This page describes sections 1 to 5 of the West Yorkshire Cycle Route. You can pick up a guide to the entire route including full colour maps free from your local library.
1. Ilkley to Bramhope
10 miles/16km Strenuous
The Climb out of Ilkley is a challenge, but rewards the effort with some spectacular views over Ilkley and the Wharfe valley. The route then becomes more undulating, finishing with a gradual descent into Bramhope.
The route leaves Ilkey with a steep climb to the Cow and Calf Rocks on the edge of Ilkley Moor. Continuing on to Burley Woodhead and Menston, take care, as this country road can be busy with cars. Leaving Menston cross the A65 and proceed along Buckle Lane, the start of a steady climb to Chevin Ridge. On reaching the summit enjoy the views, on a clear day you should be able to see Leeds/Bradford Airport to the southeast. Alternatively, turn left just before the Royalty Public House into Beacon House car park, for views over Otley and the Wharfe valley from Beacon Hill viewing point.
This is the last climb of this section of the route, and from here it is an easy ride into Bramhope village. Bramhope is a convenient stopping point where you will find toilets, local shops and refreshments. Both Ilkley and Menston have railway stations, and with direct services to Leeds and Bradford, make ideal locations for those wishing to join the route by rail. Cycle lockers are available at both stations.
2. Bramhope to Collingham
11 miles/18km Easy
A gently undulating section, following mainly quieter back roads, with pleasant views over Eccup Reservoir.
Leave Bramhope on the A660; take extra care, as this section of the route can be busy, especially at peak times. At the next roundabout, bear left on quieter roads heading towards Eccup Reservoir. Skirting the eastern edge of the reservoir, cross the A61 (look out for speeding traffic), and continue up a poorly surfaced road, passing Alwoodley Golf Course. Watch out for low flying golf balls, as the route passes between the tee and the green on the 17th hole. The route now heads northwards passing through the villages of Wike and East Keswick. Beyond East Keswick the route joins the A659 in to Collingham; again take care, as this section of the route can be busy.
3. Collingham to Barwick in Elmet
14 miles/23km Easy
A predominantly flat section providing easy cycling through open countryside and villages. Proceed over Linton Bridge through Linton towards Wetherby. Approaching Wetherby turn left to join the Harland Way. This off-road section skirts the town centre, re-joining the carriageway on Deighton Road. Wetherby is a busy market town well worth a visit, offering a wealth of facilities, including a cycle shop for emergency spares.
Leave Wetherby passing over the A1 towards the race course. Turn right into the race course heading south through the villages of Thorpe Arch, Boston Spa and Bramham. At Bramham the route re-crosses the A1 and continues towards Thorner, before bearing left, (easy to miss), down the bridleway Mangrill Lane. Exiting Mangrill Lane the route crosses the A64 (using segregated track on the south side), continuing through Potterton to Barwick in Elmet.
4. Barwick in Elmet to Pontefract
14 miles/23km Easy
Another mostly flat section providing easy cycling, the rural landscape giving way to the busy towns of Castleford and Pontefract. The route passes Garforth Railway Station, with direct Services to Leeds and York, ideal for those wishing to access the route by rail. From Garforth, the route goes off-road using the Leeds Country Way and Linesway, before re-joining the carriageway at the ex-mining village of Allerton Bywater and entering Castleford on the A656.
Castleford, birthplace of the famous sculptor, Henry Moore, has numerous places to take refreshments and public toilets can be found at the Carlton Lanes Shopping centre. Leaving Castleford follow the route underneath the M62 motorway to North Featherstone, scene of the 1893 miners uprising, commemorated by a monument in the cemetery. The route passes close by a golf course and the famous Pontefract Park race course, before entering Pontefract town centre. Pontefract is a medieval settlement with castle ruins. Once a centre for liquorice growing Pontefract is still noted for it's distinctive liquorice "cakes".
5. Pontefract to Hemsworth
10 miles/16km Easy
Much of this section passes through small villages set amid picturesque countryside in contrast to the urban scene of Castleford and Pontefract. Through Darrington you follow country lanes down into Wentbridge, once on the main coaching route from London to Scotland. The legends of Robin Hood are closely associated with this area, stop for a moment at the bridge in Wentbridge and read the plaque. More country roads take you through the villages of Thorpe Audlin, Badsworth and up to Upton, a high point of the area.
The route then goes off-road following part of the South Elmsall, South Kirkby and Upton (SESKU) ringway -which has recently been established by local environmental groups within reclaimed mining land. On rejoining the carriageway a short steep climb takes you to Hemsworth, a small market town with plenty of amenities, including an attractive church, and row of almshouses just through the town, at the corner of "Windy Nook" on Robin Lane.
