The best cycling routes around Calderdale

Calderdale offers a wide array of touring cycling routes, with over 200 different options recorded on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, including 17 easy, 99 moderate, and 100 difficult trails, ensuring there's something for every touring cyclist.

Calderdale's landscape is incredibly diverse, characterized by the rugged beauty of the South Pennines. You'll encounter windswept heather moorlands, steep-sided valleys, and extensive woodlands. The region also features deep valleys carved by the River Calder and its tributaries, alongside historic waterways like the Rochdale Canal and the Calder & Hebble Navigation, which offer flatter, more relaxed routes. Expect a mix of challenging climbs and serene, traffic-free paths.

Yes, Calderdale offers several options suitable for families. The Rochdale Canal Towpath provides a relaxed, traffic-free environment perfect for all ages. Additionally, sections of the National Cycle Network Route 66, which follows the valley floor from Walsden to Brighouse, incorporate canal towpaths, off-road tarmac sections, and quiet roads, making it ideal for family outings.

Calderdale is rich in natural beauty and iconic landmarks. You can cycle past the historic Stoodley Pike Monument, offering panoramic views, or explore the beautiful woodland valley of Hardcastle Crags. Many routes also pass by reservoirs such as Scammonden Reservoir and Withens Clough Reservoir. For a unique natural sight, consider routes that take you near Lumb Falls.

Absolutely. Calderdale is known for its challenging terrain, including Cragg Vale, which boasts England's longest continuous climb and has featured in the Tour de Yorkshire. For a demanding experience, consider routes like the Oxenhope Moor Climb – Widdop Reservoir loop from Halifax, which features significant elevation gain over 80 km. Another challenging option is the Blackstone Edge Reservoir – View of the River loop from Sowerby Bridge, covering over 50 km with substantial climbing.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in Calderdale are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the popular Shoulder of Mutton Pub – Blackstone Edge Reservoir loop from Halifax is a challenging 56.9 km circular route. Another option is the moderate New Road Climb – The Secret Café loop from Brighouse, which offers a scenic circular ride.

The touring cycling routes in Calderdale are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 110 reviews. Cyclists often praise the region's diverse and dramatic landscapes, the blend of challenging climbs and relaxed towpaths, and the stunning views across the South Pennines.

Yes, beginners can enjoy the flatter sections along the historic waterways. The MAMIL Café Bar – Calder and Hebble Navigation loop from Brighouse is an easy 25.6 km route that follows the canal, offering a gentle introduction to touring cycling in the area with minimal elevation gain.

The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most favorable conditions for touring cycling in Calderdale, with milder weather and longer daylight hours. However, the rugged Pennine moorlands can be exposed, so be prepared for changeable weather at any time of year. Autumn can also be beautiful with vibrant foliage, but days are shorter and weather more unpredictable.

Yes, the historic Calder & Hebble Navigation provides excellent opportunities for touring cyclists seeking flatter, scenic paths. The Calder and Hebble Navigation – Scammonden Reservoir loop from Brighouse is a 44.2 km route that incorporates sections along this waterway, though it also includes some more challenging climbs towards Scammonden Reservoir.

Calderdale has a good public transport network, including train stations in towns like Halifax, Brighouse, and Hebden Bridge, which are often starting points for many routes. Many local bus services also connect to villages and trailheads. It's advisable to check specific routes and public transport schedules for bike carriage policies before you travel.