Cycling the Way of the Roses

Cycle the Way of the Roses and cross northern England from coast to coast, following 170 miles (274km) of scenic country lanes, minor roads, and traffic-free cycle paths from the bay at Morecambe to the cliffs at Bridlington on the Yorkshire coast. Passing through the Lune Valley, the Forest of Bowland, the Yorkshire Dales, Nidderdale, the Vale of York, and the rolling Yorkshire Wolds, this is one of England's most rewarding and accessible cycle routes.

A challenge within the reach of cyclists of all abilities and rideable on a road bike or hybrid, this trusted Cicerone guide describes the full 170-mile route across 3 days, with alternative 2, 4, and 5-day itineraries also outlined. Six excellent day rides in the vicinity of the main route are also described, making it ideal for those who want to explore the surrounding countryside further.

• Cycle the Way of the Roses in 3 days from Morecambe to Bridlington, with stages of 50–60 miles per day taking in the full sweep of Lancashire and Yorkshire, from Morecambe Bay to the dramatic chalk cliffs of Flamborough Head.
• Explore six circular day rides in the vicinity of the main route, including the Arnside and Silverdale tour, the Way of the Dales, Brontë Country and the dark satanic hills, the Otley and Knaresborough round, a circuit of the Wolds, and an extension from Bridlington to Scarborough.
• Discover the highlights of the Way of the Roses, including the idyllic villages of Burnsall, Settle, and Pocklington, the historic city of York, Ripon Abbey, Brimham Rocks, the Three Peaks, and the spectacular scenery of the Yorkshire Dales and Nidderdale.
• Navigate with confidence using 1:100,000 mapping and gradient profiles included for each stage, alongside GPX files available to download for the full route.
• Plan your Way of the Roses cycling trip with comprehensive practical advice on preparation, equipment, what kind of bike to use, accommodation, and travel logistics to and from Morecambe and Bridlington.
• Choose your own itinerary with flexible options ranging from a two-day challenge to a more leisurely five-day ride, with the route also described east to west for those who prefer to start from Bridlington.

Cycle the Way of the Roses with confidence using this trusted Cicerone guidebook. From the shores of Morecambe Bay to the dramatic Yorkshire coast, this is the essential companion for one of northern England's most satisfying and accessible coast-to-coast cycle rides.

Seasons

Possible year-round but preferable April-October.

Centres

Morecambe, Lancaster, Settle, Burnsall, Pateley Bridge, Ripon, York, Stamford Bridge, Pocklington, Millington, Driffield, Bridlington.

Difficulty

A 170-mile challenge within the reach of cyclists of all abilities. The Way of the Roses is possible on a road bike or a hybrid. A three day itinerary of 50-60 miles per day is described, along with longer and shorter options. Six individual day rides of a similar difficulty are also included.

Must See

Cycle from coast to coast from Morecambe to Bridlington through the spectacular scenery of the Lune Valley, the Forest of Bowland, the Yorkshire Dales, Nidderdale, the Vale of York and the Yorkshire Wolds. Cycle on peaceful minor roads and traffic-free sections on dismantled railways.

Map key

Overview map and profile

Route summary tables

Introduction

Why do the Way of the Roses?

How tough is it?

Logistics – getting there and back

How many days?

Cycling the route east to west

Where to stay

What kind of bike?

Equipment

What to wear

Maps and apps

Signage

Cycling dos and don’ts

What’s in a name?

Cycling in Roses country

Using this guide

The Way of the Roses

The three-day ride

Day 1Morecambe to Burnsall

Day 2Burnsall to York

Day 3York to Bridlington

Day rides

Route 1Arnside and Silverdale tour

Route 2The Way of the Dales

Route 3Brontë country and the dark satanic hills

Route 4Otley and Knaresborough round

Route 5Around the Wolds in a day

Route 6Bridlington to Scarborough extension

Appendix AAccommodation

Appendix BUseful contacts