Route Ref:  NYM07

Back to North Yorkshire Moors Routes

I had this ride planned as a longer ride to take in Guisborough woods. However, the temperature was falling fast to we made a decision to short cut and finished using the road from Commondale to Kildale. Normally I would not plan a ride with so much tarmac riding. The longer version will follow in the near future. I think it is worth mentioning, that as I passed the point where the Footpath starts for crossing to Guisborough Woods via Hob-on-the-Hill, I noticed that many cyclists are using it. Although it is a very convenient crossing between Commondale and Guisborough, it is a Footpath and therefore not legal for bikes!

This ride has 1700 feet of ascent, which is broken into a number of short climbs. I had walked the route from Little Kildale across to Baysdale many times in my youth and remember the path was very indistinct in those days. I wanted another way out of Kildale and looking at the map I was surprised to see this crossing to Baysdale was in fact marked by a bridle way. I knew it would not be far to push if necessary so planned this route via Leven Dale to see how distinct this bridle way might be. The road ascends steadily from Little kildale up to Warren Farm. You pass the farm on the west side to follow a new diverted route down a muddy farm track. You will have already noticed the brick chimney just to your left. I do not know the history of this mine, so if any one does please let me know. It is now fenced of and you are warned that it is dangerous to explore. Cross the stream, pass through a gate and cross a grassy meadow climbing steadily with the wall on your right to the gate marking the boundary of the field and moor. The path is well walked/cycled now and you won't have any problems following it. A short steep climb graduating to flat brings you to the wall running along the length of Kildale Moor. After you have negotiated the gate and turn around you will get a view into Baysdale's southwest valley, and Great Hograh Moor directly in front to the south. Follow the path down to the barns and turn left on to the bridleway with takes you east to the Hob Hole road. This stretch is quite fast if you do the route anti clockwise and it is a bit lumpy making it even more fun.

Follow the tarmac now to Dibble Bridge (love the name) and then to Castleton railway station. A hard steep climb brings you to the start of the bridleway to Commondale. Fairly fast and good views west up the Eskdale valley. I really enjoyed this bit. The rest of the ride is on tarmac following the road west around the spur of Wayworth Moor, crossing Sleddale beck and on to Kildale.

Start Kildale GR 607093 - Green Gate Lane 612095 - Warren Farm 623091 - Leven Vale 625088 - Gate/wall on Kildale Moor 628081- Barns in Baysdale 632078 - Track/Road Jnc 650077 - Dibble Bridge 676078 - Bridge under railway 684084 - Road/Track 681087 - Box Hall 676091 - Moor Side 670100 - Commondale 662104 - Bridge over railway 637097 - Kildale 607093.

11.5 Miles, 18.51 Kms, 1704 Feet, 559 Metres, N/A Gates, 37% Off Road