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Yorkshire And The Humber

Leeds

Horsforth

Back Road to Bolton Abbey – Bolton Priory Ruins loop from Horsforth

Yorkshire And The Humber

Leeds

Horsforth

Back Road to Bolton Abbey – Bolton Priory Ruins loop from Horsforth

Moderate

4.8

(16)

633

riders

Back Road to Bolton Abbey – Bolton Priory Ruins loop from Horsforth

03:01

66.0km

590m

Road cycling

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 30, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 51.0 km for 54 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

10.8 km

Otley Town Centre

Highlight • Historical Site

Otley isn't just a really characteristic town, it's also mad about cycling, not least because it is the home of Lizzie Armitstead, Olympic road race silver medallist at London 2012. Loads of cafes and a whole lot of charm.

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14.1 km

View of Wharfedale

Highlight • Viewpoint

Great stop to catch your breath before the awesome descent to Ilkley

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17.4 km

Lodge Plantation

Forest

18.5 km

Sawmill Plantation

Forest

28.2 km

Back Road to Bolton Abbey

Highlight • Trail

Excellent route if you're looking for a 100 miler that doesn't have too many hard ascents but plenty of lumpy scenic and quiet back roads. Also an excellent cafe in Wray at the half way point. The back roads around Wray and Soth Craven district are significantly much quieter than The Dales and undulating in comparison. I managed this at just under 15mph av.

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31.0 km

Bolton Priory Ruins

Highlight • Historical Site

A really popular place to visit right on the river with huge estate grounds around the 12th century monastery ruins for beautiful walks and family days out.

From Skipton there's a beautiful, quiet backroad route to come here through Halton East.

If you do pay to drive in, there's a fantastic kids/family cycle zone next to one of the car parks. It has little signposts and it's a wonderfully safe place for really little kids to get to grips with riding a bike. You can bring your own picnic too, so all in all it's a great day out.

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35.7 km

Back Road to Bolton Abbey

Highlight • Trail

Lovely tea room and if you book in advance you get a discount

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40.1 km

Old Ilkley Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

The Old Ilkley Bridge is a packhorse bridge over the River Wharfe. It was built in 1675 to replace the ford which took the Roman road across the water. It is especially beautiful on a sunny day with the light reflecting off the water onto the bridge.

On the southern side of the bridge you will find the start of the Dales Way. An 80mile hike all the way to Lake Windemere in Cumbria.

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