Distance: 20miles (32km), Climb: 450m, Ride: Moderate – Suitable for all bike types
From St. Andrew’s church take Finkle Street and follow the road signposted to Dent, cross straight over the mini roundabout with Sedbergh School Library on your left. Gently climb Loftus Hill, descend the other side as the road makes its way down to the River Rawthey and Millthrop Bridge. Cross over the river and after 0.5km take the first lane on the right, signposted for Sedbergh Golf Club. Descend the lane past the golf club, for 1.1 miles (1.8km), cross Abbot Holme Bridge over the River Dee, up a short climb and go through the gate.
At the T-junction turn right, follow the lane past Holme Open Farm and continue along this lane, known as Jordan Lane (the line of an ancient Roman Road) for approximately 2 miles (3.2km) where at a T-junction it meets the main A683.
Turn left onto the main road (taking care at the junction) and follow it past the Middleton Head pub for approximately a mile (1.6km). After passing under a disused railway bridge, take the first turning on the left onto the lane known as High Road (Middleton Hall is on your left), follow this lane for 3 miles (4.8km) until you come to a crossroads, turn left into Barbon village (The Barbon Inn is on your right).
From the centre of the village begin the short sharp climb up Banneriggs Brow to a junction. Keep to the left signed Dent and follow Barbon Beck for 5 miles (8km) as the road, known as Stone Rigg Outrake, gently winds its way through Barbondale.
You will encounter a 1 mile long (1.6km) very steep descent into Dentdale (please treat with caution) leading to the hamlet of Gawthrop. At the small stone bridge in the hamlet turn sharp left signed for Sedbergh. Follow this lane for 4 miles (6.4km) as it follows the River Dee down Dentdale.
You will pass Rash Bridge / Mill Lane to your right, ignore this turning and continue along the lane for approximately a 1.5 miles (2.4km) until you come to a gate. After a short descent turn sharp right to rejoin your outward route over Abbot Holme Bridge, past the golf club, and back to Sedbergh.
