tour options:

1. Your Bespoke Cycling Tour 2. Yorkshire Dales Cycleway 3. Dales & Moors 4. Weekend In Wensleydale 5. Introduction to Yorkshire Dales Cycling

Our Leisure cycling tours are designed to allow plenty of time for sightseeing and to enjoy all the Yorkshire Dales has to offer. The tours cover much less distance each day than our ‘road cycling tours’ and we provide you with suggestions of places on interest along the route.

GRADE1

'Introduction to Yorkshire Dales Cycling'

3 days / 4 nights

£450per personShared twin/double £550per personSingle room

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Outline

We’ve had many guests in the past who want an introduction to Yorkshire Dales cycling out from one location each day, usually for a 2 or 3 day stay. This is an ideal format whether you want a few hard days’ cycling or something more leisurely

The tour features 3 rides that showcase the incredible variety of roads and scenery in Yorkshire. Heading in a different direction each day, you will ride sections of the Tour de France routes and the Tour de Yorkshire as well as more undiscovered roads that both inspire and challenge.

Daily mileage will be around 25 - 50 miles, but there is flexibility and the rides can be shortened or lengthened based on the consensus of the riders.

Accommodation is based in the lovely town of Ilkley, a location which is simply a gateway to the Yorkshire Dales. When the Tour de Yorkshire cycled through the town in 2015, the TV commentators described Ilkley as the ‘capital of cycling in Yorkshire’. The town boasts the largest cycling club in the country where almost 10% of the population are members!

Itinerary

Day1

Arrival

Arrive in Ilkley afternoon / evening at the Wheatley Arms. Introduction to the tour in the evening and briefing on the next day’s ride.

Day2

Ride 1.
27-32 miles

Wharfe Valley - Bolton Abbey - Burnsall, possibly Grassington

The route takes you along the quiet ‘back road’ out of Ilkley up the Wharfe Valley to the historic Bolton Abbey and a chance to see the ruined Priory and the Church. We’ll stop for a coffee by the river and ensure everyone is happy with the riding arrangements. From here, the route heads further up the valley to Burnsall, where many scenes from the film Calendar Girls were filmed. The lunch cafe stop will be around the half way point in the ride after which we return to Ilkley on the opposite side of the river through Appletreewick with views over to Simon’s Seat.

Day3

Ride 2.
30-45 miles

Asquith - Otley - Leathley - Almscliff Crag - Washburn Valley

This route is slightly longer than day 1 with some hills, but nothing too long or steep. Initially travelling down the Wharfe Valley, we soon head northwards through series of delightful villages heading to the morning coffee stop. We then head towards the smart town of Harrogate before branching left towards Darley, eventually ending up at the lunch stop near Blubberhouses (which was on the route of the 2014 Tour de France). A steady hill takes us up the moor before descending back into Ilkley.

Day4

Ride 3.
30-45 miles

Rhylstone - Hetton - Airton - Malham

A similar start to the ride as day 1, this undulating route veers off the Wharfe Valley through Hetton and Airton. The highlight is a visit to the breathtaking Malham Cove.

Day5

Depart Ilkley in morning.

Alternatively, stay a few more nights and enjoy the many things Yorkshire has to offer!

What's Included?

Rest

4 Nights Accommodation
In the lovely town of Ilkley, featuring its famous Cow and Calf rocks and great range of restaurants and pubs

Support

Daily meet with rep from YVT to discuss the route for the day and recommend good cafe stops!

Tech

Map
of routes

GPS
files of routes for use with Garmin etc

Bike hire

Road, hybrid and e-bikes available for hire from local specialist

What's Not Included?

Insurance

We do not provide any insurance for you or your cycle, so we advise you take out suitable cover

Meals & Snacks

Food and drink at the cafe stop/s

Tour Gallery

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