The best road cycling routes around Richmondshire

Embark on a challenging road cycling adventure with the Wensleydale & Swaledale loop from Bainbridge. This difficult route covers 35.9 miles (57.8 km) and features a significant elevation gain of 3762 feet (1147 metres), typically taking around 3 hours and 16 minutes to complete. You will experience varied terrain, from well-paved roads to potentially unpaved segments, as you cycle through windswept hills, expansive moors, and deep glacial valleys, passing charming villages and stone barns. The landscape transforms from drystone walls and wildflower meadows to wild, remote moorland as you move between the distinct dales.

To make the most of your ride, consider planning your visit for late spring, specifically May to June, or early autumn, from September to October. During these periods, you can expect milder weather conditions and fewer crowds on the roads. The route starts from Bainbridge, a good base for exploring the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Be prepared for a hard road ride that requires very good fitness due to the challenging climbs and descents throughout the loop.

This loop is one of the most popular road cycling routes in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, an area well-known for its excellent cycling opportunities. The region's challenging climbs have even hosted parts of the prestigious Tour de France route, highlighting the quality of the terrain. As you ride, you will witness the natural beauty of both Wensleydale and Swaledale, characterized by prominent limestone features and quiet roads where sheep often outnumber cars, offering a peaceful and immersive experience.

Embark on a difficult road cycling adventure with the Richmond loop to Buttertubs Pass, a challenging route through the Yorkshire Dales National Park. This 52.7 miles (84.8 km) loop features a significant elevation gain of 3841 feet (1171 metres) and takes around 4 hours and 14 minutes to complete. You will encounter demanding climbs, including sections of Buttertubs Pass with gradients up to 20%, alongside picturesque views of dry stone walls, rolling hills, and open moorland. The charming market town of Richmond, with its Norman castle and cobbled marketplace, serves as your starting point. You will also see the distinctive 20-meter-deep limestone potholes that give Buttertubs Pass its name. The route offers stunning panoramas over Swaledale and Wensleydale, making it a truly rewarding ride for those with very good fitness.

When planning your visit, be prepared for exposed conditions on the upper slopes of the climb, where you might encounter wandering sheep. The road surfaces are generally well-paved, but the steepness of the climbs and sharp descents with tight hairpins require careful handling. Starting from Richmond provides easy access to this loop. This route is best enjoyed when the weather is clear, allowing you to fully appreciate the expansive views and tackle the challenging ascents safely. Always check local weather conditions before heading out, as the Dales can be unpredictable.

Buttertubs Pass is an iconic climb in the cycling world, recognized in the "100 Greatest Cycling Climbs" list. Its fame grew significantly when it was featured as the second and highest categorized climb in Stage One of the 2014 Tour de France. The pass was also intended to be part of the 2019 UCI Road World Championships. The unique name comes from a historical practice where farmers would cool their butter in the deep limestone potholes while resting on their way to market. This route offers a chance to ride a piece of cycling history while experiencing the achingly beautiful surroundings of the Yorkshire Dales.

Cycle the Stang & Richmond loop from Reeth, a moderate 34.1-mile road route through the Yorkshire Dales with challenging climbs.

This moderate 32.7-mile road cycling loop from Leyburn explores Lower Wendsleydale and Coverdale, featuring Jervaulx Abbey and Middleham Cas