Cycle Tour in the Western Dales

Looking into Dentdale  from nr Newby Head

Today was another step in the training for my cycle touring holiday in the South of France, which is fast approaching! My route from home was over the flank of  Hutton Roof to Kirkby Lonsdale, down to Devils Bridge for a mug of tea. Minor roads led me above the Lune Valley and into Barbondale, which I followed over the col and down into Millthrop and then Dent. Dent had lots of work going on, getting ready for the Easter rush no doubt. I cycled up Dentdale passing through Cowgill and then tackling the steep hill to Newby Head, this gave access to the B6255. Downhill for a good long way to Hawes, busy as always, I decided not to stop. The road on the north side of Wensleydale provided a nice spot to sit in the sun and eat half of my food. Onwards through Hardraw and back across the watershed to the Moorcock, and down the Mallerstang valley to Pendragon Castle where I ate the rest of my food. A sharp climb over the flank of Wild Boar Fell and I was on the return leg, much of it downhill to Sedbergh. The Lune Valley was the route for several miles before crossing to Rigmaden and more minor lanes to Old Town and Lupton. A mercifully short distance on the A65 and just an odd mile in the lanes and I was back home. 77 miles and 1348m of ascent. The weather was perfect, except for a headwind on the leg from Hardraw to the Moorcock Inn.

Pendragon Castle and Mallerstang Edge