The best road cycling routes around Malham Moor

Malham Moor offers a wide variety of road cycling routes, with nearly 170 tours available. These include 32 easy routes, 88 moderate routes, and 49 difficult routes, catering to various skill levels and preferences.

Road cycling in Malham Moor is characterized by its dramatic limestone scenery, quiet country roads, and diverse terrain. You'll encounter everything from challenging climbs with steep gradients, such as those leading to Malham Cove, to more tranquil sections around features like Malham Tarn, offering expansive views and fast descents.

Yes, Malham Moor is known for its demanding ascents. The climb to Malham Cove, for instance, features significant gradients that can reach 12-18% in sections. A popular route incorporating this challenge is the Langcliffe Scar – Malham Cove Climb loop from Malham, which covers 52.5 km with over 700 meters of elevation gain.

Absolutely. The region is home to several beautiful natural attractions. For instance, the Stainforth Force waterfall – Langcliffe Scar loop from Stainforth offers a 20 km ride that passes by the picturesque Stainforth Force waterfall. You can also find routes near Janet's Foss, a charming waterfall nestled in a gladed woodland.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in Malham Moor are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. An example is the Clapham Beck Bridge – View of the Forest of Bowland loop from Settle, a 32.6 km moderate route offering expansive views.

Malham Moor is rich in dramatic scenery. You can cycle past iconic formations like Malham Cove with its unique limestone pavement, or experience the grandeur of Gordale Scar. Malham Tarn, England's highest glacial lake, also offers tranquil views. The Linton Falls – Quiet Dry Stone Wall Lane loop from Malham takes you through picturesque dry stone wall lanes, characteristic of the Dales.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 100 reviews. Cyclists often praise the dramatic limestone scenery, the challenging yet rewarding climbs, and the quiet country roads that provide a serene riding experience away from heavy traffic.

Yes, some routes are designed with refreshment stops in mind. For example, the Bell Busk Country Road – Fish and Chips Takeaway loop from Malham is a 42.8 km route that offers the chance to enjoy a classic takeaway, providing a perfect break during your ride.

While Malham Moor is known for its challenging climbs, there are also easier routes available. With 32 easy routes, beginners can find suitable options to enjoy the scenery without overly strenuous efforts. It's advisable to check the difficulty grade and elevation profile of a route before setting out.

The best time for road cycling in Malham Moor is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to September). During these months, the weather is typically milder, and the days are longer, offering more pleasant riding conditions and better visibility of the stunning landscapes. However, be prepared for changeable weather, as is common in the Yorkshire Dales.

Malham Moor is known for its quiet country roads, especially away from the immediate vicinity of popular tourist spots. Many routes traverse less-traveled lanes, offering a peaceful cycling experience. Exploring some of the moderate or difficult routes can often lead to more secluded sections of the Dales.