A circular route leaving from Gargrave (can be tweaked to leave from Skipton). Makes for a nice day out with some dramatic scenery passing through gritstone and limestone country.
There is normally free parking on the road available at the start of the route but for those wishing to change into their best lycra it might be more appropriate to park a little further from the A65, out of view of houses.
The route is mainly on quiet country roads but utilises the A65 on the way back. A short diversion can be made through Otterburn between Hellifield and Coniston Cold for those wishing to avoid traffic as much as possible. An even longer diversion could be made to avoid the A65 completely, taking the road from Settle to Airton and thus back to Gargrave. However, this would involve adding a significant amount of ascent to the route!
The route is generally pleasantly undulating on valley roads but involves one steep climb up onto the moor at Halton Gill. There is invariably a headwind on the moor (no matter what direction you ride in!) and you can expect to feel the cold. A water and windproof layer is essential.
Detailed description
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Further Routes
by Will Hunt
- Troller's Gill from Howgill 21 Nov, 2011