Headwaters Trail

Welcome to a new trail that connects bridleways and quiet lanes along moors and valleys shaped by three rivers. We’ve called it the Headwaters Trail as the circular route takes you to the ‘head of the waters’ - the source - of the River Calder, the River Aire and the River Don high up on the moors of the Yorkshire Dales, Peak District and South Pennines. On the event weekend there is a ‘short’ route of 250km with 3,300 meters of climbing and a ‘long’ route of 325km and 4,750 meters of climbing. The trail takes you from Hebden Bridge along the canal towpath up through the oak woodland on the steep valley slope and north onto superb moorland trails on millstone grit. After passing through the ancient hamlet of Wycoller we ride across rolling hills in the South Pennines and on the long route climb up onto limestone ridges to arrive at Malham Tarn and onto Mastiles Lane. The Headwaters Trail is not all moorland and Pennine hills as the route uses the towpath for a long easy ride on the Leeds - Liverpool canal, past the spectacular Five Rise Locks at Bingley (the middle image on the row of photos below) and onto the docks in Leeds city center. From here we travel south following the thick blue watery vein that is the River Aire along many miles of flat cycle paths to arrive at Castleford and then on through woods, fields, the edges of modern industrial estates to arrive at a World Heritage Site that celebrates our mining heritage at Elsecar. Turning west we head to the gem that is Wharncliffe Woods with its fast flowing gravel tracks as good as any trail center and onto a reclaimed railway line to Penistone where there are excellent cafes to sample. Another dozen miles and you arrive at our second campsite on a farm outside Shepley with its grass field for your tent and cosy barn to enjoy a much needed artisan pizza. We are now at the edge of the Peak District and we make a line due north the highlight being the long flowing descent down Wessenden Valley and into Marsden. The finish line at Mytholmroyd is a few hours ride away. Bikepacker or Supported Ride. Campsite / Luggage transfer / GPS tracker / Meals / Route Guide / Embroidered cloth badge / Certificate.