The best traffic-free bike rides around Austwick

There are 7 dedicated no traffic touring cycling routes around Austwick, offering a peaceful way to explore the stunning Yorkshire Dales. These routes range from moderate to difficult, ensuring a good challenge for most cyclists.

The no traffic touring cycling routes around Austwick are primarily of moderate to difficult difficulty. Specifically, there are 5 moderate routes and 2 difficult routes. This means you can expect some gradual climbs and rewarding descents, often through varied terrain.

The no traffic touring cycling routes around Austwick are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 200 reviews. Cyclists often praise the quiet country lanes, the dramatic limestone scenery, and the sense of tranquility away from busy roads.

While many routes around Austwick involve some elevation, the Austwick Village – Clapham Tunnels loop is a shorter, moderate option at 13.4 km with less elevation gain (172 m), making it more manageable for families with older children or those comfortable with moderate cycling. The Sustrans Settle to Clapham route, which passes through Austwick on quiet country lanes, also offers sections suitable for families.

Yes, all the no traffic touring cycling routes listed are circular loops, allowing you to start and end your ride in the same location. Examples include the Feizor Village – Austwick Village loop and the Feizor Village – Flascoe Bridge loop.

The terrain on these no traffic routes primarily consists of paved surfaces on quiet country lanes. However, given Austwick's location within the Yorkshire Dales, you can expect some routes to feature varied surfaces, including sections with gravel, natural grassland, and rocky limestone, especially on routes that venture closer to the fells and limestone pavements.

While not directly on every route, the region around Austwick is rich with waterfalls. The Ingleton Waterfalls Trail is a popular attraction that can be incorporated into cycling loops from Austwick. Other impressive waterfalls in the wider area include Thornton Force, Catrigg Force, Baxenghyll Gorge Waterfall, and Low Force Waterfall (Force Gill).

The Austwick area is famous for its dramatic limestone scenery. You can expect to see extensive exposed limestone pavements, white rock formations like Moughton Scars and Oxenber Hill, and the unique Norber Erratics – sandstone boulders deposited by glaciers. The routes also offer views of the iconic Yorkshire Three Peaks: Pen-y-Ghent, Ingleborough summit, and Whernside Summit.

Yes, the geological makeup of the area gives rise to extraordinary cave systems. Notable highlights include Hull Pot, a massive natural hole, and Gaping Gill Waterfall and Cave Entrance. You can also visit Victoria Cave and Yordas Cave, offering fascinating insights into the region's underground world.

The best time for touring cycling around Austwick is generally from spring to autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is typically milder, and the days are longer, allowing for more comfortable rides. The Yorkshire Dales can be exposed, so always check the weather forecast before heading out, especially for wind and rain.

While not explicitly listed as a 'no traffic' route in this guide, the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct is a significant landmark in the wider Austwick area. Many local cycling routes, such as the Austwick Village – Ribblehead Viaduct loop mentioned in regional information, incorporate this impressive structure, offering superb photographic opportunities. You may find quiet lanes leading to viewpoints of the viaduct.

Austwick village itself has local pubs and cafes. Many of the routes pass through or near other small villages in the Dales, which often have welcoming establishments for cyclists to refuel. It's always a good idea to check opening times in advance, especially in smaller, more remote locations.

Public transport options to Austwick are limited. While some bus services operate in the Yorkshire Dales, their capacity for carrying bikes can vary and is often restricted. It's advisable to check with specific bus operators (e.g., services like 581 NORTHERN) regarding their bike carriage policies and availability before planning your journey.

For more detailed information on specific routes like the Settle-Giggleswick-Eldroth-Austwick-Little Stainforth-Giggleswick-Settle Circular, which offers gradual climbs and excellent views of Pen-y-Ghent, you can refer to local tourism resources such as Visit Settle. This route is known for its quiet country lanes, aligning with the 'no traffic' experience.