The Way of the Roses, a beautiful scenic coast to coast in the North of England. The route explore the cultural heritage many towns and cities of the red rose county of Lancashire and the white rose county of Yorkshire. The route as you are no doubt fully aware is names after the War of the Roses, a 15th century war between the English dynastic families Lancaster and York.
The route consists mainly of quiet country road, a few main roads and cycle paths too.
The tour consists of riding 170 miles over four days. Travelling West to East to take advantage of tail winds the first day starts in Morecambe at the seaside, where the tradition is to dip your rear wheel in the sea for good luck.
The first two days of the tour are hilly, but hills also mean breath taking scenery, each day is 35 miles of pedalling. The the first night is spent in Airton in Lancashire and the second night in a small town called Boroughbridge which is in Yorkshire. All of the accommodation is in local comfortable Bed and Breakfasts, so an easy relaxed start to the day.
The route is well sign posted. Maps and a book are also available from Sustrans.
The third day is a fairly flat 50 miles ride through Yorkshire to Pocklington.
The fourth and last day is to Bridlington. Again another 50 miles which is easy to ride and navigate through some amazing countryside.
There are so many cultural sites and views to experience along the way such as Lune Valley, the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Yorkshire Dales National Park, Nidderdale AONB the Vale of York and the Yorkshire Wolds.
Along the route are numerous refreshment stops along the way including the Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Heritage site near Ripon.
Lots of opportunities along the way to stop and visit museums and historic building as well as to be blown away by the scenery.
Atalanta Adventures 