Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Get the App

Yorkshire And The Humber

North Yorkshire

Richmondshire

Middleham

Middleham Castle – Coverdale Valley loop from Middleham

Yorkshire And The Humber

North Yorkshire

Richmondshire

Middleham

Middleham Castle – Coverdale Valley loop from Middleham

Moderate

riders

Middleham Castle – Coverdale Valley loop from Middleham

02:34

41.6km

660m

Road cycling

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: June 22, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 38.3 km for 148 m

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

28 m

Priory Tea Room

Highlight • Cafe

This tea room has been closed for 3 years. Suggest this is deleted

Tip by

232 m

The 'Windsor of the North', Middleham Castle is a striking and evocative ruin. The sight of it is unmistakable and impressive as you approach the market town of Middleham. It was built by Robert Fitzrandolph in the late 12th century and was the childhood home of King Richard III. Today it is owned and operated by English Heritage and requires advance booking should you wish to explore its nooks and crannies.

Tip by

515 m

Middleham Village Square & Racehorse Parade

Highlight • Historical Site

The racehorses train every morning on the gallops above Middleham/Coverham. They return to the stables from around 10:45. We all know that horses don't understand humans on bikes. If you are descending Coverdale into Middleham between 10:45 & 12:30, please be prepared to show a little patience. It can take 10 minutes to cover 800m. At other times, this is a fast clear run into Middleham. If you are riding out of Middleham at this time, then there's no issue. The horses can see you & you won't be going fast on the uphill drag either!

Tip by

7.30 km

Coverdale Valley

Highlight • Gorge

Spanning from Wensleydale to Park Rash Pass, Coverdale is a stunning dale. The River Cover gently meanders down through the green valley sides as the dale extends into the horizon. Don't be surprised if you see a herd of wild deer galloping through the trees.

Along the way, you will find Middleham racing stable and West Crafton village with a pretty 15th century Manor House that was once home to Mary Queen of Scotland's husband.

Tip by

7.69 km

Coverdale Road

Highlight • Mountain Pass

Coverdale is beautiful & quiet. Either direction is thoroughly enjoyable. From Kettlewell you have the obvious challenge of Park Rash to overcome. From the East you have the prevailing wind in your face. It can be very, very strong. I swear there is a Venturi effect!

If you are nearing Middleham around midday, expect to see dozens of racehorses returning from the gallops. Please take care & be patient if necessary.

Tip by

9.30 km

View of Scrafton

Highlight • Other

20.7 km

Coverdale Descent

Highlight (Segment) • Climb

Whether you're coming over Park Rash or turning round to avoid going down it, your legs already aren't speaking to you. They'll get over it. The descent of Coverdale is a delight, even if the Department of Verschlimmbesserung recently chip'n'sealed what was briefly perfect tarmac. And you do have to remember that Yorkshire roads were routed by misanthropes, so although you're trending downwards, there are several kickers to get your legs sulking again.

Tip by

38.4 km

Coverham Church

Highlight • Religious Site

41.6 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

40.9 km

348 m

297 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

32.8 km

8.48 km

150 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (500 m)

Lowest point (130 m)

Weather

Monday 20 July

23°C

9°C

7 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

Want to know more?

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Edit route

Download GPX

Move start point

Embed on a website

Report an Issue

Report restricted access

Nearby routes

Hard

4.7

258

Wensleydale & Swaledale loop from Bainbridge — Yorkshire Dales Dales National Park

03:17h

57.8km

1,150m

Hard

5.0

162

Etape du Dales south loop - Yorkshire Dales National Park

04:47h

98.9km

1,160m

Hard

4.3

130

Richmond loop to Buttertubs Pass — Yorkshire Dales National Park

04:14h

84.8km

1,170m

Hard

4.5

Hartside Fell & Moor House Nature Reserve loop from Barnard Castle

06:41h

139km

1,670m

Hard

Nidderdale hilly loop from Pateley Bridge

04:39h

84.7km

1,450m

Hard

4.0

Yorkshire 2019 UCI World Champs hill climbs loop — Yorkshire Dales National Park

04:40h

91.9km

1,500m

Moderate

4.7

Way of the Roses and NCN 688 Ripon Loop

02:19h

58.4km

200m

Moderate

2.0

The Stang & Richmond loop from Reeth

02:49h

55.0km

880m

Easy

National Byway (Bedale Loop)

01:51h

42.5km

260m

Easy

4.5

Northallerton Loop to the Vale of Mowbray

01:31h

35.2km

150m

Hard

Teesdale & Weardale loop from Barnard Castle

05:24h

104km

1,740m

Easy

4.0

Ripon, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Loop

01:26h

25.8km

290m

Middleham Castle – Coverdale Valley loop from Middleham

Priory Tea Room