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Self Guided Plus+ Cycling

Tour of Yorkshire


Deposit From: £359£359
Region: Yorkshire
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights

All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

    From: £1,395.00 Book Now

    Trip Overview

    Created by: Paul Easto


    It is with good reason that Yorkshire has been chosen as the host for the Tour de France Grand Depart and the World Cycling Championships. An extensive network of quiet roads offers the cyclist an amazing choice of routes, all set amidst the beautiful scenery of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

    Challenging climbs lead to outstanding views and memorable descents as you wind your way through hay meadows rich in wildflowers during the spring and summer months and enjoy the changing colours in autumn. This 5-day tour is a showcase of the region, taking in many of the roads used in Le Tour as you complete a full circuit of the Yorkshire Dales. Enjoy the classic climbs of Lofthouse and Greenhow Hill to the beautiful valleys of Wensleydale, Swaledale and Dentdale.

    This price is based on a group of 4, prices will vary depending on group size. Please get in touch with our team to confirm the trip price for your group.

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    Day by Day
    Itinerary

    Day 1 – Pateley Bridge to Masham Read More

    Day 1

    Pateley Bridge to Masham

    Your guide and “soigneur” will meet you at York train station mid-morning and then transfer for around one hour to the start point in Pateley Bridge. Having chatted through the details of the tour we’ll set out for a gentle warm-up spin through the scenic Nidderdale valley before we reach the village of Lofthouse. From here, Trapping Hill or the Cote de Lofthouse rears up as the first main climb of your tour. At an average grade of 9%, it’s a real test – one which most recently featured in the World Cycling Championships in 2019. On reaching the summit the day’s hard work is done and all that remains is a long downhill 6mi/10km cruise to the welcoming and historic market town of Masham.


    Ride Details: 27 km / 17 miles | 451 m / 1,480 ft

    Day 2 – Masham to Hawes Read More

    Day 2

    Masham to Hawes

    Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and an equally relaxed start on the bike following gently undulating roads alongside the River Ure. The village of Leyburn makes for a perfect espresso stop ready to tackle the first of the day’s four dales (or valleys). After an initial steep ascent, the route through Coverdale climbs to reach the summit on the shoulder of Great Whernside. Enjoy the magnificent views as you descend steeply to Wharfedale. At around halfway, the George Inn makes for a welcome and historic lunch stop in Hubberholme. From here it’s a steady climb up a peaceful valley before tackling one of the most challenging hills of the tour. Fleet Moss climbs over the highest road in Yorkshire, topping out at 600m with the occasional gradient of 15%+. From the top, your reward is a fun descent all the way to the overnight stop in the village of Hawes.

    Meals Included: Breakfast
    Ride Details: 70 km / 43 miles | 1,263 m / 4,144 ft

    Day 3 – Hawes to Ravenstonedale Read More

    Day 3

    Hawes to Ravenstonedale

    Today you’ll be riding on roads used in the Tour de France through the fantastic valleys of Wensleydale and Swaledale. For the first hour of the day, the riding is on fun rolling roads, which are mostly downhill as we follow the course of the River Ure. Then, heading away from the valley we turn left to climb past Castle Bolton which makes for an iconic photo stop before climbing over Grinton Moor (the final climb on Stage 1 of the 2014 Tour de France) and enjoy an awesome descent into Wensleydale. The charming village of Reeth makes for a perfect lunch stop before you continue climbing gently up the valley. In spring and summer, the meadows are alive with wildflowers as you wind your way through some of the most scenic landscapes in England. The adorable village of Muker makes for a lovely stop, perhaps refuelling on tea and scones before tackling the main climb of the day over Birkdale Common. From the summit, the mountains of the Lake District come into view and dominate the descent which leads to our overnight in Ravenstonedale.

    Meals Included: Breakfast
    Ride Details: 76 km / 47 miles | 4,302 m / 14,114 ft

    Day 4 – Ravenstonedale to Settle Read More

    Day 4

    Ravenstonedale to Settle

    After enjoying a relaxed breakfast this morning you’ll head south from Ravenstonedale. You will first reach Sedbergh which is officially known as “England’s Book Town” and then onwards to the delightful village of Dent with its cobbled streets and traditional architecture. Refuelled with coffee and cake, begin the long 7km/4 mile climb up Dentdale. This is arguably the finest valley in the region. Here you’ll reach the summit of White Shaw Moss at 475m/1558ft. An exhilarating cruise awaits, downhill for 10km/6mi to Ingleton. Enjoy lunch in one surrounded by Yorkshire’s scenic beauty before an afternoon of rolling roads to the Ribble Valley and the stage end in Settle.

    Meals Included: Breakfast
    Ride Details: 64 km / 40 miles | 962 m / 3,156 ft

    Day 5 – Settle to Pateley Bridge Read More

    Day 5

    Settle to Pateley Bridge

    Your final day is a classic taking in some of the Yorkshire Dales finest scenery and three major climbs. The day’s work starts right away with a climb over High Side to reach the village of Malham – home to a spectacular limestone cove which is well worth a short diversion. Grab a coffee in the village before climbing again with views across to Malham Cove as you ascend to Malham Tarn where the landmark hill of Pen-y-ghent dominates the skyline. Descend into Wharfedale passing the imposing Kilnsey Crag and follow a lovely lane into Grassington. The village is a delight and there are several choices for lunch; a local’s favourite being The Corner House. From Grassington, there’s one final ascent to tackle over Greenhow Hill before a steep and fast descent leads to Pateley Bridge to complete your Tour de Yorkshire. Transfer back to York or, better still, choose to stay one final night in Pateley Bridge.

