The Etape du Dales 2025
Short Route
The Etape du Dales has long been a revered but often daunting challenge even for the most seasoned riders. The Mini Etape route allows you to sample the delights of the Dales in a more condensed ride, but don't be fooled, it's still a major challenge.
Read on for information about the short route, which has undergone some changes this year - we hope you enjoy the challenge of a glorious day out in the Yorkshire Dales.
The Short Route Revealed!
Starting from Horton in Ribblesdale, the home of the iconic 3 peaks challenge, this year's event starts with a benign roll out down Ribblesdale towards Settle... but the easy riding doesn't last for long. After just 8km the route bears sharp left in the village of Langcliffe on to the first climb of the day Langcliffe Scar. At 2.3km with an average gradient of 7.8% and a max. gradient of 18% this is stiff opening for this year's Etape du Dales. Continuing over the top the route heads for Malham Tarn - a unique geological feature at 377m the highest marl lake in the UK and one of only 8 upland alkaline lakes in Europe.
Passing Malham Tarn on the west the route climbs the short sting of Nab End before descending in to the beautiful village of Arncliffe, the original setting for Emmerdale Farm and recently the scene of the classic James Herriot series All Creatures Great and Small.
Picking its way down the beautiful valley of Littondale alongside the river Skirfare the route makes it's way to the picturesque village of Kettlewell.
Leaving Kettlewell the mini Etape leaves the long route and follows the Wharfe valley through Starbotton and Buckden and over the climb of Kidstones Pass (used in the 2014 Tour de France - 4th category). A less severe climb than Park Rash used by the long route, but with a maximum gradient of 13.8% it is still a tough climb. After cresting the summit, descend with care down Bishopdale through West Burton to join the A684 where right, direction Leyburn.
The first feed station will be a welcome sight at the village hall in Wensley (63.4 km). Take your time for a well earned break before setting off for the next episode.
Contouring the Wensleydale valley the route now takes you across to Redmire where it leaves the long route and continues along the valley side through Askrigg - setting for the 1978 series of All Creatures Great and Small, before turning south in to Hawes and another welcome break at the Wensleydale Creamery Visitor centre (90 km).
Leaving Hawes the route now follows Widdale as it climbs steadily to it's peak at Newby Head (438m) before dropping to Ribblehead and the famous viaduct on the Settle to Carlisle railway line. Here you can admire the view and grab an ice cream (you deserve it!), or turn left and press on, it's now just 8km to the finish.
With the end now in sight, under the imposing gaze of the towering peak of Pen-y-ghent it's not long before you're welcomed back to Horton in Ribblesdale!