Ray Hankin's shorts wroteLooks good that Trav - still can't get over how 'long' your push iron looks
Think I mentioned already that we're off to the Dales again at Easter. Staying in Starbotton and after any info from anyone on EASY cycling routes for us and the boys (5 and 7). Looking at circular routes perhaps around a lake or river - nothing that involves roads if possible as the Mrs will have kittens and no one will enjoy it!
We'd have the car and a bike carrier too so any good stuff within a shortish drive too
Cheers
I've lived in the Dales now for 15 months and not sure there is such a thing as an easy cycling route around here !
Only thing that springs to minds for me near where we are is to park up in Redmire (where we live, 30 mins drive from Starbotton), ride your bikes along the dirt road past the church, then a small length of slightly downhill off-road (few hundred yards) that should be manageable for a 5 and 7 year old. On past Bolton Hall (smooth tarmac surface for about a mile and a half. Will bring you out in Wensley where you could get a bite to eat at the Three Horshoes pub (pizzas, chips etc for kids). Don't miss the waterfall just behind the candlemakers (practically in the pubs beer garden) , then cycle back the same way you came. You're not far from the river all the way but only really get a few glimpses through the trees. The slightly downhill bit will now be slightly uphill and the kids will probably need to get off and push for a while. Once back in Redmire, leave the bikes with the car and take the short walk down to the river at the bottom of the village. Ten minutes walk and you're there. Tiny little beach area where you could easily spend an hour with the kids skimming stones across the river. Another 10 minutes along the river, with a bit of scrambling up some rocks and you reach Redmire Falls. Beautiful spot and not very well known to the tourists (they all go to Aysgarth). I could sit there for hours, in fact I have done a few times just me and the dog.
Back in Redmire, get the timing right and you may see the steam train at the station. 5 minutes in the car and you can get to Bolton Castle (could even stop off for 10 minutes at the small playground on the way).
There's also Aysgarth Falls and West Burton Falls both between Redmire and Starbotton and both definitely worth a visit.
Another day out, if you're staying in Starbotton, you're not too far from Forbidden Corner at Middleham. Your kids are the perfect age for a visit there, and a trip to the Brymor Ice Cream Parlour near Jervaux Abbey would go down well.
Let me know if you need a bit more info.
