Muddybums Mountain Biking
Low Row & Apedale

Route Ref:  YD02

Back to Yorkshire Dales Routes

I did this ride with a group from Harrogate called "Panel Wheelers". So thanks to them for this this one. Starting at the Punch Bowl in Low Row, head west and at the end of the village turn left into the lane going over Isle Bridge. Left again at the "T" junction and follow this lane as far as Low Houses. From here a bridleway climbs up to the moor lane at Birks End. This climb is steep and if you are "normal" you will probably get off and push! Turn right at the road for half almost half a mile and then turn left onto the bridleway leading to Whitaside Moor.

This climb onto the moor steadily gets harder. After the steepest part of the climb you will find in an area of old lead mind workings and tips. Unlike the day when I did the Castle Bolton/Apedale ride, on this particular day, the ground was dry and almost hard. Crossing the gullies was fun without getting stuck! Even the bad patch near gate was almost dry. There is a little mound after the gate for a brief rest and then head north east and drop down to the bend. Here the single track path turns into a hard track with a fast downhill into Apedale.

You will reach the cross roads at Dent's Houses fairly quickly after almost two miles of downhill. Turn left and climb "Height of Greets". A good downhill from here brings you to the Grinton road. Follow the road for a quarter mile and find the track to "old hush" After a sharp bend at the hush you drop to a stream and then climb Low Harker Hill. Another fast downhill takes you to the lane near Harkerside Place. This bit of downhill is marked as a public footpath on older maps. From what I remember there is a bridleway sign. Turn left and follow this lane west. A bridleway leaves the lane at "how hill". This track gets you back to Low Houses where you can retrace your route back to Low Row.


Start Punch Bowl Hotel GR 984981- Road Jcn 978976 - Road Jnc 977972 - Low Houses - 982973 - Cattle Grid 986967- Road/Track 982964 - Fence/Gate - 998953 - Jingle Pot Gill 012448 - Trackx 030942 - Height of Greets 028956 - Track/Road 038963 - Road/Track 041967- Ford 027967 - Low Harker Hill Jcn 028974 - Track/Road 027982 - Road/Track003981 - Low Houses 982973 - Road Jnc 977972 - Road Jcn 978976 - Punch BowlHotel 984981

13.2 Miles, 21.24 Kms, 2192 Feet, 719 Metres, 0 Gates, 70% Off Road