The best cycling routes in Craven

Craven offers a wide variety of touring cycling routes, with over 500 available on komoot. These routes cater to different skill levels, including 48 easy, 231 moderate, and 236 difficult options, ensuring there's a suitable ride for every cyclist.

The milder temperatures and less tourist traffic during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are generally recommended as the best times for touring cycling in Craven. This allows you to enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales without the peak season crowds.

While many routes in Craven feature challenging climbs, there are 48 easy touring cycling routes available. These often traverse gentler country lanes and valleys, providing a more relaxed experience suitable for families. For example, you might find pleasant rides around the charming market town of Skipton, which offers serene pathways in Skipton Castle Woods.

Craven's touring cycling routes are characterized by diverse terrain, from the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales to challenging limestone formations. You can expect significant elevation gains on many routes, with some climbs reaching up to 20% gradient, such as parts of Fleet Moss Road. Routes like the Ingleton & the Ribblehead Viaduct loop from Settle feature over 750 meters of ascent, offering a rewarding challenge.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in Craven are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Settle & Malham Tarn loop from Gargrave, which covers 53.5 km, or the Ribblehead Viaduct & Hawes loop from Horton in Ribblesdale, a 51.0 km ride through the Yorkshire Dales.

Craven's routes offer stunning views of iconic landmarks and natural features. You can cycle past the impressive Malham Cove, witness the majestic Ribblehead Viaduct, or catch glimpses of the Yorkshire Three Peaks: Pen-y-Ghent, Ingleborough summit, and Whernside Summit. The region's unique limestone formations and lush valleys provide a picturesque backdrop for your ride.

Yes, Craven is home to beautiful waterfalls. While the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail is primarily a walking route, some touring cycling routes may offer views or pass near areas with water features. For instance, the Dent Village – Deepdale Head Waterfall loop from Horton-in-Ribblesdale is a challenging 61.5 km route that includes a waterfall in its name, suggesting scenic water features along the way.

The touring cycling routes in Craven are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 400 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the region's diverse and stunning landscapes, the challenge of its iconic climbs like Buttertubs Pass, and the rewarding views of natural features such as the Ribblehead Viaduct and Malham Tarn.

Charming towns like Settle, Skipton, and Horton in Ribblesdale serve as excellent starting points for touring cyclists. Settle is a common base for exploring routes like the Clapham Tunnels – Austwick Village loop from Settle. Skipton, with its medieval castle, also offers a great base for exploring the surrounding areas, such as the Grassington village – Bolton Priory Ruins loop from Skipton.

Yes, the Malham Tarn area, known for its unique limestone landscape, is featured in several touring cycling routes. The Settle Town Centre – Malham Tarn loop from Kirkby Malham is a difficult 34.2 km route that takes you through this scenic region. Another option is the Malham Tarn – Settle Town Centre loop from Long Preston, offering a different perspective of the area.

Craven is renowned for its demanding climbs that attract experienced cyclists. Beyond the general challenging terrain, specific ascents like Buttertubs Pass and Fleet Moss Road are particularly notable. While not all routes explicitly name these passes, many difficult routes in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, such as the Kilnsey Crag – Grassington village loop from Hawkswick, will test your endurance with significant elevation gains.