The best cycling routes around Malham Moor

Malham Moor offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 220 different options available. These routes cater to various preferences, from gentle rides to more challenging ascents.

The routes in Malham Moor cater to a range of abilities. You'll find approximately 19 easy routes, 90 moderate routes, and 119 difficult routes, ensuring there's something for every touring cyclist, from beginners to experienced riders seeking a challenge.

Yes, Malham Moor has family-friendly options. The area around Malham Tarn is particularly suitable, offering a circular trail that combines gravel tracks, grassy paths, and quiet roads. This route provides scenic views and opportunities for wildlife spotting in a relatively gentle environment.

Absolutely. Many touring cycling routes in Malham Moor are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. A notable example is the family-friendly loop around Malham Tarn, which offers diverse terrain and beautiful views.

Yes, several routes in Malham Moor pass by or offer views of impressive waterfalls. For instance, the difficult Catrigg Force Waterfall – View of Pen-y-Ghent loop from Malham Tarn includes a waterfall, and the Weets Top – Janet's Foss loop from Malham Tarn also leads past a waterfall. The dramatic Gordale Scar Waterfall is also a prominent feature in the region, often included in cycling loops.

Malham Moor offers a varied cycling experience. You'll encounter a mix of quiet tarmac roads, gravel tracks, and grassy paths. The landscape is characterized by dramatic limestone scenery, expansive moorlands, and ancient drystone walls, providing diverse surfaces and stunning backdrops for your ride.

Yes, Malham Moor is known for its challenging climbs. The road leading up to Malham Cove, for example, features gradients that can reach 12-18% in sections, providing a significant test for experienced riders. Many of the difficult routes, such as the View of Pen-y-Ghent – Long Lane Gravel Path loop from Pen-y-ghent, also include substantial elevation gains.

The touring cycling routes in Malham Moor are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 190 reviews. Cyclists often praise the stunning limestone formations, the peaceful moorland, and the diverse terrain that offers both scenic beauty and engaging challenges.

Malham Moor is rich in natural wonders. You can cycle past the glacial Malham Tarn, witness the iconic Malham Cove and its unique Limestone Pavement, or marvel at the dramatic Gordale Scar Waterfall. Routes also offer views of prominent peaks like Pen-y-Ghent and other impressive limestone features.

The best time for touring cycling in Malham Moor is generally from spring to autumn, when the weather is milder and the days are longer. Summer offers the warmest temperatures, but spring and autumn provide beautiful scenery with fewer crowds. Some routes may be accessible in winter, but conditions can be challenging due to cold, wet weather, and potentially icy paths.

Yes, parking is generally available in key areas around Malham Moor, including near Malham village and Malham Tarn. These spots serve as convenient starting points for many touring cycling routes. It's advisable to check specific parking locations and any potential fees before your visit.

While Malham Moor is somewhat remote, it is possible to access the area by public transport, though options may be limited. Local bus services connect some of the villages within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Planning your route in advance and checking bus schedules is recommended if you intend to use public transport to reach the cycling trails.