Bike Route: Journey into heart of the Dales

1 Although the third stage passes straight through the village and on to Ilkley, I opted to start in the opposite direction towards Menston before continuing on to the centre of Otley. Once I’d crossed the River Wharfe I then turned left onto Weston Lane just as the road began rising. Once you see Ilkley Rugby Club on your left and reach a crossroads, head straight over and back into the countryside with the golf club on your left.

2 You’ll come to a junction for the A59 and you should turn left there, down towards the roundabout where you’ll pick up the Tour de Yorkshire route. Follow the signs for Bolton Abbey. The Priory itself comes into view just 1.6km later on the right-hand side. Then it’s into the heart of the Dales with Barden Tower another historic landmark to behold as you press on towards Burnsall. The descent into that village is fast.

3 Once you’ve made it to Linton, turn left off the B6160 and head through the village before picking up the main road towards Skipton (the B6265). The 10km section which follows is a relatively fast. You’ll see Holy Trinity Church on your left before you turn on to Skipton High Street.

4 Continue following the stage three route south out of town on the A6131. You’ll pass the Rendezvous Hotel on your left before joining the A629 towards Keighley. It’s a busy road but it’s flat and you’ll only be on it for 2.7km before you turn off at Farnhill and commence the climb up past Kildwick. This is the first significant ascent on the menu. Once you’ve made it to the top you’ll be rewarded with some fantastic views over the Aire Valley.

5 We say goodbye to the 2017 Tour de Yorkshire route as we drop into Silsden and pick up the 2015 stage three route instead which includes the 2.2km drag up Bolton Road. The gradient for this one stays relatively consistent at about 6% so if you can get yourself into a good rhythm you’ll be at the top in 10 minutes or so before you have a much more fun descent back into the Wharfe Valley. If you’re in a rush, you could take the Addingham bypass, but I kept to the 2015 parcours and took a detour through the village before joining the A65 a little further down the road.

6 It’s relatively plain sailing into Ilkley from there, but once you get into town turn right just before Ilkley Cycles and head along The Grove, past the railway station, before taking the second exit on a mini roundabout. This takes you up Cowpasture Road. Averaging 8% over 1.8km this is the toughest climb of the entire ride and your legs will be burning by the time Ilkley Moor’s iconic rocks come into view. Once you’ve crested that you’ll be able to compose yourself on the flat section which follows before dropping back into Burley.