| 1. Four or five big climbs make this a great challenge cum sportive in it's own right. Split into two making Nateby, near Kirkby Stephen or Thwaite a mid way stop off. Very quiet roads taking in the vast majesty of the western Dales, as well as part Cumbria and Lancashire. Can be done in reverse starting on the road from Ingleton to Ribblehead to Hawes.
From Ingleton, drop down through potteries, following road under old viaduct, till road goes up and along, till at junction turn right. Continue until pub on left and with church on right turn right.
This first hill should warm the legs up with a celebratory blast along the mid valley road until at the farm house go through the gate and then up another incline / ramp.
Continue over the tops until road drops down a long and fast descent into Dentdale. Follow road for five minutes until at junction turn right, then along valley bottom to small village where left turn sign posted Garsdale Head takes a steap winding incline.
Keep going and dig deep! Passing forest on left continue up and over till another rewarding very fast descent to the A road. Turn right and for short way before left direction Kirkby Stephen.
Push along this road as fast as you like clearing near eight miles then at Nateby turn right.
Otherwise, continue to Kirkby Stephen for lunch if needed. From Nateby, climb up and up a wonderful tranquil climb with great views till towards the top a smart ramp further tests the stamina till over the top, then a rolling top some distance before dropping down through a picturesque valley with crags above a river and camping opportunities.
Continue not to Keld but to Thwaite where a charming Yorkshire cafe awaits a well earned stop off. When recuperated up and out turning right up the hill direction Hawes taking in the 'Buttertubs' pass, which in the times I've ridden this route have always been very windy. Continue pushing till up and over down and down till picking up signs and then sights of Hawes.
Through Hawes and over it's pave turning left for the Ingleton road. Unlike the previous climbs this road eases gradually up and up and up sapping all moral (unless you're super fit and are lucky enough to have the wind working for you).
Keep going until Ribblehead, then onwards again, till Chapel Le Dale, taking the back road 'Oddie's Lane' back into Ingleton. |