We are a new group who aim to organise social rides with a good mix of off road tracks and quieter lanes in the Yorkshire Dales area. The pace is to suit the slowest member of the group! Where possible we offer the local cafes our custom.
There are more photos on this website: www.southlakesgroup.org.uk/dales
A Ride from Carleton over Embsay Moor, Wednesday 14 April 2010
A group of 18 cyclists set out from Carleton on the inaugural ride of the new Yorkshire Dales Group. Numbers were increased to 20 after lunch! We headed for Skipton and the canal towpath to Gargrave, collecting Peter from the station en route.
It was a lovely sunny morning only blighted by the stiff northerly wind which even produced waves on the canal! I spotted a couple of swallows and heard several curlews. A cup of tea at the cafe in Gargrave then it was up the road to Eshton and along the back road past the impressive Friar's Head Hall. Through Winterburn and onto the lovely green bridleway along Cross Lane and down Moor Lane to Hetton.
Time was getting on so we took the road to Cracoe, the Farm Shop Cafe and a good lunch.
It's not a particularly good idea to climb hills straight after lunch but that's how it worked out. Back through Cracoe, this time through the village which is much nicer when you leave the main road. Along Chapel Lane to Rylstone church, then up the bridleway that climbs steeply past the trees onto Embsay Moor. Some of this is rocky and loose, then peaty with assorted rocks to catch you out! Views of Great Whernside, still with some snow, Buckden Pike and from the top Ingleborough and Pendle Hill helped us on our way. Eventually it becomes an easier track, going downhill helps too! We gather again by the cattle grid, then down the track to Halton East, another Moor Lane. Last time we rode down here it was a nice grassy descent, since then it's become more rutted. Then back along the road to Embsay, Skipton and home.
An enjoyable ride, we were fortunate with the fine weather and dry conditions on the ground. Thank you everyone for your company and hope to see you all soon!
Jane Gill
A Ride from Burnsall, Monday 9 August
A select group set off from Burnsall under grey skies. After a stop for refreshment at The Old School Tearoom in Hebden we set off up the bridleway to Yarnbury.
We had found a route that Brian hadn't been on before! It is an interesting valley with old lead mine workings near the top. English Heritage has recently given money to help preserve these. Unfortunately the forecast rain started on the way up and we had a wet descent to Grassington on the road. After a cafe lunch it was still raining and the cloud was down at around 300m on our proposed route so we decided to stay on the road through Linton to Cracoe and back over the minor road via Thorpe back to Burnsall. This was a good decision as the rain stopped where we were but we could see it raining higher up!
Maybe it will be drier next time?
Jane
