North of York
Yorkshire’s historic capital is a great starting point for a ride on incredible roads.
York is a fascinating place, crammed with interesting pubs, museums, shops, the castle and minster, all surrounded by great riding. With the Wolds to the east, the Moors to the North and the Dales to the West, it’s an absolutely fantastic destination.
You can’t go wrong riding deep into the Dales, rolling out by Ribblesdale and back by Blubberhouse Moor. Or you could head over the North York Moors to the coast for fish and chips at Whitby or Scarborough.
This route gives a flavourof it all, skirting the Wolds, Moors and Dales, and cuts through the beautiful Howardian Hills.
Where to stay: Alhambra Court Hotel, St Marys, York YO30 7DD
STAGE 1
York to Fridaythorpe: 33 miles
At the Hull Road roundabout on the A54 ring road, take the B1228 past Elvington. When the B-road turns right at the Rossmoor garage, carry on to Pocklington. At the A1079, go straight over at the roundabout. In Pocklington, turn right on to the B1246 towards Driffield. At the Bainton roundabout, turn left on the B1248 to Malton. At Wetwang, turn left on the A166 (towards York). We would stop at Seaways Café in Fridaythorpe, on the corner of the B1251. If you want to make some time to nose around Castle Howard, take the A64 direct from York to lose 40 miles.
Morning coffee: Seaways Abikers’ café with home-made cakes and a mean breakfast, in the middle of the stunning Wolds
STAGE 2
Fridaythorpe to Stokesley: 60 miles
Leave Seaways on the B1251, then turn left on the B1248 to Malton. At the lights in the town centre, turn left for York until you join the A64. After three miles turn right at the brown sign for Castle Howard.After the village of Welburn, turn right at the crossroads, signed for Slingsby. This is the road to Castle Howard.Continue north from Castle Howard, turning left to Terrington. When this back road meets a bigger lane, turn right. After the straight, follow the road round to the right. In Hovington turn left, then almost immediately left again, to Coulton. Turn right to Gilling, on the B1363. At the B1257, turn left then bear right on the A170 to Helmsley. Turn left to pick up the B1257 and follow this all the way to Stokesley.
Visit: Castle Howard - Stately home rather than castle, it’s where Brideshead Revisited was shot.
Lunch: Stokesley. Plenty of options in Stokesley. We normally like to stop at the Howards Eatery.
STAGE 3
Stokesley to Leyburn: 35 miles
Back at the Stokesley roundabout, turn right on the A172 to Thirsk, joining the dual carriageway A19 for one junction before taking the A684 to Northallerton. In the town centre, stay on the A684 to Bedale. Turn right at the roundabout after the railway crossing. If you need fuel by now, then there are garages in both Northallerton and Bedale, directly located on the route, as well as one on the corner when you leave Leyburn on the A6108 route to Masham.
Afternoon tea: Leyburn. Carry on past the turning for the A6108 to Leyburn’s market place, where there is plenty of parking and a couple of cafes. We like the rather smart Penleys – very good sandwiches if you are feeling a bit peckish.
STAGE 4
Leyburn to York: 42 miles
Leave Leyburn marketplace as if you were returning to Bedale, then turn right on the A6108 to Ripon. When you get into the town, turn left at the clock tower to get to the A61 Ripon bypass. Go right along it for a short way, then turn left at the second roundabout on the B6265 to Boroughbridge. Stay on this road all the way to the A59, turning left to return to York.
Start/finish – York - Distance – 170 miles - Riding time: 4.5 hours