High And Low Bishopside
High And Low Bishopside
4.5
(22)
690
riders
19
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes around High And Low Bishopside traverse the diverse landscapes of Nidderdale, a region characterized by its hilly terrain, moorland, and river valleys. The area features a mix of quiet country lanes and dedicated paths, offering varied cycling experiences. Notable physical features include reservoirs like Gouthwaite and Scar House, and dramatic rock formations such as Brimham Rocks. This landscape provides a range of gradients suitable for different touring cycling preferences.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
9
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
21
riders
15.9km
00:58
140m
140m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.6
(5)
70
riders
23.9km
01:25
160m
170m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
21
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(5)
58
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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One side of the reservoir is road, the other is a fantastic bridleway
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Quintessentially pretty market town, arrive early to find suitable parking, best place is next to the showground on the southern side of the bridge over the River Nidd. Honesty box only (no payment cards), cheap at £1 up to 4 hours and £2 all day (spring 2025 prices). The southern end of Nidderdale around Pateley Bridge has one of the densest concentrations of public footpaths in North Yorkshire, so loads of routeing options. See the North Yorks public rights of way map at https://maps.northyorks.gov.uk/connect/analyst/mobile/#/main?mapcfg=Out_and_About
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Great views both up and downstream, with parking on both sides of the bridge. The car park on the southern side, next to the cricket pitch and showground, is quite big and now relies on an honesty box for payment.
1
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This is a beautiful road to cycle down that follows the entire length of the reservoir. It's surrounded by rolling hills and farmland and provides great views of the Nidderdale Valley.
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Beautiful spot, with plenty of birds and other wildlife to see. A parking and picnic area is next to the road with a viewing platform.
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A small but quaint town in the Yorkshire Dales.
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The bridge at Pateley Bridge is a Grade-II listed 18th century structure with three segmental arches - rather impressive. Completely central in the town (or is it a bigger village?... hm...). It's a pleasant place. The name "Pateley" means "a path in a clearing". Not much of that left these days!
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There are 19 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes in High And Low Bishopside, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels for a peaceful ride away from busy roads.
The routes in High And Low Bishopside often feature the hilly and rugged terrain of Nidderdale, including moorland and quiet country lanes. While many routes are designed to be traffic-free, some may include challenging climbs and descents, characteristic of the region's diverse landscape.
Yes, there is at least one easy route suitable for families. The region offers a mix of routes, from gentle paths to more challenging rides, ensuring options for various skill levels. Look for routes with lower elevation gain for a more relaxed experience.
Many routes offer stunning views and pass by significant attractions. You might cycle near the dramatic rock formations of The Druid's Temple, or enjoy the picturesque market town of Pateley Bridge. Other highlights include the mysterious Trollers Gill and various scenic viewpoints like Simon's Seat.
Yes, several routes are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For example, the Gouthwaite Reservoir – Stone Bridge, Pateley Bridge loop from Pateley Bridge is a moderate 21.9 km option, and the Gouthwaite Reservoir – Gouthwaite Reservoir loop from Pateley Bridge offers a 27.3 km moderate ride.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.58 stars from 26 ratings. Reviewers often praise the peacefulness of the traffic-free routes, the stunning Nidderdale scenery, and the variety of challenging climbs and rewarding descents.
Yes, the region is home to several beautiful reservoirs. You can explore routes like the challenging 33.2 km Scar House Reservoir and Dam – Gouthwaite Reservoir loop from Nidderdale High School, which offers scenic views of both reservoirs.
Parking is generally available in key towns and villages that serve as starting points for many routes, such as Pateley Bridge. Specific parking information for individual routes can often be found in the route descriptions on komoot.
Nidderdale offers beautiful cycling experiences throughout the year. Spring and summer provide pleasant weather and lush landscapes, while autumn brings vibrant colors. Always check local weather conditions, especially for higher elevations, as the terrain can be exposed.
Absolutely. Many of the no-traffic routes in High And Low Bishopside are rated as difficult, featuring significant elevation changes. For example, the Warsill Road – Brimham Rocks loop from Nidderdale National Landscape is a challenging 44.4 km ride with over 600 meters of elevation gain.
Public transport options to the Nidderdale area, including Pateley Bridge, are available, though they may be less frequent than in larger urban centers. It's advisable to check local bus schedules in advance to plan your journey to the starting points of your chosen routes.


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