Pedal Power in Harrogate

​If you love life on two wheels, Harrogate offers the perfect blend of relaxed charm, invigorating landscapes, and world-class cycling routes. Nestled in the heart of North Yorkshire, our town is known for its beautiful gardens, fine architecture, and friendly cafés – but for cyclists, it’s also a gateway to some of the UK’s most rewarding rides.

Staying at The Camberley, The Lodge or Camberley Cottages makes the experience even more appealing. You’ll get that personal touch – a hearty breakfast tailored to fuel your ride, somewhere secure to store your bike, bike washing facilities, and somewhere to hang your wet kit if the weather lets you down.  We are also happy to put up packed lunches for you too. 

With the practicalities sorted, you can fully immerse yourself in long days of exploration, returning to a warm welcome and a comfortable room, before heading out to sample some of the delights of the Harrogate culinary scene.  We have a number of blogs providing tips on where to eat, so don’t forget to check those out too.

Harrogate rose to cycling fame when it hosted the opening stage of the 2014 Tour de France, and has since been a regular feature in the Tour de Yorkshire. The Yorkshire Dales offer a great mix of sweeping views, undulating roads, and quaint stone villages – all easily accessible from the town centre.

You’ll find routes for every mood: challenging hill climbs if you’re chasing a Strava crown, or leisurely spins through green valleys if you prefer a gentler pace. Road surfaces are generally good, and the variety of terrain keeps each ride interesting.  There are plenty of cyclist-friendly café’s and pubs along the way, providing an ideal base for a cycling-centred getaway.
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There are many options for rides from Harrogate, but these three are particularly pleasant. 

1. The Nidderdale Loop (Approx. 35 miles)
For a medium-length ride that captures the beauty of the Dales, head out towards Ripley – a picture-perfect village with a castle backdrop – before following the River Nidd up into Nidderdale. The route takes you through Birstwith, Summerbridge, and Pateley Bridge, a charming market town where you can stop for tea and cake or a cone of Dales Icecream before taking on the gentle but steady climb out of the village.  Expect wide-ranging views from the moor tops and thrilling descents that will put a huge grin on your face.   You will find a map here.  

2. Tour de Yorkshire Taster: Harrogate to Masham (Approx. 45 miles)
If you fancy a ride with a professional pedigree, follow part of the Tour de Yorkshire route north out of Harrogate, looping through rolling countryside to Masham. This small market town is famed for its breweries – Black Sheep and Theakston – so you might want to plan a longer post-ride stop here. The ride includes a few challenging climbs and sweeping descents, with plenty of quiet lanes to keep the ride calm but interesting.  It’s a brilliant blend of challenge and enjoyment with stunning views throughout.
You can find a map of the ride here.  

3. Greenway to Bolton Abbey and Back (Approx. 50 miles)
For a longer day in the saddle, join the Nidderdale Greenway cycle path from Harrogate to Ripley, then head west towards Bolton Abbey. This estate has it all:  riverside meadows, woodland, and the romantic ruins of a 12th-century priory. The tea shop serves fabulous cakes too.

This route takes you past dry-stone walls, grazing sheep, and rolling hills before taking you through both Ilkley and Otley, both ideal locations for a well-earned rest and a slice of something sweet and tasty.  If you are stopping in Ilkley, why not visit the famous Bettys Tea Rooms for your coffee and cake.  Or perhaps try their famous Fat Rascals… a delicious scone-like confection, decorated with a smiley face and ideally served with lashings of butter and a delicious cup of tea.  You can find a map of this route here. 

Practical Tips for Your Stay

• Fuel stops: The region is dotted with cyclist-friendly cafés and tea rooms. Popular stops include Ripley’s ice cream parlour, Pateley Bridge’s bakeries, Bettys Team Rooms in Ilkley, and various village pubs.
• Navigation: While many routes can be found on Strava, a GPS device or phone app will help you follow quieter back roads without detours.
• Legs and lungs: Yorkshire’s hills can be short and sharp. Pace yourself early, and you’ll have the energy to enjoy the views at the top.

Whether you’re chasing the thrill of a challenging climb, seeking peaceful lanes through the Dales, or just want to soak in Yorkshire’s charm between leisurely coffee stops, Harrogate is the perfect starting point for your adventures and The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages, are the perfect place to stay.  Choose your routes and then book your room here.