UK, Coast to Coast Cycle (Way of the Roses)

3 days of picturesque cycling through the Lune Valley, the Forest of Bowland, the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the Vale of York and the the Yorkshire Wolds. Taking quiet lanes through stunning scenery. This is without doubt the most beautiful of Britain's shorter cycling challenges.

Coast to Coast Cycle (Way of the Roses)

The UK’s newest Coast – Coast cycle trail, 170 miles of peaceful and scenic roads from Morecambe to Bridlington, passing through Lancaster and York

The Way of the Roses is a special cycle route celebrating 15 years of the National Cycle Network. It is a spectacular 'coast to coast' cycle route from Morecambe Bay (the Irish Sea) to Bridlington Bay, on the North Sea coast.

The route crosses the northern part of the red rose county of Lancashire before the broad breadth of Yorkshire, the white rose county, passing some of Britain's most stunning countryside and fascinating heritage sites. Such areas include the Lune Valley, the Forest of Bowland AONB, Yorkshire Dales National Park, Nidderdale AONB, the Vale of York and the Yorkshire Wolds.

A great place for a refreshment break and one of the most interesting sites on route is the Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal World Heritage Site near Ripon.  

With many other great attractions such as the historic city of York, the Way of the Roses cycle route is a journey to remember.

Trip Information

Dates & Prices: View Prices
Price Rate: £650
Grading: B (more info)
No of People: 8-30

book Trip

Itinerary

Day 1 - Friday

We will ride between Morecambe and Grassington – 52 miles and a decent slog uphill at that! Setting off from Morecambe its a short trip to Lancaster and its Millenium Bridge. We then follow the River Lune to Hornby. The route then rises steadily for a further 12 miles to Clapham. Settle is at the 35 mile mark and there begins the first real climb of the day. Grassington is just slightly off the published route, 17 miles after Settle.

According to the Sustrans map… “The western section which is largely level and traffic free, runs from Morecambe promenade (and the Irish Sea) to Lancaster’s riverside before heading up the Lune Valley to the Crook O’Lune viewpoint. Country Lanes then traverse the hilly Forest of Bowland and southern Dales terrain to Cracoe. The climb out of Settle is the toughest of the whole route.”

Our first nights accommodation in Grassington includes dinner and a cooked breakfast and secure bike storage.

Day 2 - Saturday

56 Miles on Day 2. Some tough hills in the morning followed by a decent descent and a long flat ride into York.

From Cracoe, the route is undulating before reaching the River Wharfe at Burnsall, where the road climbs onto Nidderdale moorland and the highest point of the route (402m / 1312′) at Greenhow. Heed the warning signs for the descent into Pateley Bridge. After a final steep climb to Brimham Rocks, gradients start to ease to Ripon. The Vale of York and the riverside path into the city are generally flat.

Tonight's accommodation is in the historic and vibrant city of York, and once again includes dinner and a cooked breakfast and secure bike accommodation.

Day 3 - Sunday

The final leg between York and Bridlington – the longest stretch – 62 miles.

Leaving York, cycle lanes and traffic free paths lead to Pocklington at the Wolds edge. The road then winds up a dry valley, before sloping gently down to Driffield and onto Burton Agnes. The route then rises up onto Woldgate Roman Road with views of the North Sea, before descending through Bridlington’s Old Town for a spin along the promenade where you can see the white cliffs of Flamborough Head and our journeys end.

We will then transfer to York train station.

Whats Included

Transport from Morecambe Stn to Morecambe hotel and from finish point in Bridlington to York Stn.
3 nights B & B accommodation including buffet lunches and evening meals
Support vehicles throughout the challenge
Spare cycle in case of mechanical failure
Cycle guides who are medically trained
Completion certificate & medal
Cycle Mechanic to maintain bikes

Not Included

Drinks (other than soft drinks at rest stops)
Cycles and repair costs if required
Transport other than stated

Other Information

Accommodation

All participants will be accommodated in quality guest houses or hotels, on a shared basis, including breakfasts and evening meals.

Equipment

Bikes- As most of this route is either on minor roads or surfaced off-road tracks most bikes will be suitable, but I would recommend a road bike with 25mm tyres fitted. Tandems, and Tricycles may find some sections awkward but not impossible due to control barriers.

Tyres- Anything apart from full slick or racing bike tyres. Tyres which have low rolling resistance and have the added benefit of full Kevlar jacket protection are well worth it if you cycle a lot. Essential tools and spares to carry - At least one spare inner tube - preferably two - the urban areas of the cycleway can be plagued with broken glass, and a spare chain link and basic multi tool, along with a tyre inflator and normal safety and foul weather clothing, gloves and helmet. Along with some basic knowledge of how to repair a puncture and replace a broken chain link etc although a cycle mechanic will be available as required..

Transport

Private vehicles and drivers will support the challenge throughout. A hire vehicle will be used to transport cyclists from Lincoln and back at the end of the challenge