3 Peaks Cycles Blog

Ranked and rated, climbs you can tick off from the shop door

The Dales has more good climbs than it has any right to. Some are famous, some are local favourites, and a fair few will have you wondering why you ever took up cycling in the first place.

Below are our ten favourites, ranked from best to “still very much worth doing”. Difficulty is rated out of 10, where 1 is tough but manageable, and 10 is “find a lower gear or get off and walk”. Some are right on the shop’s doorstep, others a bit further, but still reachable on a day ride from Settle.

Strap in.

Planning, pacing and practical tips for a better day on the bike

A long ride in the Yorkshire Dales has a habit of becoming harder than expected. What starts as a steady spin out of Settle can quickly turn into hours of climbing, rough roads, changing weather and a headwind that seems determined to follow you home.

That is part of the appeal.

Whether you are planning your first longer ride of the year or heading out for a full day linking together lanes, climbs and gravel tracks, a bit of preparation goes a long way. Not because you need to overcomplicate it, but because small things become much more noticeable five hours into a ride than they do after the first café stop.

Whether a beginner or a seasoned rider, these suggestions are always worth remembering.

A proper day out on two wheels

If you’ve spent any time riding around Settle, you’ll know one thing straight away – this place was made for gravel bikes.

Quiet lanes that turn into rough tracks. Old drovers’ roads cutting across open moorland. Limestone paths that feel like they’ve been there forever. It’s not polished or perfect, and that’s exactly the point.

Gravel riding in the Dales is less about chasing numbers and more about getting out, exploring, and seeing where a track leads.

Spring has a way of getting cyclists excited again. The days are getting longer, the roads are drying out, and those rides you’ve been thinking about all winter suddenly feel very real.

Before you head out on the first big ride of the season, it’s worth giving your bike a quick once-over. Winter conditions can be tough on components, and catching small issues early can save you from bigger problems later.

Here are 10 simple things to check before the riding season properly gets underway.

Routes, Real-World Tips and Making the Most of the Season.

Winter riding in the Yorkshire Dales is a different beast. The roads are quieter, the trails are muddier, and the weather has a habit of changing its mind halfway through a ride. But get your approach right, and winter can be one of the most rewarding times to be on a bike.

This isn’t about chasing personal bests or big summer miles. It’s about riding smart, choosing the right routes, and embracing what winter riding in the Dales actually offers.

January doesn’t have to be dull, especially if you’re gearing up for winter riding or planning a few upgrades for the year ahead.

This month, we’re running a January Sale with a difference, where the more you spend, the more you save. It’s a simple way to pick up the kit you need while enjoying a bit of extra value.