Cycling the Way of the Roses (3 days)

Our Star Ratings

Here is an explanation of our cycling trip grades. Please bear in mind that total ascent, wind, rain and  general riding conditions can play as important factors as the daily distances involved. Whilst we  have stated some example distances, the overall difficulty assigned to each trip will encompass a range of these factors. If you are at all unsure of whether you think the trip is suitable, please contact us.

 

 

Easy: ​ Suitable for those new to cycling seeking an introductory and very relaxed yet active  experience on two wheels. Easy riding on short, flat and/or gently undulating routes. ​ Approx 20 – ­40  miles a day

 

 

Relaxed: ​ Undulating terrain with occasional minor undulations for semi­-regular novices who wish  to develop fitness and ability. May include a few short steep climbs. ​ Approx 40 – ­50 miles a day

 

 

Moderate: Designed for cyclists with a good level of riding experience and fitness, and are  comfortable riding for full days in the saddle. Routes will include some steep and/or sustained  climbs. Not for those completely new to cycling. ​ Approx 50 – 80 miles a day

 

Challenging: Routes with multiple steep and sustained climbs and technical descents and/or long  distances. Riders need to be have a high level of fitness and stamina in addition to experience in  riding over extended distances and/or tackling long ascents and descents. ​ Approx 70 – ­110 miles a  day

 

Advanced: Designed for experienced cyclists with an excellent level of fitness and stamina. Routes  are consistently long with multiple serious and steep ascents and descents throughout. High  altitude ascents may be undertaken followed by technically demanding descents. ​ Approx 80 – 120  miles a day

Itinerary

Day 1: Meet at Morecambe

Our trip begins at our hotel in Morecambe on the Irish Sea. If you’re driving then we’ll meet you at the hotel and give details on where to park. If you prefer to arrive by public transport we can meet you at Morecambe train station to help transfer your bikes and luggage to the hotel. If you’re taking advantage of our bicycle and luggage transfer service, your More Adventure leaders will have your bikes and luggage ready for collection in the hotel. At the hotel you will be met by the More Adventure team for a trip briefing and evening meal in preparation for tomorrow’s ride.

 

Day 2: Morecambe to Grassington

(52 miles & 4600 feet⇧ or 83km & 1400 m⇧)

After breakfast in our hotel, we’ll load up the support vehicle then pedal down to the sea and take photos next to the official Way of the Roses sign. Our route begins by joining the River Lune just north of Lancaster as it meanders northeast. After this perfect warmup we begin to climb into the Forest of Bowland which is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and it’s easy to see why. The route crosses back over the River Lune near Hornby Castle, after which there’s a short climb just south of High Bentham. We’ll make a stop in the pretty market town of Settle for refreshments, not least because it marks the start of the climb of the day which starts steep but soon eases off. After the summit there’s a fabulous descent to the River Aire from which it’s a short ride to Grassington, an ancient market town that is featured in the Domesday Book.

 

Day 3: Grassington to York

(63 miles & 3600 feet⇧ or 100km & 1100m⇧)

Our ride today begins by following the River Wharfe through farmland southeast. This landscape was once filled with active mines and lime kilns, but now only ruins remain. At the village of Appletreewick we begin our main climb of the day, up onto the moors where we also reach the highest point of the Way of the Roses route. Care is needed descending into Pateley Bridge where we’ll regather and stop for coffee in this market town in the heart of Nidderdale. We briefly follow the River Nidd before heading northeast to tackle a couple of smaller climbs. You’ll also have a chance to visit the striking rock formations of Brimham Rock, a National Trust site and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) that boasts uniquely weathered rock formations. We’ll also ride past Fountains Abbey, one of the largest Cistercian monasteries in England and impressive Ripon Cathedral, founded as a monastery by Scottish monks in the 660s. The latter part of the day is largely flat as we follow the River Ure to the magical and ancient city of York, where we’ll spend the night.

 

Day 4: York to Bridlington

(63 miles & 2000 feet⇧ or 100km & 600m⇧)

Our final day on the Way of the Roses route heads east from the city of York, crossing the River Derwent at Stamford Bridge. Just beyond here we tackle the main climbs of the day which begin in the market town of Pocklington, at the foot of the Yorkshire Wolds in the East Riding of Yorkshire. The quiet country lanes wind their way up to the summit at Huggate where we’ll regather and catch a breather before the brilliant descent through open farmland. With the main difficulties of the day behind we pass through the town of Driffield then over a few lumps and bumps towards the North Sea. Our ride ends along the elegant promenades of Bridlington followed by a fish ‘n’ chip treat overlooking the sea. After a few celebratory photos in front of the official sign we’ll say our farewells and the trip ends. Congratulations, you’ve just completed the Way of the Roses! If you’ve booked our bicycle and luggage transfer service we’ll then collect them and load them into the support van for delivery.

 

Please note

We can run this trip with as few as six participants and the trip can be arranged up to a week in advance. If the dates below don’t fit, please get in touch to see if we can arrange for the trip on dates that suit you!

The trip begins in the evening of Day 1 but if you’d prefer to join us in the morning of Day 2 in time for the first ride, then no problem, just let us know.

Due to current Covid-19 restrictions, if you are booking alone please ensure you select the single room supplement upon checkout (£150).

Map

Includes

• Cycle guide(s)
• Support vehicle & driver/bicycle mechanic
• Snacks and water whilst riding
• 3 x night’s hotel accommodation (twin sharing)
• 3 x breakfasts
• All luggage transported during your trip
• GPX files of the route
• Comprehensive joining instructions and kit lists
• Friendly advice and support in the lead up to your trip

Not Included

• Bicycle and helmet
• Transport to and from start and finish points*
• Evening meals, personal drinks and snacks
• Travel/bicycle Insurance

 

*To find out more about our door-to-door bicycle and luggage service on this trip, please get in touch.

FAQs

Can I join you on the morning of the first ride instead of the night before?

Sure no problem, just let us know when you book.

Is it possible to extend this trip?

Absolutely! There are numerous options to extend this trip, with further excellent cycling that we can advise on.

How do I get to the start of the trip in Morecambe?

It's easy to reach Morecambe by car or train. There are plenty of parking options in Morecambe and regular trains run to/from Lancaster and Leeds. Further details issued upon trip confirmation.

Can I arrive early to explore?

Yes! There's plenty to see and do in the area, including countless hiking opportunities, several stunning stately homes and plenty more!

Can you help with transfers to and from the start/finish points?

Absolutely! We will be running our ever-popular bicycle and luggage transfer services on this trip, further information will be issued upon trip confirmation.

Can I ride an eBike on this trip?

Yes, no problem at all!