Distance: 14 miles (23km), Climb: 521m, Ride: Hard – Suitable for All Bike Types
Starting in the lovely market town of Sedbergh the route takes you along Howgill Lane, passing under the impressive bulk of the disused Lowgill railway viaduct, before climbing up onto Firbank Fell and the historic Fox’s Pulpit where the founder of the Quaker movement preached to over a 1,000 people in 1652.
From St. Andrew’s Church, Sedbergh, cycle for approximately 25m before taking the right hand turn to the side of the Dalesman (Howgill Lane).
Climb steadily for 2/3 of a mile (1km), before descending steeply to a stone bridge. Continue along the side of the Howgill Fells on Howgill Lane for 2 miles (3km) following the course of an ancient Roman Road.
Turn left at the next junction towards Kendal and Beckfoot. Over the narrow Crook O Lune bridge, crossing the River Lune, then under the impressive now disused Lowgill railway viaduct to meet the B6257.
Turn right then immediately left towards Beckfoot and ascend the steep hill. After about 2km watch out for the right turn to Lambrigg Head, Grayrigg and Docker, and then take the unsigned lane on the left, about 200m further on.
Follow this road bearing right where a tarmac track leads left to Birchfield and continue past Fox’s Pulpit to reach a difficult descent down Shacklabank Lane to the A684.
Carefully cross the main road to join the B6256 and follow this to a T-junction. At the T-junction, turn right onto the A683 (taking care at the junction), then follow the A683 towards Kirkby Lonsdale for approximately 1.5 miles (2.4km) crossing Middleton Bridge over the River Rawthey, followed by a steady climb through woods, as you reach the summit of the climb take the sharp left hand turn called Jordan Lane (which doubles back on itself) signed for Holme Open Farm.
Follow this quiet road (the course of a Roman Road) as it takes you past the farm, and then bear right sign posted to Dent. Go through the gate and along the single track road, keeping left at the fork passing through another gate. Descend and cross Abbot Holme Bridge over the River Dee, continue past Sedbergh Golf Club at Catholes to a T junction.
Turn left onto the Dent road and return to Sedbergh via Millthrop Bridge and the climb up Loftus Hill passing the Sedbergh School Chapel on your left. Descend into Sedbergh and return to your start point.
