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Learn moreCycling in Harrogate takes you into magnificent landscapes in just two turns of a pedal. This historic spa town occupies a fantastic location on the edge of Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the Yorkshire Dales National Park, both of which are endlessly enticing to cyclists of all types.
Gentle day rides are ten-a-penny thanks to multiple flat cycle trails and disused railways-cum-bike-paths. Cycle routes around Harrogate take full advantage of back lanes, tracks and countryside bridleways, leading you through stunning rolling hills and past streams and rivers.
For longer day rides and multi-day explorations, the Yorkshire Dales beckon. Whizz through rural landscapes to Pateley Bridge and explore Nidderdale’s pretty upland landscape. Cycle up into the Dales and ride through valley after valley, revelling in the outstanding beauty of this much-loved area.
From family-friendly bike rides, to strenuous hill climbs, cycling around Harrogate truly has something for every rider.
Intermediate | 01:53 27.1 km | |
Easy | 00:47 12.8 km | |
Expert | 04:46 62.2 km | |
Expert | 02:42 34.1 km | |
Expert | 01:14 20.2 km | |
Expert | 02:33 32.7 km | |
Expert | 02:35 38.5 km | |
Easy | 00:51 14.5 km | |
Intermediate | 01:43 27.4 km | |
Expert | 03:22 49.6 km | |
Easy | 01:23 23.5 km | |
Expert | 04:09 66.7 km | |
Intermediate | 03:05 50.8 km | |
Expert | 05:29 87.2 km | |
Expert | 03:36 56.6 km | |
Intermediate | 03:06 52.0 km | |
Intermediate | 01:29 24.2 km | |
Intermediate | 02:28 39.2 km | |
Expert | 07:10 111 km | |
Intermediate | 02:21 34.5 km |
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Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
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Cycle routes around Harrogate will be firm favourites if you love gentle rides without much in the way of inclines. This beautiful old spa town is known for its exceptional spring water, high in iron and sulphur, and has been popular since the Georgian era when visitors would come to bathe in the waters. It might not come as much of a surprise that there are several rivers and myriad streams in the vicinity.
The River Nidd is the most major river to pass by the town and you may well cross over it many times, or even follow it on your bike rides around Harrogate. Travelling north west along the Nidd, you’ll reach Pateley Bridge and Gouthwaite Reservoir, which you can look down on from the cycle trail.
Nidderdale AONB is a peaceful region of rolling fields, verdant hedgerows and open moorland. If you go cycling around Harrogate enough, eventually Nidderdale will lure you in and bring you back time and time again with its serene views and sense of seclusion.
Numerous cycle routes take you through Nidderdale’s valleys where you can complete exhilarating day rides without too many hills. For the best views and immensely satisfying climbs, follow circular bike trails that lead you up and over Nidderdale’s modest hills. Low stone walls, quiet lanes, munching cows and utter peace will greet you here.
You can explore Harrogate’s surroundings by bike any time of year but in winter care should be taken if icy conditions arise. In spring and autumn, you’ll find misty fields and glorious colours from April’s blossoming trees to October’s golden leaf blankets.
Summer is usually warm and sunny although rain is still relatively common. Harrogate experiences lovely cycling conditions when climbing hills in spring and summer, with the air temperature keeping you comfortable on tough ascents.
Winter days provide breathtaking light across the valleys and it’s worth taking your camera as the low sun makes everything even more beautiful than usual.
Bike Touring Collection by komoot
Bike Touring Collection by komoot
Bike Touring Collection by komoot
Bike Touring Collection by komoot
Bike Touring Collection by komoot
Bike Touring Collection by komoot
Bike Touring Collection by komoot
Bike Touring Collection by komoot
Bike Touring Collection by komoot
Bike Touring Collection by komoot
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