4.4
(64)
2,073
riders
146
rides
Touring cycling routes around Little Timble are set within the Washburn Valley of North Yorkshire, characterized by rolling hills, woodlands, and serene reservoirs. The area features a mix of paved country lanes and unpaved sections, with frequent ascents and descents. Cyclists can expect varied terrain, including quiet roads, gravel, and some singletrack.
Last updated: April 22, 2026
5.0
(1)
92
riders
26.9km
01:41
300m
300m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
23
riders
28.0km
01:49
350m
350m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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19
riders
37.9km
02:48
620m
620m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
9
riders
31.0km
02:10
550m
550m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
riders
41.6km
02:50
670m
670m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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If you are enthusiastic enough to walk around all three reservoirs (Thruscross, Fewston, and Swinsty), clocking in at 15 miles, then you will see that Thruscross has the most spectacular dam of the three. If you follow the track from the car park at the western end of the dam, to the south towards the River Washburn, a track that descends quite steeply, then you will be rewarded with imposing views of the face of the dam.
1
0
A lovely little detour for both cyclists and walkers. Adjacent to St Barnabas church. A quiet lane.
0
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Superb off road cycle track, busy, great pub in Ripley the Boars Head.
0
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Easy cycling, although track is shared with pedestrians and, dogs are often off the lead!
0
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There are over 140 touring cycling routes around Little Timble, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. The komoot community has explored these routes extensively, with more than 2000 touring cyclists using komoot to discover the area.
The terrain around Little Timble is diverse, featuring a mix of quiet country lanes, classic gravel, and some singletrack sections. While many paths are paved, some segments on harder routes may be unpaved and more challenging. You can expect frequent ascents and descents, with gradients that can reach 20-25% on some sections.
Yes, Little Timble offers 11 easy touring cycling routes, perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed ride. Many of these routes feature gentle paths, such as those around the Swinsty and Fewston Reservoirs, providing beautiful waterside cycling opportunities.
Absolutely. For experienced cyclists, there are 74 difficult touring cycling routes around Little Timble. These routes often include significant elevation changes, steeper gradients, and can incorporate more technical sections through areas like Timble Woods, which may involve navigating tree roots and sharp inclines.
The Washburn Valley, where Little Timble is located, is rich in natural beauty. You can cycle past the serene Swinsty and Fewston Reservoirs, explore tracks through Timble Woods alongside Gill Beck, and encounter the distinctive gritstone outcrop of Almscliffe Crag. Other natural highlights in the wider area include Cow and Calf Rocks and the Twelve Apostles Stone Circle.
Yes, several routes pass by notable points of interest. The Ripley Castle – Hollybank Lane loop from Darley and Menwith takes you past the historic Ripley Castle. The Almscliffe Crag – View of Almscliffe Crag loop from Otley offers scenic views of Almscliffe Crag. The Timble Inn is also a well-known landmark along many cycling paths, offering a potential refreshment stop.
Parking is available at several key locations, particularly around the reservoirs. The Swinsty Moor Plantation car park is a popular starting point for routes around Swinsty and Fewston Reservoirs. Other routes may start from nearby towns like Felliscliffe or Otley, where local parking options can be found.
Yes, the area offers several options for refreshments. The Timble Inn is a notable landmark directly on many cycling paths. Routes starting from Felliscliffe, such as the Prologue Café & Bike Shop – Smiths Arms loop, indicate the presence of cafes and pubs. It's always a good idea to check opening times in advance.
While Little Timble itself is a rural village, public transport options may be available to nearby towns like Otley or Harrogate, from which you could cycle to the starting points of various routes. It's recommended to check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information on connections to the Washburn Valley area.
Yes, the area offers family-friendly options, particularly around the reservoirs. The trails around Swinsty and Fewston Reservoirs provide gentle, mostly tarmac paths suitable for families. These routes are generally flatter and offer beautiful scenery in a safe environment.
Many outdoor trails in the Little Timble area are dog-friendly, especially those on public bridleways and permissive routes. However, it's always important to keep dogs under control, particularly around livestock and wildlife, and to check specific trail regulations for any restrictions. Please ensure you clean up after your dog.
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Little Timble are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Prologue Café & Bike Shop – Smiths Arms loop from Felliscliffe and the Almscliffe Crag – View of Almscliffe Crag loop from Otley.
The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience in Little Timble, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 60 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, the scenic beauty of the Washburn Valley, and the tranquil atmosphere of the reservoir-side paths and woodland trails.


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