Road cycling

Paul Skirrow

While Nidderdale has some ferocious climbs that will challenge even the fittest of cyclists, there are gentler, undulating routes following valley bottoms and quiet lanes which are great for those looking for a leisurely two-wheeled adventure.

Road cycling routes

Northern loop

This is a 40 mile (65km) circular cycle route which explores the northern part of Nidderdale National Landscape including Pateley Bridge, Upper Nidderdale, Masham and some of the eastern villages. The route passes by the Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal World Heritage Site and Brimham Rocks.

Southern loop

This is a 39 mile (63km) circular route (with the option of an extra 4 miles (6km) each way to Ilkley) which explores the southern part of Nidderdale National Landscape including the Washburn Valley, the towns of Ilkley and Otley and some of the beautiful villages of lower Nidderdale.