Three wheeling in the dazzling Dales
Bridget McGrouther saddles up for two very different biking adventures
IT IS an area that has always been a magnet for tourists, but now the Yorkshire Dales are welcoming a whole new bunch after the Tour de France blasted through last summer. After starting in Leeds and heading through Harrogate, ‘Le Tour’ made for the Dales, visiting towns including Hawes and numerous little villages (including mine near Skipton), with the riders taking on gruelling climbs like Buttertubs Pass and Holme Moss.
If you took the easy route and watched the drama of the Dales unfold on TV, smitten by aerial shots of honeysuckle hedgerows, sleepy hamlets and wildflower meadows, the good news is that you don’t have to be as fit as Chris Froome to experience this exhilarating tour. For why struggle with two wheels when you can go faster uphill on three?
And it’s all thanks to canny businessman Jason Richards, who has come up with a cunning plan – the introduction of his Boom Trike named Lottie to the tourist trail.
He invites all aspiring ‘Easy Riders’ to sit back and enjoy the racy scenery as he revs and raves about the attractions of this gloriously green and pleasant land.
There’s nothing quite like accelerating at speed with a throaty roar on your own personalised, chauffeurdriven Le Tour; the wind in your hair and cool breeze zapping every fibre.
Sitting behind Jason on a well-padded leather pew with enough room for two and a bird’s-eye view above the dry-stone walls, I felt as smug as a back-seat driver. Heads turned as our magnificent machine – all chrome and growly engine – passed pubs and tearooms. Jason, who quite clearly relishes realising his driving ambition to bring tailor-made trike tours to the Dales, weaved tales of legend and folklore as we wound our way round rugged rocks and rolling pastureland.
On a blazing hot day, I climbed aboard for an adrenaline-fuelled adventure of a lifetime, but ridesuits – like thermal onesies – gloves and helmets are on hand for any inclement weather.
My circular route began and ended at The Devonshire Fell hotel in Burnsall Village. The trike tour is one of the many tailor-made attractions that can be enjoyed in and around the famous Bolton Abbey Estate – until recently owned by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire – such as cycling or walking along the riverside paths and bridleways.
At the Devonshire Fell Dogs are made to feel as welcome as their owners, and can even stay for free. The Duchess of Devonshire herself chose the bright and arty contemporary interior decor of the boutique-style rooms and suites named after nearby villages.
I felt instantly comfortable in ‘Threshfield’, my individual bedroom with its welcome tray laden with Yorkshire Tea (of course), a cafetiere, popcorn and chocolate.
Most of all, I loved what I consider to be the best view in the Dales over neighbouring Burnsall with its historic, five-arched bridge hopping jauntily over the rambling River Wharfe.
You can also drink in those dizzying vistas while enjoying real ales and fine wines i n The Fell’s bar, conservatory or beer garden.
In the two-AA Rosette restaurant, chef Oliver Adams certainly knows how to satisfy the hunger of a born-again biker whose appetite for life and lunch has been kickstarted by such a rush of fresh country air to the head.
I can certainly recommend a ploughman’s, with mouthwateringly tasty pork pies, afternoon tea or the five-course tasting menu. And if you’re a little saddlesore, complimentary access to the Devonshire Spa should make you feel revitalised again.
Book now and you may just beat the crowds for the inaugural Tour de Yorkshire, a new annual race which, all being well, will take place between May 1 and 3 next year.
We’re bracing ourselves for a whole lot more Lycra…