A Dale with a Sting in its Tale

GOOGLE STILL UNABLE TO RESOLVE ISSUE OF LACK OF PHOTOS. SORRY.

Chocolate Box England

Brantingham is a small hamlet on the south western corner of the East Yorkshire wolds. It is one of those villages where time seems to stand still, and if not for the low rumble of the adjacent M62, could easily be used in a period drama. Its church, lying slightly out of the village on the dale road and at the edge of woodland feels almost alpine in its proud isolation while places such as Keeper Cottage, Dale Farm, Brantingham Hall all hint at a history of rich rural traditions.  

 

For the cyclist it is the ride out of the village and up the dale which is the main attraction. The climb is one of three parallel dale climbs near here, the other two being the climb from Elloughton and beyond that the rise from nearby Welton. All are attractive and challenging climbs, but Brantingham is probably the pick due to its various landmark features along the way.

 

Through the Village

From the bottom of the village these include the village's pub, the Triton Inn. This is far too large for just the villagers themselves, who could barely number 100, but no doubt does a good trade from the nearby commuter villages of South Cave and Elloughton/Brough. Its name is taken from the Sykes family coat of arms - reflecting maybe this family's godlike influence on the entire surrounding area during its history.

Making your way into the village and past the half shaded but nevertheless imposing war memorial, you then ride past attractive farm houses and the village hall with its Dutch influenced gables. Then past the village pond away to your left and a semi town green.

 

Past the Spout

Around here you might see both mountain bikers and hardened road cyclists as this brings you to the junction of Spout Hill, a 10.6% gradient climb used by local cyclists for demanding training sessions. For the road cyclist there's no exit at the top of the 1km climb, though mountain cyclists have the choice of a couple of wooded trails east across to Elloughton Dale. The water 'spout' at the bottom of the hill is a pleasant rustic touch.

 

Dunking the Sheep

Beyond here and some old farming cottages, the Church opens up on the right hand side, nestled into the surrounding woodland. The church dates back to the 12th century but was substantially restored in the 1870s. Just beyond the church is a recently restored sheep wash. It's worth stopping to have a quick look to see how and where the Spring sheep would be sudded and dunked prior to shearing.

 

Tackling the Dale

The road now continues on a steady and relaxing gradient of between 2 and 5% making it a peaceful undemanding ride. The thin saplings on the lower sections of the 2km climb gradually give way to more mature overarching beech and ash trees, the appearance of which also sees the valley sides steepen in anticipation of harder times. This doesn't take long to materialise and as the gradient ramps up; the last half a kilometre of the climb is a real lungbuster. The small chain ring is needed as you puff and pant to the crest of the hill which reaches over 11% gradient.  You emerge from the woodland to the broad open skies as the road slopes off before levelling out towards the South Cave road.

 

All in all, the route up Brantingham Dale is one to be savoured, but just be prepared for the sting at the end!