RSF - The Off Road Cycling Club

A route with three distinct climbs, the first is on-road and starts almost immediately on leaving the pay and display parking in Stainforth. At the top, you lose all that height dropping on a pleasant descent with some looser sections before turning right above Helwith Bridge. If you picked a day with good weather the view as Penyghent reveals itself is a classic.  Arriving in Littondale head for Arncliffe and stop at the pub for coffee and sandwiches if you wish before turning at Arncliffe Cote to recross the moor towards Malham Tarn. The going here can be trying if wet but persevere for the drop on the other side. At Street Gate head to join the bridleway which turns into the ever-excellent Gorbeck Road. At the end of this turn right uphill on the road until you reach a rocky outcrop and take the farm road/bridleway on the left. Just by the farm entrance turn right (signposted Stainforth 1 ^_3/4 miles) until a cracking descent drops you into the village. Keep right at the Craven Heifer to arrive back at the car park.

A 26-mile route with around 2900 feet of climbing some of it hard, exposed in parts so do try to pick a good day. The views are stunning.