The best road cycling routes around Calderdale

Calderdale offers a wide selection of road cycling routes, with over 280 options available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, from moderate to difficult, ensuring there's something for every road cyclist.

Calderdale is known for its diverse and often challenging terrain. You'll encounter steep-sided valleys, expansive moorlands, and historic waterways. The region, nestled in the South Pennines, features significant ascents and descents, with the Calder Valley floor offering flatter sections, while the surrounding hills provide rigorous climbs.

Yes, Calderdale is famous for its demanding climbs, having hosted stages of the Tour de France and Tour de Yorkshire. Notable challenges include the Cragg Vale climb, a significant ascent out of Mytholmroyd, and Calderdale Road Climb 13 (Keighley Road from Hebden Bridge to Cock Hill). Another substantial climb is Calderdale Road Climb 16 (A681 Bacup Rd into Walsden/Todmorden), offering excellent views from its 400m summit.

While many routes are challenging, you can find more moderate options. The National Cycle Network Route 66 follows the valley floor from Walsden to Brighouse, utilizing canal towpaths, off-road tarmac sections, and quiet roads, making it more accessible. For a moderate route that includes reservoir views, consider the Blackstone Edge Reservoir – Hebden Bridge Canal Basin loop from Sowerby Bridge.

Many routes offer stunning views across the valleys and moorlands. The iconic Stoodley Pike Monument provides expansive vistas. Routes passing by reservoirs like Widdop Reservoir, Baitings Reservoir, and Scammonden Dam also offer picturesque scenery. You might also encounter historic canal basins, such as the Hebden Bridge Canal Basin.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in Calderdale are designed as loops. For example, the Cragg Vale double with a Calderdale loop from Hebden Bridge and the Calderdale moorland & reservoir loop from Hebden Bridge are popular circular options that showcase the region's diverse landscapes.

The komoot community highly rates road cycling in Calderdale, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 80 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the challenging climbs, the extensive views across moorlands and valleys, and the diverse network of routes that offer both rigorous experiences and scenic beauty.

Yes, Calderdale offers several long-distance routes for those seeking an endurance challenge. The Calderdale moorland & reservoir loop from Hebden Bridge is a difficult 54.9-mile (88.4 km) path, and the Main Street, Haworth – View of Widdop Reservoir loop from Halifax covers nearly 75 km, providing extensive riding opportunities.

Calderdale has a supportive cycling community, and you'll find numerous cycling-friendly cafes and pubs, particularly in towns like Hebden Bridge, Mytholmroyd, and Sowerby Bridge. These establishments often cater to cyclists, making them ideal spots for a break.

While Calderdale can be enjoyed year-round, the spring, summer, and early autumn months generally offer the most favorable weather conditions for road cycling. During these seasons, you'll experience milder temperatures and less chance of adverse weather on the exposed moorlands. Winter cycling is possible but requires appropriate gear and caution due to potentially challenging conditions.

Yes, towns like Hebden Bridge, Sowerby Bridge, and Halifax are well-connected by public transport, including train services, which can be useful for accessing routes. Parking is generally available in these towns, often near trailheads or town centers, providing convenient starting points for your rides. It's advisable to check local parking regulations and availability beforehand.