The best cycling routes around Keighley

There are nearly 40 touring cycling routes around Keighley, offering a diverse range of experiences. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 650 touring cyclists who have explored the area.

Keighley's touring cycling routes traverse the varied landscapes of Brontë Country, featuring rugged moorlands and picturesque valleys. You'll find everything from relatively flat valley routes, often along canal towpaths, to more challenging moorland climbs with significant elevation gain. The area is situated between the fine countryside of Airedale and Keighley Moors, providing a rich mix of scenery.

Yes, Keighley offers several easy touring cycling routes suitable for families. A notable option is the Five Rise Locks Café – Bingley Five Rise Locks loop from East Morton. This 14.1 km (8.7 miles) route leads through the scenic canal area, offering a relatively flat and traffic-free experience, perfect for a relaxed ride.

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, Keighley offers routes with significant elevation. Consider the Widdop Reservoir – Oxenhope Moor Climb loop from Keighley, a difficult 65 km (40.4 miles) trail featuring substantial elevation gain across moorland terrain. Another demanding option is the Oxenhope Moor Climb – View of Warley Moor Reservoir loop from Haworth, which covers 40.9 km (25.4 miles) with over 900 meters of ascent.

Keighley's routes are rich in natural beauty and historical landmarks. You can explore the scenic Brontë Bridge and Brontë Waterfall, which inspired the Brontë sisters. The Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath offers views of impressive engineering like the Bingley Five Rise Locks. For panoramic views, routes might take you near peaks like Pinhaw Beacon or the Rombalds Moor Trig Point, offering vistas across the Yorkshire Dales.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Keighley are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the popular Polish Airmen Memorial – Gargrave Bridge loop from Keighley is a moderate 60.2 km (37.4 miles) circular path offering varied scenery. The Widdop Reservoir – Oxenhope Moor Climb loop from Keighley is another challenging circular option.

Absolutely! Keighley offers unique opportunities to combine cycling with other attractions. The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, a heritage steam line, allows cyclists to transport their bikes for free, making it easy to explore different sections of Brontë Country. The Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath also leads to attractions like the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saltaire, with its art galleries and cafes, and the National Trust's East Riddlesden Hall.

The best time for touring cycling in Keighley is generally from spring through autumn when the weather is milder and the moorlands are at their most vibrant. While routes are accessible year-round, the challenging moorland sections can be more exposed and demanding in winter conditions. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

Yes, Keighley serves as a great starting point for longer touring adventures. While specific multi-day routes are not detailed here, the region is part of the National Cycle Network, and longer touring options exist, such as a 5-stage, 361.9 km cycling tour from Keighley to Grantham, showcasing the potential for extended journeys.

Many routes incorporate historical and cultural points. The Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath is a prime example, offering glimpses into industrial heritage and leading to the historic Bingley Five Rise Locks and the Victorian model village of Saltaire. You can also find routes that pass by the Top Withins Ruins, famously associated with Emily Brontë's 'Wuthering Heights'.

The touring cycling routes around Keighley cater to a wide range of abilities. You'll find easy routes, often along canal paths, suitable for beginners or families. There are also numerous moderate routes that offer a balanced ride with varied scenery, and a significant number of difficult routes that feature challenging climbs and cover longer distances across the moorlands.