Top of the world: Cyclists reach Yorkshire’s summit

• Follow the Tour LIVE all weekend as it makes its way through Yorkshire. On-the-spot reports, pictures and great video.

• Download our wallchart of the Tour de France route and riders

• Tour de France picture galleries

From our hillside vantage point ‎we could see thousands of spectators crowded at the summit and lining the roads snaking up from the valley.

Stark moorland gave way to the woodlands, reservoirs and patchwork of fields below.

Nestled in the valley lay Holme, Holmbridge and Holmfirth where residents had entered into the spirit, decking out their homes with bunting and the ubiquitous yellow bicycles.

One such bike draped with bulbs of garlic hung outside Andrew’s greengrocers in Holmfirth.

Owner Andrew Bray said: “The atmosphere has been amazing - better than we expected.

“It’s been like Blackpool illuminations with people taking pictures of the bikes on all the shops out of cars.

“If we take anything today it’s a bonus, but we’re here to enjoy it.”

Those lucky enough to live on the route sat on the kerbside outside their homes on dining or garden chairs, soaking up the sights as walkers and cyclists passed.

Some sold food and refreshments in aid of Scout groups or the ‎local church, while others rigged up platforms on scaffolding to get a clear view over the masses soon to descend.

Among them were Brian and Lynn Kilcline, who lived on the route in Holmfirth.

‎Lynn said: “We were working in Portugal and havce come back specially for the event. We couldn’t miss it.”

Brian added: “I’ve never seen so many smiling faces.”

And there was plenty along the way to raise a smile.

Messages chalked in the road reading ‘Va Va Froome’ and another declaring ‘This is Ed Clancy land. Be nice.’