8 of the best places to go cycling in Harrogate & The Yorkshire Dales
A great way to exercise and see our beautiful countryside!
Last updated 4th Aug 2021
Ever since the Tour de France chose Yorkshire to host its first two stages back in 2014, the region has become a major cycling destination. In Harrogate and the Yorkshire Dales, we've hosted Tour de Yorkshire stages and the 2019 UCI Road World Championships.
Whether you are looking for long-distance road routes or off-road paths round local countryside - we've brought together the best of them here. Read on for routes in Harrogate, Knaresborough, Wetherby and beyond.
Nidderdale Greenway
A 4-mile, largely traffic-free route north out of Harrogate to Ripley. You’ll pass wildflower meadows, woodland and wheat fields and ride over Nidd Gorge Viaduct.
Beryl Burton Cycle Way
Named after Knaresborough Cycling Club’s 7-time World Champion, this fully surfaced cycle path connects Knaresborough to Harrogate passing fields and woodland on the way. Starting riverside near Mother Shipton’s Cave, it heads to Bilton where you can cycle onward into Harrogate or join the Nidderdale Greenway to head north (see above).
Wetherby - Tadcaster – York
A 10-mile route that begins in the countryside near Wetherby, joins the A659 into Tadcaster and then follows the verge alongside the A64 into Copmanthorpe in the south-west corner of York.
Wetherby Railway Path
A 6-mile route that in part follows the disused railway line. You’ll start at the ruins of Spofforth Castle, pass through the historic market town of Wetherby and ends at the Thorp Arch Retail Park near Boston Spa.
Gouthwaite Circular
One of many great mountain biking routes near Pateley Bridge. This 12-mile loop follows a track alongside Gouthwaite Reservoir and brings you back down the other side on tarmac. There is a trickier climbing section through old mine workings.
Brimham Blast
A short but technical nine-mile mountain bike route that starts in Summerbridge. The first couple of miles are on the road, before a mixture of grassy, rocky and rooty off-road sections. You’re rewarded with excellent views and the natural wonder of Brimham Rocks. Be aware the route is also popular with horse riders.
Through the Dales to Linton-on-Ouse
Starting in the Dales village of Winterburn to the north of Skipton, this 48-mile route sticks to roads all the way. You’ll pass through Pateley Bridge, Fountains Abbey, Ripon and Boroughbridge on the way to Linton-on-Ouse. Be aware of steep climbs in places.
Yorkshire Dales Cycleway
A long-distance route of 130 miles with almost 4000m of climbing. The circuit starts and ends in Skipton and visits countless Yorkshire Dales landmarks and beauty spots including Malham Cove, Hawes, Askrigg, Kilnsey Crag and Bolton Abbey.
Enjoy our beautiful countryside and remember your cycle safety.
Have a look at these amazing photos of Harrogate & the Yorkshire Dales over the last 130 years
Hotel Majestic, Harrogate c1910
The Majestic opened in the summer of 1900. In its early years it was popular with celebrities, politicians and royalty from around the world. Still a hotel, it is now known as the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa.
Harrogate Hydro c1890
Now known as The Old Swan Hotel, in the late nineteenth century the Harrogate Hydropathic Company redeveloped it as a fashionable spa hotel. It was named "The Harrogate Hydro". It is where Agatha Christie was discovered after her 11-day disappearance in 1926. The "Harrogate Hydro" name lives on at the town's swimming pool.
Royal Pump Room, Harrogate, 1900
The octagonal stone building was finished in 1842. Guests would visit every morning to drink the sulphur water famed for its medicinal properties. Pictured here around the turn of the century, the glazed annexe wasn't added until 1912. The building now houses the town museum.
Royal Baths, Harrogate c1890
When they first opened, The Royal Baths were said to be the most advanced centre for hydrotherapy in the world. There were Turkish Baths, a dispensary for the medicinal waters, mud baths and steam rooms as well as consulting doctors on hand to advise you about treatments. The Turkish Baths are still open today!
Station Square, Harrogate, 1913
The Queen Victoria Statue on the right hand side of the image was unveiled in 1887, the year of the Queen's Golden Jubilee. At the time, this area was an undeveloped field but by 1902, the statue was on a traffic island, surrounded by railings.
Harrogate c1880
A town centre view, thought to date from around 1880.
Harrogate street scene c1925
By 1925, Harrogate town centre was bustling with traffic and shoppers.
Ripon Cathedral, 1910
A monastery was founded in Ripon as long ago as the 660s. The present building is the fourth to stand on the Ripon Cathedral site and was built between the 13th and 16th centuries. This image appears to have been taken from the banks of the River Skell, not far from what is now The Water Rat Restaurant and Bar.
Knaresborough Viaduct c1960
At first glance, little appears to have changed in this familiar image of the Knaresborough Viaduct. To this day, you can hire a boat and admire the view from the water.
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