Families and less experienced cyclists are being encouraged to take to their bikes with a series of free cycling guides.

As part of its Tour de France cycling legacy work, Craven District Council has put together a series of trails – all of which are available to download free of charge.

And it believes it is the first time such guides have been produced for Craven.

Sports development officer Bruce Dinsmore said the council was working hard to make sure that the Grand Depart of the Tour – due to come to Craven on July 5 and July 6 – would leave a lasting legacy.

“We discovered that there were hardly any cycling guides available for this area and hope these guides will encourage Craven residents to give cycling a go,” he said.

“The routes are mainly on quiet roads or country lanes and most avoid going up long hills. Every route has something of interest and refreshment options such as a pub or café.” The routes range in distance from five to 15 miles, are graded easy, moderate and difficult and include an easy to understand map.

All of the routes start and finish at the same place and include useful information as well as nice places to stop, including pubs and cafés. They include 19 along country lanes and quiet routes, including from Skipton to Bolton Abbey, Gargrave to Airton and Bell Busk, and from Long Preston to Tosside.

In addition, there are also routes for mountain bikers including a 19-mile circular tour of Pen-y-ghent.

All of the guides can be downloaded for free from cravendc.gov.uk