What better way is there to spend a day in the saddle than a ride through the Yorkshire Dales.
The Yorkshire Dales has many moods; it can be wild and windswept or quietly tranquil.
It includes some of the finest limestone scenery in the UK, from crags and pavements to an underground labyrinth of caves. Each valley or ‘dale’ has its own distinct character, set against expansive heather moorland tops.
Stone-built villages sit amongst traditional farming landscapes of field barns, drystone walls and flower-rich hay meadows, and show how the area has been shaped over thousands of years by the people who have lived and worked here.
Spectacular waterfalls and ancient broadleaved woodland contrast with the scattered remains of former mine workings and other rural industries which remind us of the area’s rich industrial heritage.
Starting and ending at Skipton, you'll soon be into outstandingly beautiful countryside and following the River Wharfe north through Wharfedale. The landscape and scenery are breathtaking as you pass mile upon mile of dry stone walls and marvel at the man hours to build and maintain them. There are many places to stop for coffee and refreshments from quaint little tea rooms to cafes that have a good association with motorcyclists. The first being the Penny Garth Cafe at Hawes. Penny Garth Café has been a popular meeting point in the Yorkshire Dales for Motorcyclists, Cyclists, Campers, Families, Day-Trippers, Car Enthusiasts and Walkers alike for decades. It’s the ideal place for a large mug of Yorkshire Tea and a Bacon Butty after a long winding ride through the Dales National Park. From here the route travels over Cross Top, a punishing climb for cyclists but a thrilling ride for motorcyclists on this single track remote road that climbs over the moorland. The pretty village of Muker is next before joining the road that'll take you from north to south on the Buttertubs Pass, the best direction in my opinion as you have the steep drop off to your left. Buttertubs Pass was described by Jeremy Clarkson as "England's only truly spectacular road" (I'd like to say that I personally think there are multiple spectacular sections of road in England just for the record). This is however a truly great riding road with a steep drop off to one side and steep incline to the other as you traverse the side of this brilliant limestone valley cutting through the Yorkshire Dales countryside.
The next section of route takes you out of the National Park and into Cumbria on a big sweeping loop but never leaving the spectacular landscape behind. As you re-enter the park the road, often single track, climbs and climbs over open moorland to The Tan Hill Inn for lunch.
The World Famous Tan Hill Inn is Britain’s highest pub at 1,732 feet (528m) above sea level. Situated in Swaledale, just near Keld, the highest Inn in Great Britain is a warm meeting place know Internationally, where all kinds of travellers brush shoulders with bohemian like-minded individuals.
The ride after lunch is a little more gentle but no less scenic as you travel south on the eastern flank of the park. At Middleham the route heads back to the centre of the park as you pass Middleham Castle the childhood home of King Richard III, although he spent very little of his reign there.
You'll follow the River Cover now through Coverdale on another single track road across remote and open moorland before joining Wharfedale again but this time on the east of the River Wharfe. After passing the historic remains of Bolton Priory, you'll join the A59 where you can stop at the motorcycle friendly Route 59 Cafe. The hidden little gem is a real hit with bikers due to it being located on some of best riding routes Britain has to offer, so whether it’s on your regular run or you’re off on a touring trip, then you must make Route 59 a destination. From here it's just a 10 minute ride back into Skipton.
This route doesn't offer many opportunities for getting your knee down, but it will take you through some of the very best landscapes and scenery that the Yorkshire Dales has to offer.
I have included some useful links below including one from the National Park that is specifically aimed at motorcyclists that contains info for motorcycle friendly accommodation.
Enjoy.