PLAN YOUR JOURNEY
Getting to
Pateley Bridge
All your options for reaching the dale - by car, bus, train, taxi or bike. Most visitors arrive by car, but Bus 24 from Harrogate is a good option for a car-free day out.
By car
Most visitors come by car. The B6165 through the dale is a beautiful drive. Sat nav: use HG3 5AT for the High Street.
From Harrogate
14 miles via B6165 through Summerbridge. About 25 minutes. The most scenic approach, following the lower dale.
From Leeds
25 miles via A659 and A61 to Harrogate then B6165. About 50 minutes.
From York
Via A59 to Harrogate then B6165. About 50 minutes.
From Bradford
Via A658 to Pool then A61 to Harrogate. About 55 minutes.
From the A1(M)
Exit at J47 (Boroughbridge), then A61 north to Ripon and B6265 west. About 40 minutes from the junction.
Sat nav postcode
HG3 5AT for the High Street. HG3 5LG for the Showground Car Park.
Parking in Pateley Bridge
Showground Car Park
HG3 5LG
The main car park, pay and display. A short walk to the High Street. Usually has capacity even on busy days.
High Street on-street
HG3 5AT
Limited on-street spaces with 1-2 hour maximum. Good for quick visits but fills up fast on weekends.
Recreation Ground Car Park
HG3 5LG
Free parking beside the river, slightly further from the High Street but ideal if you are doing the riverside walk.
By bus
Bus 24 - Harrogate to Pateley Bridge
The main bus link. Runs Monday to Saturday approximately every 2 hours from Harrogate bus station, via Summerbridge and Dacre Banks. Journey time approximately 50 minutes from Harrogate.
DalesBus 822 - York to Grassington via Pateley Bridge
A seasonal double-decker service running Sundays and Bank Holidays, connecting Pocklington - York - Ripon - Fountains Abbey - Pateley Bridge - Hebden - Grassington. Stops at Stump Cross Caverns and Coldstones Cut on request. Connecting services from Pateley Bridge go further up the dale to Lofthouse, Ramsgill and Scar House Reservoir.
An excellent option for car-free visitors - you can arrive from York or Harrogate, spend the day in the dale, and return the same way. Check dalesbus.org for the current timetable and dates.
By train and onward travel
There is no direct train to Pateley Bridge, but Harrogate station is 14 miles away with onward bus connections.
Harrogate station (14 miles)
Direct trains from Leeds (25 min), York (40 min) and London King's Cross (2hr 15 via Leeds). Well served throughout the day.
From Harrogate station: Bus 24 departs from Harrogate bus station, a 5-minute walk. Or take a taxi - approximately £25-30, 25 minutes.
Knaresborough station (16 miles)
Also on the Harrogate line and slightly closer for some parts of the dale. Taxi from Knaresborough is around 25 minutes. The historic castle and gorge make it worth exploring if you have time either side.
By taxi
From Harrogate
Approximately £25-30, 25 minutes. A good option after an evening out or with heavy luggage.
Local taxi firms
Several local taxi firms serve Pateley Bridge. Search "Pateley Bridge taxi" or ask at your accommodation.
Uber
Uber operates in Harrogate and may cover the route. Worth checking the app - availability varies.
By bike
Challenging but rewarding. The B6165 from Harrogate climbs significantly through the dale and the approach from any direction involves substantial hills. That said, it is a popular sportive and touring route.
National Cycle Network
NCN Route 67 passes near the area. Check Sustrans for current routing through Nidderdale.
Cafe stops
Several cafes in town welcome cyclists with outdoor seating and bike-parking - Cocoa Joes and the High Street cafes are popular stops.
E-bike hire
E-bike hire is available in Harrogate, making the dale accessible without the full climb under your own power.
The dale itself
The valley floor between Pateley Bridge and Glasshouses is gentle and ideal for a circular ride. See our walks page for route ideas.