Cycling Routes
Cycling Routes in Richmond, North Yorkshire
Here are some local bike routes for the adventurers! These are all road rides and they all start and finish from the Lodge.
There are also plenty of MTB routes to be explored but predominantly these require a trip up to Reeth or further out into the dales. The Dales Bike Centre at Grinton is a local Hub for all things MTB and provides a bike hire service and bike repair service. It also has a superb cafe which is worth a visit just for the coffee and cakes.
16km - Downholme, Half Penny House, Green Lane
This is a circuit of the local area with fabulous views across Swaledale from the top of Hudswell Moor, before dropping down into the village of Downholme and completing an anti-clockwise route back to the Lodge.
17km - Downholme, Richmond
This is a clockwise circuit of the local area with fabulous views across Swaledale from the top of Hudswell Moor followed by a run down the dale into Richmond where there is a great selection of cafes to enjoy.
31km - Downholme, Reeth, Dales Bike Centre
A ride up through the heart of Swaledale to Reeth and back with the option to visit the very popular Dales Bike Centre Cafe, which serves some of the finest cakes to found anywhere in the local area. It is also the local centre for Mountain biking and offers a bicycle hire service.
38km - Grinton Moor TdF
A classic ride up dale to Grinton and then an ascent of Cogden Moor with stunning views across Swaledale. This very popular local climb was used when the Tour de France visited North Yorkshire and was known as the Col du Grinton Moor.
57km - Leyburn, Middleham, Masham, Catterick
A longer tour of regional Dales towns and villages through lower Wensleydale including Leyburn, Middleham and Masham.
82km - Richmond, Tan Hill Circuit
The Tan Hill circuit is another classic ride and big favourite with local riders. It climbs through the remote Arkengarthdale to the Tan Hill Inn which is reputed to be the highest pub in England. It then descends, first through the high valley of West Stonesdale to Keld and then all the way down through the villages and hamlets of Swaledale, including Thwaite, Muker, Gunnerside, Low Row, Helaugh, Reeth and Downholme.
57km - Richmond, Stang Forest Circuit
This rides takes in some beautiful little village to the north of Swaledale before climbing up through the Stang forest to a spectacular summit that provides stunning views across the northern dales; a fabulous descent takes you back into Arkengarthdale and a ride back down dale towards Richmond / Hudswell; another great opportunity to sample the abundant cakes at the Dales Bike Centre cafe.
33km - Richmond, Clap Gate, Hardstiles
This circuit of the local hills provides a couple of great climbs with excellent views from the northern slopes of the valley up above Richmond and Swaledale towards Reeth.
77km - Buttertubs Circuit
The ever popular and famous Buttertubs pass is another local classic and was also a named climb on the Tour de France stage through North Yorkshire. The ride takes you over the pass from Swaledale to Wensleydale and uses the minor roads along the northern side of the dale to head back towards Richmond. It would be an easy diversion to visit Hawes with its abundant cafes, which is almost central to the northern dales; recommend the cafe in the bike centre on the old railway station.
45km - Bolton Castle Leyburn
There are various climbs that crisscross from Swaledale to Wensleydale and this is another local favourite with an additional loop to take in Castle Bolton before returning via Redmire, Wensley and Leyburn.
Cycling Gallery
Things To Do In The Local Area
North Yorkshire features a diverse network of cycling routes that cater to both leisurely riders and seasoned adventurers. Quiet country lanes wind through open countryside, while bridleways and converted railway paths offer traffic-free stretches ideal for a smooth, scenic ride. Rolling hills provide satisfying challenges without overwhelming climbs, and long, flowing descents reward the effort. With landscapes ranging from moorland to farmland and forest, cyclists can enjoy constantly changing views and a sense of wide-open space throughout their journey.
Something For Everyone
From ancient castles and storybook gardens to artisan food halls and wild landscapes, there’s so much to explore near St Michael’s Lodge. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with family, or as part of a group, you’ll find unforgettable days out all within easy reach of your stay.