Leeds to the Lakes
_Brun_
Posts: 1,740
I'm heading up to Windermere for me sister's 30th at the end of March, and am fancying the idea of taking me bike on the train to Leeds where she lives and then cycling up to the Lakes (with the luggage taken care of).
Taking the direct A65 route would be about 80 miles which is well within my range, and the elevation shouldn't be a problem. However, I know that road pretty well and realise it isn't ideal for cycling due to the volume and speed of traffic.
Looking at google maps, the only obvious alternative would be to head north at Addingham and go through the Dales via Grassington, Kettlewell and Hawes. That immediately seems more appealying, and it only adds about 10 miles to the distance. However, the total climb increases rather significantly, from about 4000 to 6000 feet. There also seems to be a fairly intimidating climb between Hubberholme and Hawes, but I'm sure that'd be worth it for the descent!
If anyone with more local knowledge had any suggestions as far as the route is concerned they'd be much appreciated, as would any other advice or experiences.
Cheers
Taking the direct A65 route would be about 80 miles which is well within my range, and the elevation shouldn't be a problem. However, I know that road pretty well and realise it isn't ideal for cycling due to the volume and speed of traffic.
Looking at google maps, the only obvious alternative would be to head north at Addingham and go through the Dales via Grassington, Kettlewell and Hawes. That immediately seems more appealying, and it only adds about 10 miles to the distance. However, the total climb increases rather significantly, from about 4000 to 6000 feet. There also seems to be a fairly intimidating climb between Hubberholme and Hawes, but I'm sure that'd be worth it for the descent!
If anyone with more local knowledge had any suggestions as far as the route is concerned they'd be much appreciated, as would any other advice or experiences.
Cheers
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Comments
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Oh bugger! I've just discovered that the hill I was 'slightly concerned' about is the often mentioned Fleet Moss.
This could present a good opportunity to invest in a compact.0 -
The A65 is a busy road, and most of it I would never ride myself by choice.
However this need not be a problem as a check of even a road atlas will show that the are almost parallel quiet roads all the way from Gargrave (just beyond Skipton) to Ingleton
Try routine Gargrave, Airton, Settle, Stainforth, Austwick, A65 for 100 yds, Clapham, Ingleton.
After this you are a bit stuck for a close parallel route to the A65, although you could go via Dent, Millthrop to Kendall at the cost of more distance - a prpbably a good few hills.
Neil
My bike may not look pristine, but if you had walked as many miles as I have ridden it then you would have very sore feet.0 -
Hi Neil.
I did have another look around the A65 last night after I'd posted, and discoverd it's not that hard to avoid the it entirely, without too many extra miles but unfortunately lots more hills.
I put this route into bikehike and it reckoned there's about 6,500' total climbing, as you criss-cross the valley. I'm sure it's a better option than the A65 though.
Looks like I might have company for the ride anyway, so I'll discuss the options with them too. Personally I think the Dales route is the most appealing so far.0 -
The A65 is OK as far as Skipton. I'd then start to look for alternatives as the road narrows significantly beyond Skipton. It will cut out a few gratuitous climbs and leave you fresher for the later climbs.0
