Distance 171 miles (275km)
Classification Difficult
Start The Bastion, Morecambe Promenade, LA3
Finish Headland View, North Promenade, Bridlington, YO15
Duration 3 days
Route NCN route 69: follow the red and white roses
Map Sustrans Way of the Roses map
Route notes
One of England's great rides, this painstakingly planned route, completed in 2010, leads riders from the Irish Sea at Morecambe Bay 171 miles west to the North Sea at Bridlington. Taking in car‑free dedicated paths and byways as well as cycle lanes and quieter roads, riders pass quickly through Lancashire, over the Pennines into Yorkshire.
Terrain and gradients
A bit of everything, including road, cinder track, tarmac, earth and stone. Expect hills, particularly near Settle, where you climb to just over 400m (1,300ft).
How to get there/away
If you can ride 171 miles, you should be able to make the brief extra bit to and from the railway stations at Morecambe and Bridlington at either end. There are plenty of stations near and on the route for those attempting the route in sections, including those at Settle, York and Driffield.
What to see
You'll see stunning countryside, including the Lune valley, Forest of Bowland, Yorkshire Dales, Nidderdale (an area of outstanding natural beauty), the Vale of York and the Yorkshire Wolds. For those short on supplies, or merely pining for civilisation, the route also passes through historic York, with its spectacular cathedral, and the beautiful market town of Ripon.
Accommodation and watering holes
Plenty of both along the route, and it's worth planning and booking ahead for such a long ride. A dedicated route website contains links to the two dozen-plus stops en route. Pub highlights include the Craven Arms in Appletreewick, the Black Bull in Boroughbridge, the Lamb and Lion in York, and the Bell in Driffield (Market Place, YO25 6AN). Brookhouse Guest House, directly on the route at Clapham in the Dales, has very comfortable rooms and can cook a great meal. Further along, Bewerley Hall Farm in Pateley Bridge offers B&B accommodation or self‑catering cottages. Highfield Farm in Southburn, near Driffield, is also a great place to rest weary legs.
• Accommodation in this chapter is recommended by bedsforcyclists.co.uk
