Nidderdale Cycling Loop
Set in and around the Nidderdale AONB this is a loop around one of the most beautiful areas of the Yorkshire Dales. The route is almost all off road and takes in a variety of terrains, ranging from gravel tracks through open moorland to narrow technical descents, this journey is a challenging route for the more experienced riders.
Map
Start:
Wath Car Park
1
Start from the small public car park next to the bridge. From the car park, cross Wath Bridge over the River Nidd and after approximately 200m turn left onto a bridleway which climbs up through Spring Woods. As the track leaves the woods take the left hand fork which takes you onto the Nidderdale Way.
2
At the Bouthwaite junction turn right up the steep climb onto Fountains Earth Moor. Bonus points for those who can remain feet up here as this is the hardest climb of the route! Once onto the moor the track forks twice and on both occasions you need to take the left hand route.
3
At the road turn left then almost immediately right onto another bridleway or alternatively take the easier road route straight down into the village of Lofthouse. If you are on the bridleway at the shooting lodge you need to take a left down Thrope Edge. Caution is required here as the bridleway is poorly marked and the decent is rapid with a poorly laid surface. You will reach the Nidderdale way at Thorpe Farm. The final field before the farm had lambs in it when I went through so please show respect and walk your bike if appropriate. Turn left for the easy run to Lofthouse.
4
Turn right at the bottom of the village then left onto a smaller road signposted for How Stean Gorge. Turn left when you hit the Nidderdale way which will take you to Ramsgill.
5
When you reach the road turn left then right straight after the bridge over the River Nidd back to Bouthwaite. Turning right at the junction means you are back on the Nidderdale way and the route back to Wath.
End:
Wath Car Park