The Yorkshire Dales are a natural fit for road cycling, with long empty lanes climbing through limestone dales, big skies over open moorland, and some genuinely testing climbs in the north of England. From the flower-filled hay meadows of Wensleydale and Swaledale to the dramatic scenery of Malhamdale and the high passes of Fleet Moss and Buttertubs, there is no shortage of variety for cyclists of every level. With 24 graded day rides and a 6-stage tour, this Cicerone guidebook by Harry Dowdell covers the full extent of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and Nidderdale National Landscape. It also includes a special bonus route: Stage 1 of the 2014 Tour de France from Leeds to Harrogate. The 24 day rides range from 24 to 92km (15 to 58 miles) and are graded as moderate, hard or challenging, centred on the key cycling bases of Pateley Bridge, Grassington, Ingleton, Settle, Reeth, Sedbergh, Hawes and LeyburnLa Vuelta a Dales is a 305km (190 mile) circular 6-stage tour covering all the major dales, starting and finishing in Settle via Pateley Bridge, Leyburn, Hawes, Muker and SedberghChallenging climbs include The Fleak, Birkdale, Coal Road, Tan Hill, Oxnop, Buttertubs, Greets Moss, Park Rash, Trapping Hill and Fleet Moss, covering the best-known ascents in the DalesAll routes are supported by 1:100,000 maps and gradient profiles, with refreshment and accommodation information for every ride and GPX files available to download]An introduction covers geology, wildlife, getting there, accommodation, food and drink, choosing your bike and basic bike maintenance The Yorkshire Dales offer long, empty lanes, legendary climbs, and sweeping moorland views. Comprehensive, well-researched and packed with practical detail, this is the essential guide to cycling them.