    Meals Included: Breakfast
    Ride Details: 71 km / 44 miles | 1,217 m / 3,993 ft

    X
    Self Guided Cycling
    Tour of Yorkshire

    To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:

    Fields marked with * are mandatory

    The phone number field is not required but if you would like us to give you a call to help find the trip for you, then enter your telephone number including the country code.

    Book Now

    Price from: £1,395

    X
    Self Guided Cycling
    Tour of Yorkshire

    For private departure enquiries, please complete the form below:

    Trip Details

    Accommodation Read More

    This Itinerary includes 4 nights in 3 or 4-star standard accommodation ranging from cosy guesthouses, inns, small hotels, bed and breakfast – or perhaps even on working farms, all of which are the picture of warmth, comfort and rustic charm typical to northern England. Our accommodation partners are carefully handpicked for a number of factors – picturesque locations, very good facilities and a reputation for providing welcoming hospitality.

    Accommodation will be reserved on a Bed & Breakfast basis, lunches and evening meals are not included. Local shops sell sandwiches and snacks for the day ahead. Many guesthouses will also be able to provide a packed lunch for you if you ask them the night before. In the evenings, meals can be taken in local restaurants, hotels or bars.

    Single Room
    Single occupancy rooms are available for a small supplement. Please get in touch with the team to book.

    Inclusions Read More
    • 4 nights accommodation in 3-4 star locally owned guest houses, B&Bs, small hotels and inns along the route.
    • Meals as indicated in the itinerary: Breakfast each day (Meals indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner).
    • A support vehicle throughout the trip who will offer guidance, local insights, snacks, change of clothes, navigation and a boost if needed.
    • Soigneur / Support driver / bike mechanic / first aider available 24/7 while on the trip.
    • Essential equipment including GPS with pre-loaded routes. Your soigneur will also have a bike lock, bike tool, spare inner tube, pump and tyre levers if required.
    • Bike cleaning and maintenance throughout the trip.
    • Welcome briefing and expert bike fitting on Day 1 if hiring.
    • Daily luggage transfers and private transfers to and from the start/endpoint.

    Need a bike? See our bike hire page for details.

    Grading Read More

    Blue Graded 4-6

    Blue graded trips are suitable for people with a good level of bike fitness, who regularly enjoy cycling and may have joined a multi-day cycle holiday before.

    Distances each day will be between 35 – 45 miles, cycling at around 12/13mph. Each day will be rolling and hilly terrain and there will be notable climbs most days. Some of these will be more testing and some riders may opt to push or ride in the support vehicle. Some climbs are also followed by exciting descents. We will be in the saddle for 5 – 7 hours each day plus the odd longer day. There is also time each day for breaks and lunches, plus some visits to sites of interest.

    Travel - Arrival and Departure Read More

    Arrival Info
    Make your own way to York Train Station, where you will be met by your soigneur and transferred to your start point at Pateley Bridge for your bike fit, if renting, and to begin your adventure.

    Departure Info
    Either transfer back with your soigneur to York Train Station at the end of your trip or alternatively, choose to stay in Pateley for an extra night or two.

    Bike Hire / Bring Your Own Bike Read More
    Bike Hire

    We have an excellent fleet of bikes available to hire – including road bikes and E-bikes.
    Find Out More

    Bring Your Own Bike

    You are also more than welcome to bring your own bike.

    If you choose to do so, please ensure it’s in excellent working condition and has been recently serviced – either by you or by a reputable bike shop.

    In addition, please bring the following:

    • Multi-tool, including a chain tool
    • Mini pump and/or CO2 canisters
    • Two spare tubes and a puncture repair kit

    Because we will need to load your bike onto one of our trailers, please ensure that:

    • Your rear wheel is clear of any obstructions; including lights, mudguard or panniers
    • Your tyres are no wider than 45mm

    Due to the nature of our trips, we are unfortunately unable to carry bike boxes or bags with us, so please make prior arrangements if necessary.

    If you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our friendly and knowledgable sales team are always delighted to answer any queries you may have.

    Self Guided Plus+ Cycling – Soigneur Read More

    On this fully supported cycling trip, you will be accompanied by a soigneur. Your soigneur is a qualified bike mechanic and will provide bike assistance and routine bike care throughout the trip. They will look after the logistics of the trip, while supporting you on the road, transferring luggage and passing on insights from the route as well as local area knowledge. While some professional cycling soigneurs offer massages this is not something that is included. Our Self-Guided+ trips are the perfect adventure for those who wish to travel at their own pace but with the professional support of an expert to take care of all the details.

    Speak to an Expert

    Chris Page

    Our friendly office team hail from across the world but share a passion for the outdoor and wild spaces of Britain & Ireland. We are committed to providing you with the best customer service and are more than happy to chat through options and provide help and advice. Get in touch to find your perfect adventure.

    Ask Chris a Question

    Difficulty Grades Explained

    Blue Graded 4-6

    Blue graded trips are suitable for people with a good level of bike fitness, who regularly enjoy cycling and may have joined a multi-day cycle holiday before.

    Distances each day will be between 35 – 45 miles, cycling at around 12/13mph. Each day will be rolling and hilly terrain and there will be notable climbs most days. Some of these will be more testing and some riders may opt to push or ride in the support vehicle. Some climbs are also followed by exciting descents. We will be in the saddle for 5 – 7 hours each day plus the odd longer day. There is also time each day for breaks and lunches, plus some visits to sites of interest.

    Find Out More

    Our holidays reviewed
    in your own words

    This has quickly risen to the top of my short list of trips I must do again (along with the Outer Hebrides!). Beautiful scenery, great undulating rides, wonderful accommodations. Highly recommend!

    Karen Dean
    Road Cycling - The Five Countries Tour
    Reviewed on 08/10/2018

    Rated 4.95 out of 5 based on 1,099 reviews

    Read More Reviews
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