The best cycling routes in The Stang Forest
4.5
(53)
1,776
riders
58
rides
Touring cycling in The Stang Forest offers routes through a landscape characterized by rolling hills and open moorland. The area features varied terrain, including both paved roads and tracks suitable for touring bikes, with notable elevation changes across its routes. This region provides a mix of rural scenery and historical points of interest.
Best touring cycling routes in The Stang Forest
- The most popular touring cycling route is Bowes Castle Ruins – Tan Hill Inn loop from Bowes, a…
Last updated: May 12, 2026
8
riders
28.1km
02:09
410m
410m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
riders
15.3km
01:08
340m
340m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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8
riders
33.8km
02:19
580m
580m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
riders
20.5km
01:22
330m
330m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
6
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
One of the largest and most open village greens in the Yorkshire Dales, historically used for markets, fairs, and livestock trading — the social heart of Swaledale long before tourism arrived. The green’s broad, triangular shape reflects its medieval origins as a common grazing and gathering space. Plenty of parking around the village green, but having arrived at 7am in winter for a hike and finding them all full, I suspect other times of the year will be even more difficult to secure a space.
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A wonderful village on the Coast to Coast Path. There are plenty of places to stay around the village green. The village youth play football on the lawn, including the very young ones. Very nice!
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There’s a fab tea room and general store in Eppleby village. Very cycle friendly with a track pump in the doorway!
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Leave some extra time if you’ve enjoyed the food at Dales Bike Centre Café. Also be prepared for the Stang or more climbs after this starter
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Good Cafe very reasonable prices and good food and Pleasant Staff
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picturesque village which has a green, shop and pub.
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Embarking on the Tan Hill climb from Whaw, deep in Arkengarthdale, you’ll immediately tackle steep ramps as the narrow road surges upwards from the valley floor, likely hitting gradients of 12-15%+ in places early on. Experience the stunning views unfolding back down the dale. However, the defining characteristic soon becomes the immense exposure as you break out onto the vast, high moorland. Feel the wind, often a fierce challenge here, potentially impacting your effort more than the steady gradient across the open tops. Embrace the feeling of remoteness and the wild beauty as you head towards the lonely, iconic landmark of Tan Hill Inn, Britain's highest pub.
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We called in here on a busy but wet bank holiday Sunday after hiking nearby Hoove Hill. Despite the horrid weather, the pub cheered us up no end. We had nice service—I mean, really nice, friendly smiles, polite, attentive, and were super quick. The food was also good, not the biggest portions I have had in a pub, but it was all very filling, quick, and well presented. All this at a decent price too. £42, for a main course meal with two drinks. It is obvious that the highest pub in Britain also has high standards, see you again soon!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in The Stang Forest?
There are over 50 touring cycling routes in The Stang Forest, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences.
Are there easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners in The Stang Forest?
Yes, The Stang Forest offers 6 easy touring cycling routes. A good option for those starting out is the Reeth Village Green – Reeth to Tan Hill Road loop from Arkengarthdale, which is a moderate 9.5-mile path featuring village scenery.
What are the typical distances and elevations for touring bike trails in The Stang Forest?
Routes in The Stang Forest vary significantly. You'll find paths ranging from around 9.5 miles (15.3 km) to over 23 miles (38 km). Elevation gains can also vary, with some routes featuring over 1,300 feet (400 meters) of ascent, reflecting the region's rolling hills and moorland.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in The Stang Forest?
Many of the touring cycling routes in The Stang Forest are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the popular Bowes Castle Ruins – Tan Hill Inn loop from Bowes is a 17.5-mile circular route.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in The Stang Forest?
The Stang Forest is generally best for touring cycling from late spring through early autumn (May to September). During these months, you can expect milder weather and longer daylight hours, though conditions on the open moorland can change quickly, so always be prepared for varied weather.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in The Stang Forest?
The Stang Forest features varied terrain, including both paved roads and tracks suitable for touring bikes. You'll encounter rolling hills and open moorland, with notable elevation changes, offering a mix of rural scenery and historical points of interest.
Are there any challenging touring cycling routes for experienced riders?
Yes, The Stang Forest has 29 difficult touring cycling routes. An example is the Feldom Firing Range – View of Kirby Hill Village loop from Newsham, a 21.1-mile trail with significant elevation changes, often completed in about 2 hours 19 minutes.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about The Stang Forest?
The Stang Forest is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 50 reviews. Reviewers often praise the region's varied terrain, the mix of rural scenery, and the historical points of interest found along the routes.
Are there any routes that pass by the Tan Hill Inn?
Yes, the famous Tan Hill Inn, Britain's highest pub, is a feature on several routes. The Tan Hill Inn – Tan Hill Climb from Whaw loop from Arkengarthdale is a 20.5-mile route that includes this iconic landmark.
Are there any cafes or pubs along the touring cycling routes in The Stang Forest?
Yes, you'll find opportunities for refreshments. The Cyclists' Cake and Water Stop – View of Kirby Hill Village loop from Newsham is a 23.6-mile route that specifically highlights a stop for cyclists, and the region's villages often have local establishments.
Is The Stang Forest suitable for family touring cycling trips?
While many routes feature elevation changes, there are easier options that families might enjoy. It's best to check the difficulty grade and distance of individual routes to find one that suits your family's experience level. The 6 easy routes are a good starting point.
Most popular routes in The Stang Forest
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