Distance: 35.2 miles (56.6km), Climb: 1100m, Ride: difficult – suitable for all bike types
From Sedbergh head south crossing the mini roundabout and climbing Loftus Hill following the road signposted for Dent.
Descend to the River Rawthey and cross Millthrop Bridge, then head east for 5.1 miles (8.2km) as the road gradually winds its way through Dentdale to the picturesque village of Dent, with its pretty cobbled street and it’s huge stone memorial to the founding father of modern geology Adam Sedgwick. There are a couple of cafes for an early coffee stop.
From the centre of Dent turn left in front of the George & Dragon pub. Follow this road signposted Hawes, Ingleton via Newby Head, out of the village and follow the River Dee up the valley. Note that the river often disappears from sight as it goes underground through hidden limestone passages, before reappearing to tumble ever onward down the valley.
Almost 4 miles after leaving Dent you will reach the hamlet of Cowgill. Shortly after passing St John’s Chapel on your left take the first proper road to the left signposted Dent Station and Garsdale Head. This is the start of the Coal Road, named after the now disused small coal pits near the summit. Until now you have gently climbed around 115m, but this is about change significantly with one of the steepest climbs in the area, rising 400m in less than 3km … The climb begins with some extremely steep zigzags up Monkeybeck Scar to Dent Station. Thereafter the angle relents but the road keeps going up.
Fortunately, what goes up must inevitably come down, with a long fast 3km descent to Garsdale Head (this requires caution, very steep just above Garsdale Station). At the T-junction with A684, turn right. Shortly after passing under the railway bridge turn left at the Moorcock Inn (or pause for a well earned break), signposted Kirkby Stephen. Follow the wild and beautiful Mallerstang valley road B6259 alongside the engineering marvel that is the Settle Carlisle Railway.
Pass beneath the looming bulk of both Mallerstang and Wild Boar Fell and through the hamlet of Outhgill before arriving at the ruins of 12th-century Pendragon Castle, reputedly the home of Uther the father of the now legendary King Arthur of Round Table fame.
Turn immediately left beside the castle and take the minor road west, signed unsuitable for HGVs. This is known as the Tommy Road and climbs steeply over Wharton Fell to reach the A683.
At the T-junction turn left onto the main A683 passing Tarn House on your left before a gentle 10-mile (16km) descent back to Sedbergh passing over Ravenstondale Common. The road passes the Fat Lamb inn which serves meals and drinks.
Further on you will come to the Cross Keys Temperance Inn on your right (teas, coffees, light meals) with the beauty of Cautley Spout, England’s highest waterfall above ground at 649ft (198m) behind it at the head of the valley.
Follow the road for a further 4 miles (6.4km) alongside the River Rawthey back to Sedbergh. At the end of Long Lane you will see a mini roundabout directly in front of you with the Sedbergh School Library to your left, turn right at the roundabout and you are back at your starting point.