Gravel Riding in the Yorkshire Dales
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.
Why the Dales just works for gravel
What makes this area so good is the mix. You’re never stuck on one type of terrain for too long.
You might start on tarmac out of Settle, roll onto a farm track, climb up onto open ground, then drop back down a quiet lane into a village café. It all links together naturally.
And because you’re not tied to main roads or full-on MTB trails, you get that sweet spot in the middle. Enough challenge to keep it interesting, but still rideable without needing full suspension or nerves of steel.
A few routes worth starting with
You don’t need a perfectly planned GPX to enjoy a gravel ride round here, but a few go-to loops never disappoint.
Settle → Malham → Mastiles Lane → back via quiet lanes
This is a classic. A bit of everything. Mastiles is the highlight – a long, straight track cutting through limestone country that just feels different to anywhere else.
Austwick → Feizor → Wharfe → back round to Settle
Shorter, but still ticks all the boxes. Fast sections, a few climbs, and plenty of good views for not a huge amount of effort.
Ribblehead and the surrounding tracks
If you want something a bit more exposed and wild, head up towards Ribblehead. Big skies, rougher ground, and a proper “out there” feel.
If you’re not sure where to start, pop into the shop. We’re always happy to point you in the right direction depending on how far you want to go and how rough you want it.
What you actually need (and what you don’t)
You don’t need loads of gear to enjoy gravel riding, but a few things make a big difference.
Tyres matter more than anything
If you’re running something too slick, you’ll feel it straight away. A decent set of gravel tyres with a bit of bite gives you confidence on loose climbs and descents. Make sure they are suitably knobbly and wide enough.
Layers, even on a “nice” day
The weather changes quickly up here. It might feel warm in the valley, but once you’re up on open ground, it can be a different story. A lightweight jacket in your pocket is always worth it.
Spare tube (or two)
The Dales can be hard on tyres. Sharp limestone has a habit of finding weak spots.
Water and something to eat
Sounds obvious, but it’s easy to underestimate how much a gravel ride can take out of you, especially with the climbing.
Simple tools
Multi-tool, pump, and you’re covered for most things.
That’s about it. No need to overcomplicate it.
A few tips you’ll only learn the hard way
- Don’t trust the surface from a distance
What looks like a smooth track can quickly turn into loose rock or boggy patches. - Save something for the climbs
They tend to come in chunks, and they’re rarely as short as they look. - Take your time on descents
Some are fast and flowing. Others… aren’t. No prizes for guessing wrong. - Expect gates
Lots of them. It’s part of the deal. - Stop and look around
Sounds obvious, but it’s easy to forget. Some of the best bits of riding here are the views, not the speed.
Why it keeps people coming back
There’s something about riding gravel in the Dales that gets under your skin a bit.
It’s not about perfectly groomed trails or ticking off segments. It’s the mix of effort, scenery, and the slightly unpredictable nature of it all.
One ride might be dry, fast and flowing. The next could be muddy, slow and a bit of a grind. Both are good days out in their own way.
If you’re thinking of giving it a go
Whether you’re new to gravel or you’ve been riding it for years, there’s plenty here to explore.
If you need a bike, we’ve got gravel hire available.
If your current setup needs tweaking, we can help with that, too.
And if you just want a few route ideas, come and have a chat.
Get out, take a turn you’ve not taken before, and see where it leads. That’s what gravel riding around here is all about.
