The best traffic-free bike rides around Hawes

There are 5 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Hawes featured in this guide, catering to various skill levels from easy to difficult. These routes offer a peaceful way to explore the stunning Yorkshire Dales.

Yes, for an easier ride, consider the Stage 1 Cycles – Skeldale House, Askrigg loop from Hawes. This route is approximately 18.3 km long with moderate elevation gain, making it a great option for those looking for a less strenuous, traffic-free experience.

The routes around Hawes offer classic Yorkshire Dales scenery, including rolling hills, expansive pastures, and picturesque river valleys like Wensleydale. You'll encounter iconic drystone walls and managed moorland, providing a quintessential Dales experience away from busy roads.

Yes, all the routes listed in this guide are circular, starting and ending near Hawes. For example, the Semer Water – Semer Water loop from Hawes is a moderate 20.8 km circular route that takes you around the beautiful Semerwater.

Absolutely. For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, the Reeth to Tan Hill Road – Grinton Moor loop from Hawes is a difficult 98.5 km route with significant elevation gain, offering a demanding ride through the Dales.

Many routes pass by or near stunning natural features. For instance, the Semer Water – Semer Water loop from Hawes takes you past Semer Water, the second-largest natural lake in the Yorkshire Dales. The region is also known for its waterfalls, such as Hardraw Force and Cotter Force, which can be explored on foot from nearby points.

The komoot community highly rates the no-traffic road cycling experience around Hawes, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the peacefulness of the quiet country lanes, the stunning Dales scenery, and the variety of routes available for different fitness levels.

While focusing on traffic-free roads, some routes offer views or access to local landmarks. Hawes itself is home to the Wensleydale Creamery and the Dales Countryside Museum. The region also features iconic passes like Buttertubs Pass and Fleet Moss, which define the landscape for touring cyclists, though specific traffic-free routes might offer distant views rather than direct passage over the busiest sections.

The best time to cycle in the Yorkshire Dales is generally from spring through autumn (April to October) when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer. While these routes are designed to be traffic-free, checking local weather forecasts is always advisable, especially given the Dales' changeable conditions.

Yes, there are several moderate options. The Wharfedale Valley – Fleet Moss Approach loop from Hawes is a moderate 33 km route, and the Stage 1 Cycles loop from Hawes is a shorter moderate option at 13.3 km, both offering scenic rides with manageable climbs.