The Best Cycling Climbs in the Yorkshire Dales

One of the most challenging climbs in Yorkshire can be found right in the heart of the Dales: Park Rash. If you love to attack a short and steep climb rather than a long, gradual ascent, this one is for you. Climb 225 m/ 742 ft in just 2.1 km/1.3 miles. Added into the mix are a couple of spicy hairpins, just to make things even more interesting – and more photogenic.

In Simon Warren’s book ‘100 Greatest Cycling Climbs,’ he refers to it as “a tarmac ski slope”, so brace yourself for an intimidating-looking start which develops into a greater than 25% aspect. But there’s hope in sight – if you pass the S-bend still on your pedals, there’s a break before a final sting in the tail…

Check out the Strava segment here.

Recommended Route – Park Rash & Fleet Moss

This cracking loop is a decent day out at 75 km/46 miles, but well worth the effort. You start in the charming village of Hawes, where you’ll want to make sure you’ve got time at the start or end of your day to visit the Wensleydale Creamery Visitor Centre and pick up a variety of Yorkshire’s famous crumbly cheese.

From there, you’re straight into the splendour of Wensleydale valley, surrounded by ancient dry stone walls and grazing longdale sheep. This is a gentle warm-up before taking on the Park Rash climb. A seriously steep descent follows into Kettlewell, where you’ll want to take your time to experience the views. The town is well placed here on the route, as it’s the perfect spot for a well-earned break before you start on the gradual ascent toward Fleet Moss and Kettlewell, surrounded by the sounds of the burbling River Wharfe and the quiet of the moors. One more steep descent and you’re back to where you started.

Pit-Stop

Try to schedule in time to stop in Kettlewell, the perfect example of a quintessential village in the Yorkshire Dales, which dates back to the Anglo-Saxon era. There are several cosy pubs to choose from in winter, and in summer, we recommend stopping by the And Then Tasting Deli, which features delicious tea and coffee and, most excitingly, an excellent fruitcake with which you can sample the classic Yorkshire tradition of enjoying fruitcake paired with a tangy slice of Wensleydale cheese.

Cycle This Area With Us

I had to include this ascent in this list of the best cycling climbs in the Yorkshire Dales. I grew up in Otley, a small market town just north of it. Otley is home to a well-known cycling club that has been around since 1927. I have many memories of gasping up these hills during my childhood.

Another short and steep marvel, its features like these which seriously test European racers, who are less used to the explosive power needed to quickly conquer them when competing. Norwood Edge covers 174 m/571 ft in just 2 km/1.2 miles. The difficulty is in the start where things get steep straight away before it levels out across some hairpins before cresting onto the moor. Flanked by green woods, it’s a nice change of pace to climb through trees as opposed to exposed moorland.

Check out the Strava segment here.

Recommended Route – Norwood & Thurscross

With plenty of great transport links, Harrogate is a good place to start a loop which includes Norwood Edge. Apart from Norwood Edge, the climb is largely undulating and keeps you interested the whole way around as you weave through several of Yorkshire’s most lovely reservoirs.

You’ll tackle the edge in the first half of your climb and get it out of the way after a nice warm-up out of Harrogate, meaning you’ll enjoy the second half knowing you’ll stay at an undulating high level before descending back to Harrogate. At 58.5 km/ 36.4 miles, it’s a great little ride that will test your legs while leaving you with some time in your day for sightseeing.

Pit-Stop

Detour to Mackenzies Farm Shop & Cafe, which is packed with the best Yorkshire produce – it’ll add no more than 5 minutes to your total ride time, we promise. This lovely eatery is situated just off route after Thurscross reservoir, so you can enjoy some cake or lunch with the big climb out of the way. Formerly solely a smokehouse, they specialise in oak-smoked delicacies, so save some room in the back pocket of your jersey for a packet of Scottish salmon or local sliced bacon or chicken to tuck into later.