Short description
The Way of the Roses bike ride offers a different coast to coast challenge to the traditional route across the north pennines. Whilst the formula of taking you from the Atlantic to the North Sea coastlines remains, you will instead ride through the English counties of Lancashire and Yorkshire.
The sustrans route, which is quickly becoming one of the favourite multi-day cycle routes in the UK, passes through the areas of the Lune Valley over the Yorkshire Dales to Nidderdale and the Yorkshire Wolds within 2-4 days of riding. We have put together a 4 day itinerary below but please get in contact with the office if you wish to ride this in a different amount of days.
The itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Morecambe
Arrive in Morecambe by train (your first nights hotel will be a short walk away), we recommend you don't arrive by car as the journey back from Bridlington can be over 3 hours long. After checking in at your accommodation a member of the Bikecation team will meet you in the evening or after breakfast the next day, to hand over your route notes and maps, plus your bike if you’re hiring one, answer those last minute questions and give you a few tips on the route you will be riding.
Day 2: Morecambe to Settle – approx 31 miles
After breakfast, you’ll depart from the coast where the official sustrans signpost is located. Your ride begins on a bike path to Lancaster and along the river Lune, this gentle start will bring you to Woodies tea shop for a morning cuppa. The riding will get a little tougher from this point as you ascend into the Lancashire hills and towards the Yorkshire Dales.
Your second night will be spent in the small Yorkshire town of Settle, famous for it's traditional market square and a hearty array of pubs.
Day 3 Settle to Ripon – approx 37 miles
Your second day on the bike will see you leave Settle and climb to the highest point on the route. A trip to Malham Cove is optional. For all the climbing your reward is the panoramic view of the lush green fields of the Dales.
Descending down to the River Wharfe you will pass the towns of Burnsall and Appletreewick before heading east to the Nidderdale region of Yorkshire and the town of Pateley Bridge, perfect for a spot of lunch. In the afternoon a visit to Brimham rocks is essential along with a trip through the national trust Studley Park.
Ripon is your final destination of today. A well earned meal can be had overlooking the market square.
Day 4 Ripon to Pocklington – approx 40 miles
With the majority of the climbing completed on the trip, the ride between Ripon and Pocklington follows the River Ure and Ouse and is highlighted by the historic town of Boroughbridge and Beningbrough Hall. The walled city of York offers a whole host of sightseeing opportunities as the route passes the Petergate House, Roman column, Constantine Statue and the medieval cathedral of York Minster.
The afternoon will meander through farms and towns before reaching Pocklington, known for it's town crier and it's historic origins.
Day 5 Pocklington to Bridlington – approx 32 miles
The final days riding consists of rolling hills and cycle ways that zig-zag your way to your eventual finish in Bridlington.
Your reward for 4 days of cycling are the views of Flamborough head, and looking out over the north sea with some well earnt fish and chips.
Key information
- Highlights
- The Yorkshire Dales National Park
- Traditional small market towns
- York Minster and other historic sights
- Tea and cake in Pateley Bridge
- Brimham Rocks
