Awayday – Skipton – 15th July 2026
Starting Venue: Skipton
Route Length: 38 miles
Climbing: 791m
Route description: Description: The route starts and finishes at the castle in the market town of Skipton but once clear of the town it’s onto quieter roads through Barnoldswick, Helifield, Airton and Gargrave. There are a couple sections of towpaths alongside the Leeds and Liverpool canal but the gravel surfaces are good and level throughout. The main climb of the day comes early after the village of Carleton up to Pinhaw Beacon. This is followed by a descent to Earby on which care has to be taken as there are some steep sections and bends.
Travel time from Harrogate: 45mins.
Car Parking: The Bailey car park, Skipton Castle. £4.80 all day on a Wednesday. Pay at the kiosk, cards preferred. What3Words: ///broached.regulator.fruit. There is no height restriction at the entrance.
Toilets: Toilets are in town by the car park on Jerry Croft (might need to take the bike). No cafe at the start but coffee available in town and an early stop is planned.
Coffee Stop: The Factory Cafe at Esse Stoves (signposted after crossing the bridge over the Leeds and Liverpool Canal) at about 12 miles or the Lock Stop Cafe about a mile further on (outdoor seating only).
Lunch Stop: Town End Farm Shop Airton (28 miles).
Ride Report: Wednesday 15th July 2026
