If you want a big day out it’s possible to link 2 or all 3 of these routes together.
Ribblehead viaduct loop
40.05 miles, 3477m ascent.
Start from Dalehouse
A gorgeous ride up over Bowland knots with views of the Yorkshire 3 peaks, brilliant long down to Keasden and then to the lovely little village of Austwick. Some undulating lanes take you past the quarries at Helwith bridge and into Horton in Ribbles dale. Skirting the back of Ingleborough you will be presented with a fantastic view of Ribble head viaduct. A great place to stop and have a snack. There is often a tea van there and also a pub. A long straight back to Ingleton, passing white scar caves and with Twistleton scar on the right. Lots of impressive limestone. Once in Ingleton there are shops and cafes should you wish to venture into the village centre, otherwise the route takes you up some lovely quiet little lanes in the direction of Bentham, Keasden and then a final push up Bowland Knots to finish back at Dale house. This route can easily link with the Keasden loop. Just ask me.
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The Keasden Loop
26.9miles, 3178ft ascent
Start from Dale house
Just stunning! Although I avoid it on sunny bank holiday weekends as its popular with motorcyclists.
A gorgeous ride up over Bowland knots with views of the Yorkshire 3 peaks, brilliant long down to Keasden, turning left towards Bentham the undulating lane follows a small river and with lovely meadows and views of Ingleborough. Left at the agricultural garage taking you up onto the moors. Look out for the “Big Stone” on the right. There are some rather sketchy stairs to climb up if you wish to have a photo moment. Now for some moorland hills but the views are absolutely worth it. You will see Stocks reservoir in the distance as you head down towards Slaidburn where there is a café and toilets next to the river. Leaving Slaidburn you will pass through farmland, taking a left into Gisburn forest which will bring you back to Dalehouse. This route can also be linked to Waddington fell loop. Just ask me how.
Download GPX file
Waddington Fell loop
26.03miles, 2673ft ascent.
Start from Dalehouse
Follow our road back through Gisburn forest and straight up onto the moor at the crossroads. Magnificent views on either side of you, then drop down into Holden clough and take a right toward Sawley. Take another right before the bridge at Sawley and up through lovely countryside to West Bradford and then Waddington. Pubs, café and post office at Waddington. Then a long push up the fell, but boy is it worth it. It’s nice to have a little stop at the top before enjoying the incredible views of the Trough or Bowland on the way down. It’s possible to either take a right through the tiny village of Easington (quieter road) or continue through Newton By Bowland to Slaidburn (worth going this way when the fabulous display of red tulips are out in April or if you want a café stop in Slaidburn). Return through Gisburn forest back to Dale house.