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Summary
The route is within the newly extended Northern part of the Yorkshire Dales. It is generally flat-ish, although on both the outward and return legs there are significant climbs. It is also quite exposed in places, so wind can be a factor. Food is available at Orton, Newbiggin, Ravenstonedale and Kirkby Stephen.28 miles (45 km) Climb 1765' (538 m) Grade - moderate overall, 2 climbs
Start Orton NY 623 081 OS 91 Appleby-in-Westmorland
Map
To view elevation details please use this link and select "Elevation Graph" from the top left hand side corner of the map.http://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=629055
Description
From Orton (wc, shop, cafe) the ride goes south towards Tebay for a minute, before going left to Raisbeck (70/68) on a gently undulating road.In Raisbeck it continues straight on at the fork (Kirkby Stephen/ Ravenstonedale), soon joining (left) a larger road through Kelleth to Newbiggin.
Crossing the fast and often busy A685 into Newbiggin takes care. This can be by the pedestrian refuge or in the turn lane on the road itself. Continue through the village (Lune Spring Garden Centre cafe 1st on left) on the old road.
On reaching the main road a new cycle path provides a safe route to the right turn into Ravenstonedale village (Ravenstonedale/ Sedbergh). Soon again turn right (same signs) and in a couple of minutes after the turn the route goes left (unsigned) by the Black Swan – where the main road swings right to Sedbergh.
A gradual climb leads to the A683 there going left, unsigned. In ½ mile (1 km) the ride goes right (Mallerstang/ Outghyll) onto the open moorland “Tommy Road”. A drop is followed by a sharp up, and then a long descent to Pendragon Castle on the main road, where the route goes left to Kirkby Stephen. Just before Kirkby Stephen is a small Northern Viaduct Trust car park on the left, from where a shared path drops down to the impressive Millenium Bridge over the equally impressive River Lune, rejoining the road just beyond.
Kirkby Stephen has all the facilities, and is just past the half-way mark at 16 miles (26 km). From the small roundabout on the north side of the town the ride goes left on to Soulby, where at the crossroads it goes left (Gt Asby/ Orton, 70/71).
The road climbs gradually to pass over the railway, before a drop and ensuing climb to Whygill Head crossroads, where it goes left to Orton.
Another gradual climb on open moorland leads to views of and drop down to Sunbiggin Tarn and on to Raisbeck, where the outward road is rejoined for the return to Orton.
