Barden Road Climb – Bolton Priory Ruins loop from Skipton

Bike touring routes & trails

United Kingdom

England

Yorkshire And The Humber

Skipton

Barden Road Climb – Bolton Priory Ruins loop from Skipton

Moderate

5.0

(2)

riders

Barden Road Climb – Bolton Priory Ruins loop from Skipton

01:43

25.4km

410m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 22, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 1.34 km for 60 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

689 m

Leeds and Liverpool Canal

Highlight • River

Join in the town centre, plenty of parking and cafes

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1.37 km

Skipton Pies

Highlight • Restaurant

Oooo so tasty and great staff

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1.65 km

Built in 1090 by Norman baron Robert de Romille, Skipton Castle is a grade I-listed fortress that towers above the high street.

It was famously the home of the Cliffords from 1310 onwards and it was Lady Anne Clifford who, in the 1600s, oversaw a major renovation. A long-distance trail in her honour, Lady Anne's Way, starts at Skipton Castle and journeys 100 miles (161 km) to the Eden Valley.

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1.71 km

Skipton Castle Gatehouse

Highlight • Castle

The ideal base for any ride into the Dales, Skipton is a 44-minute train journey from Leeds and has plenty going on when you’ve recovered from your day’s riding.

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7.00 km

Barden Road by Nidderdale National Landscape

Highlight • Viewpoint

7.29 km

Eastby Pasture

Forest

8.26 km

Barden Road Climb

Highlight • Viewpoint

Barden Road winds through moody moorlands as it climbs to 984 feet (300 metres). The view over distant hills, rocky outcrops and layered fields is simply stunning. Look out for the glistening waters of Lower Barden Reservoir on the horizon as you descend down Black Hill. The climb up isn't easy, but the views will quickly make you forget your aching muscles!

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14.4 km

Bolton Priory Ruins

Highlight • Historical Site

A really popular place to visit right on the river with huge estate grounds around the 12th century monastery ruins for beautiful walks and family days out.

From Skipton there's a beautiful, quiet backroad route to come here through Halton East.

If you do pay to drive in, there's a fantastic kids/family cycle zone next to one of the car parks. It has little signposts and it's a wonderfully safe place for really little kids to get to grips with riding a bike. You can bring your own picnic too, so all in all it's a great day out.

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