Kirklees Challenge Route
Source: Kirklees Council
Posted: 28 August 2007
Cllr Martyn Bolt, Kirklees Council’s Cabinet Member for Transportation & Green Services has devised a circular on-road cycle route around the boundary of Kirklees district, for which a free route map is available.
The route was first used for this year’s “Kirklees Cycle Sportive” event as a fundraising ride for the Mayor’s Charity Appeal, which attracted over 200 riders from all over the country.
At more than 70 miles it is a challenge which can be taking in one bite or in sections, linking to local railway stations. Some sections of the route are shared with the West Yorkshire Cycle Route and the Pennine Cycleway.
The route is not way-marked on the ground but the free map clearly maps and gives directions at road junctions. A suggested start point is the ‘Three Nuns’ at Cooper Bridge but the route could be picked up from any point, such as Birchencliffe, Marsden, Meltham, Holmfirth, Denby Dale, Dewsbury, Batley, Birkenshaw, Oakenshaw or Scholes.
Cllr Bolt said: “The ride provides a real taste of the dramatic contrasts in land and townscapes across the area, from the Pennine towns and hills to villages in the Heavy Woollen area.
“At the Sportive event in April the route received favourable comment from cyclists and I would like to encourage more people to explore the countryside on their doorsteps by bike”.
The maps are available from local bike shops, Tourist Information Centres, Library and Information Centres, or telephone Kirklees ROSS Streetcare 0800 731 8765.