Cycling the Pennine Bridleway: a complete planning guide

What is the Pennine Bridleway?

The Pennine Bridleway is a National Trail designed from the outset for cyclists, horse riders and walkers, rather than adapted from an existing footpath network. Its 176km northern section runs from the village of Summit near Rochdale, across the gritstone moors of the South Pennines and the pastoral farmland of Lancashire, before climbing into the limestone country of the Yorkshire Dales and finishing on the outskirts of Ravenstonedale, near Kirkby Stephen in Cumbria.

The trail's defining feature is its riding surface. Because much of it has been purpose-built or upgraded in recent years rather than worn in by centuries of foot traffic, it stays well-drained and rideable even after typical British rain, a rarity among British off-road cycling routes. That said, the exposed moorland of the northern Pennines can turn hazardous quickly in poor weather, and limestone surfaces become slippery when wet.

This planning guide answers the most common questions riders have before setting out. For complete stage-by-stage route descriptions and mapping, see the Cicerone Cycling the Pennine Bridleway guidebook.

How long is the Pennine Bridleway?

The full linear route covers 176km (109 miles) and is broken into 6 suggested day-length stages, starting with an anti-clockwise loop of the Mary Towneley Loop before heading north through Lancashire and into the Yorkshire Dales.

The longest and toughest day is Yorkshire Dales Part 1, from Long Preston to Horton-in-Ribblesdale, which climbs steeply out of Long Preston past the old quarries at Hunter Bark before crossing classic Craven Fault limestone country. It is also the most navigationally varied day, threading through Settle, Stainforth, Feizor, Austwick and Clapham along the way.

Who is Cycling the Pennine Bridleway suitable for?

The guidebook is written specifically for mountain bikers, though walkers and horse riders share the same bridleways and byways. Riders of modest fitness with some off-road experience will manage the suggested day stages comfortably; those who have not ridden off-road since school are likely to find the distances and climbing harder going than they expect.

Newcomers and families are well catered for by the 11 shorter day rides, several of which are graded ● (easy) and stay under 20km. The linear route itself can also be split into shorter days: the demanding Long Preston to Horton stage, for example, can be broken with an overnight stop, or the gentler Barnoldswick to Long Preston day extended onward to Settle or Stainforth.

How difficult is the Pennine Bridleway?

Each route and day ride carries an overall grade of ● (easy), ■ (moderate) or ▲ (challenging):

• ● Climbs and descents rideable by anyone with modest fitness, on smooth, well-graded tracks.
• ■ More technical: steeper climbs may need an occasional push, descents are rideable with care and growing confidence.
• ▲ Most riders will push up the steepest climbs, and some descents suit experienced, skilled riders only.

Among the day rides, Route 5 (Ribblehead to Ling Gill), Route 6 (Ribblehead to Dentdale via the Craven Way), Route 9 (Garsdale to Dentdale via Dandra Garth) and Route 11 (Ravenstonedale, Pendragon Castle and High Dolphinsty) are all graded ▲, with ascents of 550m to 657m. On the linear route, the final climb of the last day, up to the High Dolphinsty pass beyond Lady Anne's Highway, catches many riders out: it feels disproportionately hard after several days of accumulated fatigue.

Can I ride a shorter section?

Yes. The Pennine Bridleway divides naturally into the 6 day-length stages above, and any can be ridden in isolation using the Settle–Carlisle railway line, which shadows much of the Yorkshire Dales section and allows bikes to be carried (subject to space and advance booking).

For an even shorter introduction, the guidebook's 11 circular day rides use sections of the main bridleway as their base, ranging from the easy 17.5km Horton-in-Ribblesdale, Helwith Bridge and Sulber Nick loop to the challenging 25.75km Ribblehead to Ling Gill and Horton-in-Ribblesdale route. These are ideal for riders based in the Dales for a weekend rather than tackling the trail end to end.

Which direction should I ride the Pennine Bridleway?

The guidebook describes the Mary Towneley Loop anti-clockwise from Summit, since this gives the shortest distance to the continuation of the bridleway northwards at Hurstwood. From there, the linear route runs south to north, from Hurstwood through the Lancashire Link and into the Yorkshire Dales, finishing at Ravenstonedale.

Riding north to south is possible but loses the natural progression from gritstone moorland to limestone Dales scenery that the route is designed around, and the guidebook's directions, waymarking notes and facilities information are all written for the northbound journey.

When is the best time to ride the Pennine Bridleway?

• Late spring to early autumn is the ideal window, when the Dales are at their best and the trail's well-drained, well-surfaced sections stay firm underfoot.
• Summer brings the longest days and busiest accommodation, particularly around events on popular sections such as the Mary Towneley Loop or the Yorkshire Three Peaks; it is worth checking with local Tourist Information offices before booking.
• Winter riding is possible and can be spectacular, with snow-wreathed fells and empty trails, but the northern Pennines see genuinely hazardous weather and this is not a season to underestimate.
• Once off the main waymarked bridleway, limestone surfaces become treacherously slippery after rain, and low-lying sections can turn boggy; the guidebook flags these areas route by route.

What accommodation is available?

Settle and Kirkby Stephen offer the most extensive amenities along the route, with Austwick, Clapham, Horton-in-Ribblesdale and Ravenstonedale providing pubs, village shops and B&Bs. North of Horton, options thin out quickly: a short diversion reaches bunkhouse accommodation at Gearstones or the Station Inn at Ribblehead, while Garsdale Head has no shops and relies on the Moorcock Inn for food and cycle-friendly beds. Between Garsdale Head and Ravenstonedale the trail is entirely without facilities, so a packed lunch and self-sufficiency are essential.

Advance booking is strongly recommended throughout, especially at weekends and during school holidays, when many establishments impose a two-night minimum stay. Full listings are provided in the guidebook's accommodation appendix.

Getting there and back

Summit (the southern start point, near Littleborough) is reached via Junction 20 of the M62 and the A627(M), or by rail to Littleborough station on the Manchester Victoria to Leeds line. Hurstwood Reservoir, where the Mary Towneley Loop meets the main linear route, lies a few miles from Burnley, itself served by rail via Preston. Long Preston, the start of the Yorkshire Dales section, sits on the A65 and on the Settle–Carlisle railway line, which also serves Horton-in-Ribblesdale, Ribblehead, Dent and Garsdale, making it possible to access almost any stage by train.

Because the route is linear, riders not using a support vehicle should plan return transport carefully. The Settle–Carlisle line is a considerable asset here: most Yorkshire Dales day stages begin and end close to a station, which also simplifies dealing with breakdowns or injuries mid-ride. Cycle spaces on trains are limited and should always be booked in advance, particularly for larger groups.

What are the route highlights?

• The wild, rugged gritstone moorland of the Mary Towneley Loop above Rochdale and Burnley
• The Yorkshire Three Peaks country around Ingleborough, Pen-y-ghent and Whernside
• The dramatic Ribblehead Viaduct, seen from several of the day rides
• The Craven Fault limestone scars and quarries around Long Preston and Hunter Bark
• The remote, trail-only landscape of Garsdale and the Mallerstang valley
• The historic drove road of Lady Anne's Highway and the climb to High Dolphinsty