Route information
Latest News
Closure of Woldgate, Bridlington
Unfortunately part of the “Way of the Roses” cycle route (National Cycle Route 1) at Woldgate near Bridlington must be closed to install a new gas main. There will be a short diversion route in operation which runs parallel to Woldgate along the B1253 via Rudston and Boynton, it is hoped to reduce the length of the diversion as work progresses.
During the closure additional signs will be placed along the diversion route warning motorists of cyclists using the road. Read full story at here
Maps
The Google Map above allows you to see the full 170 mile route in more detail.
Although the highway authority partners and Sustrans Volunteer Rangers try to ensure the route is always well signed in both directions, it's always a good idea to take the Way of the Roses Cycle Route Map with you. It's available from the Sustrans on-line shop, by calling 0845 113 00 65 and from Tourist Information Centres along the route.
You can also print off this free flyer which shows the route in outline.
Distances
|
Split distance* |
Cumulative distance* |
|
|---|---|---|
| Morecambe | 0 | 0 |
| Lancaster | 4 | 4 |
| Settle | 31 | 35 |
| Pateley Bridge | 27 | 62 |
| Ripon | 15 | 77 |
| Boroughbridge | 10 | 87 |
| York | 22 | 109 |
| Pocklington | 18 | 127 |
| Driffield | 24 | 151 |
| Bridlington | 19 | 170 |
* Approximate distance to nearest mile
Signage
In creating the route, existing bits of National Cycle Network (NCN) route have been used wherever possible, and new bits created to make the links.
This has resulted in there being nine different NCN route numbers between Morecambe and Bridlington. Fear not, we’ve simplified the whole thing by including red and white roses on most of the signs to make it easy for you follow.
The route is signed in both directions so you can just as easily follow it from Bridlington to Morecambe. Please check the news page for route signing updates.
Terrain
From the Way of the Roses map, we’ve extracted the route’s profile broken down into sections…so you can see where the big hills are!
The steepest and longest climbs lie between Settle and Brimham Rocks (a few miles east of Pateley Bridge), where you’ll reach the highest point of the route at Greenhow (402m / 1312’).
Like the other ‘coast-to-coast’ routes across the North of England, this route is probably best done from west to east for the greater chance of having the wind at your back. This way you’ll be tackling the steeper climbs, but enjoying longer down hills. You’ll be high up and exposed to the elements in places, with shelter (from sun as well as wind and rain) and refreshment not always close-by, so be prepared.
The profiles also indicate the traffic-free or off-road sections of the route. Until the new verge path alongside the busy A65 between Clapham and Austwick is built, the Way of the Roses uses a 1.5 mile off-road section of the Pennine Cycleway just to the north of these villages. It’s the roughest part of the route and you may decide to push your bike for some or all of it.
There’s about a mile east of Dunnington village (south of the A166 near York) that’s unmade earth and stone track but usually firm going. Otherwise, the off-road sections are well made.
Train links
Morecambe is an 11 minute train ride from Lancaster on the West Coast mainline. The service is operated by Northern Rail, who are pretty good at letting you get on with your bike without a reservation and at no extra charge.
(The cycle path between Lancaster and Morecambe forms part of the Roses route so this another option to the train).
Northern Rail also run the trains on the Yorkshire Coast Line between Hull and Scarborough which stop at Bridlington. Experience suggests that you’d be unlucky not to get a small number of bikes on the these trains (smiling and being polite to the conductor helps), but more than four and you may well be struggling to all get on the same train.
Space is allocated on a first come, first served basis, and strictly speaking they can only carry a maximum of two bikes per train. A 'bike' refers to an unpowered two-wheel cycle - it excludes tandems, tricycles, power-assisted cycles and trailers.
For all train services visit the National Rail website or call 08457 48 49 50. The website for A to B, the sustainable transport magazine, has good bike/rail information.