head out, especially if the weather is unpredictable, to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.

This area of the North York Moors, largely owned by the National Trust, offers a unique escape from bustling areas, characterized by its vast, open spaces and a distinct lack of villages. The route provides a deep immersion into the natural environment, showcasing the quiet solitude and expansive vistas that make this part of England so special for cyclists seeking both a physical challenge and serene surroundings.

Embark on a difficult road cycling adventure with the Richmond loop to Buttertubs Pass, a challenging route through the Yorkshire Dales National Park. This 52.7 miles (84.8 km) loop features a significant elevation gain of 3841 feet (1171 metres) and takes around 4 hours and 14 minutes to complete. You will encounter demanding climbs, including sections of Buttertubs Pass with gradients up to 20%, alongside picturesque views of dry stone walls, rolling hills, and open moorland. The charming market town of Richmond, with its Norman castle and cobbled marketplace, serves as your starting point. You will also see the distinctive 20-meter-deep limestone potholes that give Buttertubs Pass its name. The route offers stunning panoramas over Swaledale and Wensleydale, making it a truly rewarding ride for those with very good fitness.

When planning your visit, be prepared for exposed conditions on the upper slopes of the climb, where you might encounter wandering sheep. The road surfaces are generally well-paved, but the steepness of the climbs and sharp descents with tight hairpins require careful handling. Starting from Richmond provides easy access to this loop. This route is best enjoyed when the weather is clear, allowing you to fully appreciate the expansive views and tackle the challenging ascents safely. Always check local weather conditions before heading out, as the Dales can be unpredictable.

Buttertubs Pass is an iconic climb in the cycling world, recognized in the "100 Greatest Cycling Climbs" list. Its fame grew significantly when it was featured as the second and highest categorized climb in Stage One of the 2014 Tour de France. The pass was also intended to be part of the 2019 UCI Road World Championships. The unique name comes from a historical practice where farmers would cool their butter in the deep limestone potholes while resting on their way to market. This route offers a chance to ride a piece of cycling history while experiencing the achingly beautiful surroundings of the Yorkshire Dales.

Embark on a difficult racebike adventure with the Cragg Vale double, a challenging 41.7 miles (67.2 km) loop that takes around 3 hours and 36 minutes to complete. You will climb a significant 4015 feet (1224 metres) through diverse landscapes, from dense woodlands to open Pennine moorland. Expect a demanding ride with rewarding views, including the famous Cragg Vale climb, England's longest continuous road ascent, and a thrilling descent down Blackstone Edge with vistas over Rochdale.

This route conveniently begins and ends in Hebden Bridge, a lively town offering cafes and other amenities perfect for pre-ride preparation or post-ride recovery. You can find parking in Hebden Bridge or use public transport to access the starting point. Remember to check the weather forecast before you set out, especially for strong cross-headwinds on the exposed moorland sections.

The Cragg Vale double with a Calderdale loop is a notable ride in the South Pennines, celebrated for its unique combination of challenging climbs and picturesque Yorkshire countryside. The route's centerpiece, the Cragg Vale climb, is a distinctive feature that sets it apart as a must-do for experienced road cyclists seeking a significant workout and memorable scenery.