Adventourus Active Vacations

8 day Independent tour

    This outstanding route circles the entire Yorkshire Dales National Park, starting and finishing in the famous market town of Skipton, which is easily accessible by road and rail. The route takes in the spectacular limestone country of Malhamdale, Ribblesdale and the Three Peaks before crossing to delightful Dentdale and on to Wensleydale and Swaledale, the setting for much of the filming of “All Creatures Great and Small”.
    Turning south, the route continues up Coverdale before descending into Wharfedale and back to Skipton. With moorland passes leading from one dale to the next, and leafy lanes connecting a network of welcoming dales villages, this route has much to offer the cycle tourer, and our less demanding daily mileages deliberately allow you plenty of time to enjoy this consistently scenic route.

    Individual arrival in Skipton. Check in the hotel and receive all your travel documents.

    After breakfast you will be provided with your bike and other equipment. Heading into Wharfedale and past the 12th Century hunting lodge of Barden Tower, the route is today along pleasant country lanes to the village of Malham with its famous Cove and spectacular scenery.

Day 3: Malham to Ingleton

    From Malham you climb up to a plateau area with limestone pavements and views of the Three Peaks of Ingleborough, Pen-y-ghent and Whernside, before dropping down to the small market town of Settle. Continuing through several other Dales villages, you arrive at your overnight stop in the well-known village of Ingleton.

    More high limestone country is met today before leaving the Three Peaks area and descending into Dentdale. From the village of Dent, the route climbs slowly up the valley to pass under the Settle - Carlisle railway at Dent Head Viaduct. A long descent rounds off the day, taking you into the small, bustling market town of Hawes.

    There is plenty to see in Hawes, the home of Wensleydale cheese, before continuing down Wensleydale to Askrigg, the village of Darrowby in the James Herriot Series. A climb and descent bring you into Swaledale, famous for its wildflower meadows and stone barns. A very short detour takes you to your accommodation in the village of Reeth.

    Another high road through the heather takes you back to Wensleydale, and the short detour here to Castle Bolton is highly recommended. Then it's on into Coverdale, also known for its cheese, and up to the highest point of the holiday at 1650 feet. The descent is down the steep Park Rash into Kettlewell.

    A delightful final day of cycling follows Wharfedale as far as Bolton Abbey before returning you to Skipton.

    After breakfast, some sightseeing in Skipton and departure.

PRICE & DETAILS

DEPARTURE DATES:

Independent tours depart every day from April to mid-October.

- 7 nights in excellent quality B & B's, all rooms with private facilities.

- Personal welcome meeting and distribution of bikes and tour information

- English breakfast each day.

- Luggage transport from hotel to hotel.

- Maps with indicated routes, detailed route description, tourist information about places of interest.

- 18-21 gear hybrid bike with helmet, pannier bag, pump, water bottle, tool kit and lock.

- 7 day emergency support

FAIRLY DEMANDING EASY: You cycle on minor country lanes as you take a circular route around the region. Suitable for cyclists with a good level fo fitness.

The nearest international airport is Manchester. Trains depart for Skipton on a regular basis. The cost is approx. $40 one way.