Coast to Coast Bike Ride

                                        Overview of the coast to coast bike ride in 2 days

On Friday evening in the summer of 2018, we traveled from Hull to Morecombe - cancelled trains and rush hour traffic made this journey incredible stressful not to mention the 30 degree heat wave the country was going through. We planned to do the way of the roses route.

We arrived in Lancaster (cancelled train meant to we had to cycle the final part of the journey) and we immediately went to Lancaster Cathedral. This was a beautiful place for a picnic as it is based on a hill with great views out across the land onto the horizon. Cycling into Morecombe along a pathway felt very safe and we made it to the coastline just in time for sunset. The famous west coast sunset was amazing and we could clearly see the Lake District and Wales in the distance. We chose to stay in an air b and b. These are great value for money and allows you to meet people along your travels.

We woke up early on Saturday morning for breakfast and opted for the early leave but unfortunately my cycling partner let down their tires when trying to pump them up - disaster number 2! Eventually we started and went straight to the sign post on the seafront stating that Bridlington is 170 miles away and the 'way of the roses' sign. Then followed an exhausted day of climbing up huge hills.

The scenery on the first half of the journey was breath taking and I wished we had more time to explore. Eating lunch in Settle was a great idea given the steep never ending climb out of the village which resulted with me laid out with the bike on top of me. We took a slight detour in order to see Malham Cove and stopped for a dip in Linton falls. These two natural beauties are not to be missed. The hills were hard and we did have to walk a few of them (mainly due to my achy legs). Following the stop at Linton falls, my clip in on my shoe broke meaning on every hill my focus was no longer getting up the hill as fast as possible but staying on my bike! We finally reached our accommodation in Bishop Thornton and realised we had no food - this was a disaster. It was now bordering 10pm and we stunk and were starving! Our hosts took great care of us and drove into Harrogate in order to buy us a large greasy take away.

We knew the Sunday riding was supposed to be a lot flatter and looked forward to it. It was quite smooth riding. We stopped at York minster to inspect the design and had our lunch along the river running through the centre of York. There was lots of off-road cycling in this part of the journey but the scenery as still amazing. We reached Bridlington at around 6pm and enjoyed fish and chips on the beach.

Things to note: pre book bikes onto train. Pick viewpoints. Be aware of the hills that you will face. The first day is extremely hilly! It is hard to get lost because the way of the roses signs are so well located at nearly every junction! Total of about 22 hours of cycling.



Coast to coast bike ride itinerary

Friday 29th – arrive at 8 and stay on Morecombe seafront.

Have a look around Morecombe bay, grab snacks for following day.

EARLY NIGHT – start early sat.

Saturday 30th (70 miles) -

Cross the first bridge and Lancaster castle will be present (5.1 miles)

Great stone of 4 stones – 4 miles near kitten bridge just after Hornby. (10-15 miles)

Start looking to head to Malham cove/Gordale scar which is off black gill lane onto grains lane then peart lane then up to Malham. Follow signs for Cracoe now.

Hill out of settle (mile 35) is the hardest. Very hilly nearly Brimham Rocks.

Linton falls are in Linton between Cracoe and Thorpe (slight detour) but could go via hebdon (very pretty on B6265)

Stop at pately bridge (half way for effort, 62 miles/100km – aim for 5 hours ish, 45 miles from great stone) – tea rooms and visit the oldest sweet shop in the world!!! Been voted best highstreet in the country: probably best stopping for food here – late lunch)

After go to Brimham rocks (pictures) (4.2 miles)

stay at 38 Colber Lane, Bishop thornton, England, HG33JR. (6 miles)



Sunday 1st July (100 miles) –

Fontains abbey and Studley royal water gardens for food and pics (looks gorg) (5.1 miles from start)

Studley park

Ripon (8.1 miles)

Ripon to York is the easiest section seeing Benhingbrough hall, wooden planks of Aldwark bridge and vale of York

just after York (34 miles ish) there is an offroad piece of track to be careful on.

Could go to KP lodges for food/drink (18 miles from York ish)

Burton agnes (21 miles from KP lodges)

Finish in bridlington!

Goals: 100 miles in one day. Furthest distance ever cycled over a weekend. Completed coast to coast!!! With our accommodation it comes to 299km.