Every inch of the road from Settle to Malham (B6479) is superb limestone country with views of Malham Tarn and, of course, Malham Cove. The climb out of Settle is Langcliffe Scar (7/10 in Simon Warren's ranking) with a bit of 20% (presumably the road sign is there to frighten car drivers because cyclists will just check they are still on the big ring) but averaging around 8% over its mile or so length.
What goes up must come down and the descent into Malham is another 7/10 in Simon's book although I think this is a tougher climb because it is approaching two miles, very busy with traffic and dangerous to leave the correct side of the road because the drystone walls obscure descending traffic.
So 52 miles and 4000 feet on a cold but blue-sky day that enticed what felt like 1000 motor bikes onto the roads and a surprising number of Bentleys (and raucous 911 Porches) with the top down. Before I die I hope to see a Bentley that does not have a look-at-me vanity number-plate. I fear I will be disappointed.
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