Nidderdale hilly loop from Pateley Bridge
Nidderdale hilly loop from Pateley Bridge
80
riders
Nidderdale hilly loop from Pateley Bridge
04:39
84.7km
1,450m
Road cycling
Embark on the Nidderdale hilly loop from Pateley Bridge for a challenging racebike experience through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This difficult 52.7-mile (84.7 km) route, which takes around 4 hours and 38 minutes to complete, features predominantly hilly terrain with well-paved surfaces and ferocious climbs. You will gain 4751 feet (1448 metres) in elevation, tackling ascents like Greenhow Hill with its vicious 18% gradients out of Pateley Bridge. As you climb, you will be rewarded with fantastic scenery, including rugged open moorland, green meadows, and views that can extend to landmarks like Fountains Abbey. The route often follows rivers like the Nidd and passes through charming small villages, offering reflective rides in silent solitude at higher elevations. Expect a hard road ride that will test your fitness.
Starting from Pateley Bridge, a popular hub with amenities, you can easily access this demanding loop. While the route is generally on well-paved roads, be aware that some less-trafficked lanes might have tight, winding sections with unrelenting gradients and even some gravel or holes. There are no specific permits or fees mentioned for this area, but always check local conditions before you set out. Given the significant climbs and duration, plan your visit for good weather and allow ample time to complete the ride comfortably.
Nidderdale is renowned as a premier cycling destination, with its roads having hosted major events like the Tour de France and the Tour de Yorkshire. This area offers
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Nidderdale AONB
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
23.8 km
Tranmire Hill
Highlight • Summit
29.0 km
Jervaulx Abbey
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
40.8 km
Coverdale Road
Highlight • Mountain Pass
If you are nearing Middleham around midday, expect to see dozens of racehorses returning from the gallops. Please take care & be patient if necessary.
Tip by
55.8 km
Park Rash Climb from Kettlewell
Highlight (Segment) • Mountain Pass
Tip by
58.3 km
Kettlewell to Conistone Scenic Back Road
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
71.1 km
Climbs Out of Hebden
Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint
Tip by
80.6 km
Greenhow Hill Climb from Pateley Bridge
Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint
On this hill the pain comes in bursts over four distinct stretches of tough climbing, with brief respites in between, Attack each hard section, get your breath back, spin the legs, and then attack the next. The climb starts on the flat through Pateley Bridge. Heading West, the road rears up viciously past the Royal Oak Pub and out of town. Rising at 18%, this opening stretch is the shortest of the hard sections. The road then plateaus slightly before hitting the second at 16%. Drag yourself through the woods to reach the third and longest section of hard climbing. Ever so slightly easier at 15%, it alleviates when you passsome farm buildings, but it still keeps coming at you. The fourth and final ramp delivers you to the top of the moor. As the gradient relaxes, you can see the rest of the climb before you, bending over the brow and rounding to the left where you finish just past the quarry at the sign for Greenhow village.
Tip by
84.7 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
81.3 km
2.96 km
519 m
Surfaces
62.8 km
21.9 km
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (500 m)
Lowest point (100 m)
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Weather
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Friday 10 July
26°C
14°C
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This route was planned by komoot.
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