The old County Council of West Yorkshire first devised this extended circular route in 1985, to give about 150 miles of leisure cycling, roughly following the County Boundary.   It does change from time to time, though.

Most of the route is on relatively quiet roads ... on widely varying terrain!   There's flat rolling farmland in the east - easy cycling, suitable for all; and there are pretty tough climbs and esposed moorland in the Pennines - which challenge cyclists far fitter than I.   No bother - do it in manageable bits, a day out at a time.

It is generally very well-signed, both ways - but there are gaps, and "mistakes".   One thing worse than a vandal? - an "intelligent" vandal, who doesn't remove the sign, but turns it round to face a different way; or actually goes so far as to steal one to post it somewhere else.   So do prepare yourself with a guide and mapping.

This is not an official guide, but a personal project, based on our family experience - the Guides page gives sources for other maps and guides (official and unofficial).

It is also a growing project - I've covered about two-thirds of the route, but propose to update as I fill in the gaps.   If you have any updates, additions or corrections to make, please e-mail me direct.   I'd be more than happy to have my mistakes corrected.

Most of our cycling is one adult (fifty-plus, fattening, but not balding) and one, two or three children, on cycles (sometimes also a tandem).   And we don't have a car - so

If this little project encourages you to explore the West Yorkshire Cycle Route - thank you!   And go on, have a go - West Yorkshire as it should be seen!