Start: Settle
Distance: 203-miles (305 km)
Terrain: Road
Bike Types: Road bike, Hybrid, Gravel Bike
Grading: Challenging
La Vuelta a Dales (meaning “The Return to the Dales” in Spanish) is a multi-day circular cycling route through the Yorkshire Dales National Park. A stage of the 2014 Tour de France, a 206km (128 mile) loop from Leeds to Harrogate, is also included.
It starts in the market town of Settle and leaves the Yorkshire Dales National Park – (All Creatures Great and Small) – towards Pateley Bridge in Nidderdale then onto to Leyburn and Cloverdale before a descent into Kettlewell and Wharfedale. On its way back to Settle the La Vuelta a Dales goes through towns and villages such as Hawes, Reeth, Kirkby Stephen and Sedbergh. Highlights of the route inlcude Malham Cove and Tarn, Kingsdale, and the famous Swaledale.
There are many challenging climbs along the route including Fleet Moss between Buckden and Hawes. Fleet Moss is a big climb with over 600m of climbing and 20% gradient in some parts. Other notable climbs include Trapping Hill, Fleet Moss and Grinton Moor.
La Vuelta a Dales is a challenging route and is certainly only for experienced cyclists. It would take at least 4 days of cycling and as the route is all on road it can be cycled all year round although we would recommend attempting this in Spring/Summer.
Ensure you carry spares for any roadside repairs, and check our guide to cycle shops
in Yorkshire for servicing, parts and emergency repairs along the route.
Accommodation
Little Bank Country House, Settle. In a rural location on the edge of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales.
Broad Croft House B&B, Horton in Ribblesdale. Situated on the route of the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge and The Pennine Way
Town House B&B, Skipton. Rght in the heart of town, close to local shops, Skipton Castle, the famous market, canal walks, and more. Bicycle storage.
Crown Cottage Farm, Skipton. This is great cycling country, both mountain biking and road cycling. Why not follow the routes of Dales Cycleway or the 2014 Tour de France.
Mickley B&B, Ripon. Walking, cycling, fun and adventure in the dramatic countryside of the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales.
Campsites
The Dalesbridge, Austwick, Settle, LA2 8AZ.
Kettlewell Camping, Kettlewell, Skipton,
Studfold Caravan and Camping Park, Studfold, Lofthouse, Harrogate, HG3 5SG#
Howgill Lodge, Barden, Skipton BD23 6DJ
Ivy Bank,Galphay Road, Ripon, HG4 3SS
Cycle shops in Yorkshire for repairs, servicing and spares.
