| 1. This is a mainly challenging, off road route, which starts on Keighley Road, B6265, heading towards Bingley. You then take the right turn by the Fire Station, into Millgate, B6429, heading towards Harden. After crossing the bridge and passing the Brown Cow, start uphill on Harden Road, but after 100 metres turn sharp right onto Altar Lane, which is a steep uphill bridleway. (This right turn is potentially dangerous and it is advisable to dismount to make it.) Follow Altar Lane right to the very top (about a mile), until it joins the main Keighley - Harden Road over the moors. Turn left here and after 150 metres take a bridleway signed on the right (NOT the bridleway immediately opposite you at the top of Altar Lane. The route stays high for a while, working from Harden Road across the moors to the Guide Pub above Crossroads and Hainworth. It also takes in some reasonably challenging technical work, across rocks and small drop-offs. Once you reach the Guide Pub, retrace the route back to Harden Road. Turn right and almost immediately, enter St Ives estate on the left on a permisive bridleway, which runs steeply downhill parallel to Harden road. A great place to practice downhill technique, with the opportunity to tackle small drop-offs and jumps. Join the road inside the Estate, turn left, and follow this to the Golf Club. Turn left uphill here and then look for the second opportunity to turn right beside an old barn. This fast run down delivers you half way down Altar Lane, from where you can re-trace your outward route to the beginning. |