Cycling to the summit of the Calf
Mountain bike enthusiasts can explore the numerous bridleways and tracks over the fells. Sedbergh has, on its doorstep, one of the best mountain bike rides in the United Kingdom: the ridge route along the top of the Howgills from the Calf south to Arant Haw followed by the descent from Winder to Howgill Lane. This is a very tough undertaking as you are faced with a 1770 ft (540m) climb from Sedbergh via Birkhaw to the top, much of it a steep grassy push. A magnificent ride on a fine day.
Why not use Sedbergh as a base to explore the fabulous road network in the Dales? You can test yourself against such classics as the climb to Tan Hill (where you can refresh yourself at Britain’s highest pub) or the Butter Tubs pass, recently made famous by the Tour de France.
For a more gentle ride try hiring an electric bike from Eden-e-motion in nearby Kirkby Stephen.
Sedbergh Information Centre can supply a range of maps and guidebooks related to cycling in the area, and more detailed information can also be found at Sedbergh Gateway, a website for walkers and cyclists in Sedbergh and the western Yorkshire Dales.
The Lakes & Dales Loop
The Lakes & Dales Loop is a 196 mile circular route which passes through Sedbergh on its journey around the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the Eden Valley. The whole route is generally cycled over 4 to 6 days but there are also various one day loops available.
The National Cycle Network
The National Cycle Network is a comprehensive network of more than 10,000 miles of safe and attractive routes to cycle, mainly on a mixture of traffic-free paths, quiet lanes or traffic-calmed roads. It is co-ordinated by the sustainable transport charity Sustrans.
Cycling Nateby to Keld
The following National Cycle Network routes pass through or close to Sedbergh.
Route 68 – The Pennine Cycleway
The Pennine Cycleway was developed by Sustrans in partnership with over 30 local authorities and other bodies and was opened in July 2003 as the longest cycle challenge ride in the UK covering around 350 miles from Derby to Berwick-upon-Tweed. It follows quiet country roads for around 80% of its length, with the remainder on forest tracks and disused railway lines.
The Yorkshire Dales Cycleway
The Yorkshire Dales Cycleway is a 130 mile circular route linking Skipton, Grassington, Malham, Settle, Ingleton, Dent, Hawes, Reeth and Kettlewell.
Route 20 – The Walney to Wear Cycleway
The Walney to Wear Cycleway (W2W) was inspired by the pioneering Sea to Sea Cycle Route (C2C) and runs for about 150 miles between Walney Island on Cumbria’s Irish Sea coast and Wearmouth in Sunderland on the North Sea coast. A series of country lanes and quiet roads have been linked by sections of cycle paths, forest trails and off-road tracks to form an integrated, sign-posted route across the country.
