Saturday, October 2, 2010

Way of the Roses

For the next three weeks my cycling is going to be limited as I am attending a course in Manchester. That means travelling to and throw across the country, taking in the Pennines.
About ten years ago when I had more hair, less weight and and empty cycle shed the cycling seed was first planted. I borrowed a bike to complete a charity cycle ride from Morecombe to Hornsea cycling across the Pennines from the west to the east coast of England.
Last month. I recall it took in some breathtaking scenery, killer climbs and splendid watering holes.
Last month the National Cycle Network celebrated its 15th anniversary by adding a new challenging route to its ever-expanding network of over 12,600 miles the Way of the Roses
from Morecombe to Bridlington.

The Way of the Roses transforms 170 miles of roads and cycle tracks into a spectacular new 'coast-to-coast' leisure route for cyclists and walkers in the North of England. Starting on the west coast in Morecambe, Lancashire, and finishing on the east coast in the seaside resort of Bridlington, Yorkshire, the route passes through magnificent landscapes and past great points of interest along the way including:

Morecambe with its recently restored art deco Midland Hotel and famous seaside state of comedy legend Eric Morecambe
The Yorkshire Dales National Park
The Forest of Bowland
Nidderdale
The Lune Valley
Coldstones Quarry near Pateley Bridge
The Yorkshire Wolds
The historic cities of Lancaster, and York with its famous Minster
Ripon with its magnificent Cathedral
Fountains Abbey - a world heritage site (National Trust)
Beningborough Hall on the outskirts of York
Burton Agnes Hall - an Elizabethan stately home in East Yorks
Flamborough Head - a Special Area of Conservation - and an RSPB nature reserve at Bempton Cliffs, where there are puffin and gannet breeding colonies in the summer.
As I already think of next years itinerary this route is already being penciled in for early June.
Who knows I may even be able to attract a few American Mules to take part.


2 comments:

  1. I want to ride this route myself, it looks like a cracker.

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  2. Nice blog, I particularly like your self deprecating style.

    We're thinking of doing the Way of the Roses some time next year, looks like the perfect route with a challenging start and then a nice flat section just as your legs get tired.

    If you ever fancy popping by and saying hello my blog is Team Pannier.

    Keep riding,

    John

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