Hebden Bridge Hotel Accomodation

Cycling in Pennine Yorkshire

Pennine Yorkshire has some of the most demanding climbs and exhilarating descents the UK has to offer. With so much change in altitude we strongly recommend that you check the weather forecast and carry suitable protection against the changing elements. Hebden Bridge has its own bike shop - Blazing Saddles - with many more quality bike shops spread acorss the region. Some popular routes include:

Cragg Vale

England’s longest continuous ascent, rising at a steady gradient for 5.5 miles between Hebden Bridge and the main Halifax-Rochdale road. Once at the top, turn right and enjoy the twisting descent of Blackstone Edge as you head towards Hollingworth Lake on the way to Mow Cop, Buckstones Moss or the Isle of Skye climb out of Greenfield towards Holmfirth and Holme Moss.

Alternatively turn left at the top Cragg Vale and head into Ripponden before turning 180 degrees at the traffic lights and tackling the long climb of the A672 towards Windy Hill, passing beneath the highest motorway in England on your way to the top.

Cragg Vale is the venue for Yorkshire Velo's open hill climb on the V9916. (The course record is 16 minutes 39.1 seconds if you want to see how you measure up to a former national hill climb champion.)

Mytholm Steeps

The clue is in the name - this is steep! The first kilometre averages 16% gradient and there's no shame in walking the second half! Once at the top you can explore Rawtenstall and Blackshawhead on indulating roads. And of course there's always the opportunity to go back down...

National Cycle Network Route 66

Get your kicks on National Route 66 of the National Cycle Network which follows the young river Calder. The route runs between Kingston Upon Hull and Manchester taking in the traffic free Spen Valley Greenway, the Calder Valley Greenway and Sowerby Bridge.

National Cycle Network Route 68

An 80-mile, long-distance route known as the Pennine Cycleway which runs up the spine of England and winds its way through the heart of the Pennine hills. The central section of the cycleway includes Holmfirth, Meltham, Slaithwaite, Scammonden, Sowerby Bridge, and Hebden Bridge.

Holme Moss

Holme Moss was featured as part of the Tour of Britain - often referred to as the 'Le Col de Moss'. To British cycling enthusiasts, Holme Moss has become synonymous with the track, which crosses the moor, between the village of Holmbridge to the north and the Woodhead Reservoir to the south. The northern side in particular is one of England's most well-known bicycle ascents, and has acquired a reputation as among the country's more difficult climbs. Road markings tell you how far to go till the summit.

Spen Valley Greenway

An off-road cycle route along a disused railway track, with sculptures. It passes a wild life reserve and a rolling golf course. The path is also home to a collection of artworks. The Greenway runs from Oakenshaw to Thornhill; running through the picturesque village of Liversedge.

West Yorkshire Cycle Way

This 150-mile signed circular route roughly follows the West Yorkshire county boundary. Much of it is on quieter minor roads with the occasional track section and some mixing with heavier urban traffic. The real essence of the West Yorkshire Cycle Way is a long- distance challenge route.

Mary Townley Loop

47 miles and 6,300ft of climbing. Did we mention that it's off-road? The Mary Townley Loop is a 'must do' for mountain bikers. Many tackle it over a couple of days but if you fancy doing the full 47 miles in one go be prepared for around seven hours of riding and variable weather conditions all year round. Rossendale Mountain Recue Team run an annual challenge ride around the loop.

West Yorkshire Cycle Routes

A website where you can download GPS routes that take in the region's climbs and quiter roads.

Spring Audax Rides

CTC Calderdale host Spring and Autumn Audax rides for cyclists of all abilities. Everyone welcome.

The Grand Depart

The summer of 2014 saw the Tour de France cycle its way through West Yorkshire. Its objectives was to get more people cycling, make choosing cycling easier, more events to take part in, a greater awareness of cycling and cyclists and create a thriving network of cycling business and social enterprise. This can only be achieved by each and every one of us living, working, incesting and indeed visiting Yorkshire to do their bit, whether personally or professionally. We can make every part of our region the best place to live and the best place to cycle in for all the health, financial and environment benefits and especially because it is fun and brings families and communities together.

Some Tour Facts:

  • The Tour de France is the world's largest sporting event,
  • The Grand Depart is the opening of the race of the Tour de France,
  • The entire race covers approximately 3,500km,
  • It starts at the end of June/beginning of July and lasts three weeks,
  • A worldwide audience of 3.5 billion people watch the Tour de France annually,
  • The last hour of every stage is broadcast live across Western Europe,
  • It attracts 12 million spectators along the route in a typical year's race,
  • Yorkshire's Brian Robinson was the first Brit to win stage of Tour de France in 1958
  • Bradley Wiggins became the first British rider to win the Tour de France in 2012, followed up by second British winner, Chris Froome in 2013.

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Walking

Walks around Yorkshire

There are numerous walks for all abilities in Pennine Yorkshire.  Our towns and villages are geared up to meet walkers' needs and Hebden Bridge was the country's first Walkers are Welcome town. See what's on offer here.


Bird Watching

Yorkshire Birding

Take the chance to see some of the region's more elusive bird life during your stay. Click here for more information.


Pennine Must See

Yorkshire Attractions

Our region is rich in heritage and proud to host many unique and varied attractions. There are some you simply must see during your stay at Croft Mill... find out more here.


Family Holidays

Family Holidays in Yorkshire

The flexibility of a serviced, self-catering apartment along with the convenient location of Hebden Bridge make Croft Mill apartments the ideal base for families to explore the Pennine region and beyond. More information on family activities...