Chris McClean
From historic cities to rolling hills – cycle the Way of the Roses
5-11
days
3-6 h
/ day
354 mi
15,675 ft
15,700 ft
Grey, moss-covered stone walls divide rolling; windswept moors stretch towards the horizon, meadows bloom in multi-colours – cycling the Way of the Roses is a mesmerising journey from the Irish to the North Sea.
The way of the Roses leads you 170 miles (273 km) across the North of England from Morecambe to Bridlington. Along the way, you pass through stunning nature such as the Yorkshire Dales and Yorkshire Wolds, cross meandering rivers, and explore cobbled-stone streets.
Named after the Wars of the Roses between the English dynastic families Lancaster and York in the 15th Century, the Way of the Roses traverses fascinating eras of history. Ancient castles with gruesome pasts, unique cathedrals, crumbling Viking ruins, deserted battlefields, and former industrial centres that once shaped the world we live in are all waiting for you to explore.
Ranging from 16 miles (27 km) to 26 miles (59 km) in length, the seven stages in this Collection are easy to navigate by following the white and red rose signposts. Each route shows you a different aspect of the region’s diverse landscape and culture.
Whether you are looking for a leisurely bike ride with your family or a hardcore cycling adventure, each stage is suitable for all levels of riders – simply do more stages in a day to make it more of an endurance ride. Aside from two steeper climbs, the route remains relatively flat with only gently undulating hills. You also cycle mostly on quiet roads and tarmac cycle paths. There are a few off-road sections that most bikes should handle, no matter if you are riding a road bike, mountain bike, hybrid, or something else.
Your journey begins in the town of Morecambe. Nestled on the coast of the Irish Sea, Morecambe is a thriving seaside town with a sprawling bay, plenty of ice cream shops, and a friendly holiday atmosphere. The Way of the Roses sets off from the promenade.
There are plenty of places to stay in Morecambe. If you are looking to start your trip in style, the 1930s Midland Hotel is an impressive art nouveau masterpiece, whilst family-run bed and breakfasts make for a cosy stay. You can easily reach Morecambe via train, with regular trains from Leeds, Heysham Port, and Lancaster.
For more information about the Way of the Roses, visit: wayoftheroses.info
On The Map
Tours & Highlights
- Expert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.Difficult03:0930.0 mi9.5 mph1,775 ft1,275 ft
Your first day along the Way of the Roses reveals the region's inspiring history and beauty. Today’s route takes you to ancient castles which tell gruesome tales, through idyllic green countryside, rolling hills, mystical underground caves and into the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Starting from the Way of the Roses sign on the promenade of Morecambe’s seafront, the first …byAmy - Expert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.Difficult02:3622.1 mi8.5 mph1,950 ft1,850 ft
Leading 20 miles (33.5 km) through the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, the second leg of the Way of the Roses is a pleasant ride through some of the most beautiful countryside in the North of England.
Your journey begins in Clapham, a pretty Yorkshire Dales village. The route follows a cycle path which runs along the busy A65. However, if you …byAmy Sign Up To Discover Places Like This
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
- Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.Intermediate01:5616.7 mi8.6 mph1,400 ft1,600 ft
Magnificent hills, delicious afternoon tea, quaint Yorkshire villages, and beautiful countryside await on stage 3.
Leaving from Hetton, you continue further into the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, passing the idyllic Cracoe hamlet and carving through the Skelterton, Carden, Butter Haw and Langerton Yorkshire Hills.
After just over 5 miles (9 km), the route joins the River Wharfe before arriving …byAmy - Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.Intermediate02:4426.4 mi9.7 mph1,225 ft1,550 ft
If you're interested in history, stage 4 of the Way of the Roses will fascinate you. Today, you pass ancient moorland rock formations, UNESCO World Heritage sites brimming with history, and stunning cathedrals dating back to the 7th century.
Before leaving Pateley Bridge, I recommend stocking up on snacks, as you won't find any other shops for the next 11 …byAmy - Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.Intermediate02:1123.4 mi10.8 mph325 ft325 ft
Having left the hills of the Yorkshire Dales firmly behind, stage 5 is pleasantly flat with only 328 feet (100 m) of climbing spread over 23 miles (38 km).
Setting off from Boroughbridge, you cycle through pretty countryside on quiet lanes through Lower and Upper Dunsforth and Great Ouseburn.
To cross the River Ure, the route leads across the Aldwark …byAmy - Expert bike ride. Good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may require you to push your bike.Difficult03:3336.7 mi10.3 mph1,050 ft1,050 ft
Ancient battlefields, patchwork fields, tree-lined country lanes, and flowing rivers await on stage 6 of the Way of the Roses.
Leaving the bustling city of York behind you, you pass through the green flatlands of East Yorkshire. The picturesque nature is calm, with plenty of wildlife such as red kites, marsh harriers and bearded tits.
After 9 miles (15 km) …byAmy - Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.Intermediate02:3627.0 mi10.4 mph700 ft725 ft
Your day begins in the heart of the Yorkshire Wolds at Hutton Cranswick. As you continue through the quiet countryside along lanes, you notice that the landscape slowly changes as you head towards the coast.
Passing the village of Skerne that sits quietly amongst green farmland, you descend into Tibthorpe before reaching Driffield.
Famed for its annual agricultural show, Driffield …byAmy - Expert e-bike ride. Very good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may require you to push your bike.Difficult15:08172 mi11.4 mph7,300 ft7,325 ft
This is the full route of the Way of the Roses, a fantastic coast to coast cycle route that leads through dramatic landscapes.Click here to view the route in more detail, including a day-to-day itinerary: komoot.com/collection/887582
byAmy
Like this Collection?
Collection Stats
- Tours8
- Distance354 mi
- Duration33:52 h
- Elevation15,675 ft15,700 ft
You Might Also Like
Bike Touring Collection by Amy
Bike Touring Collection by Amy
Bike Touring Collection by Thüringen entdecken
Hiking Collection by Touristikgemeinschaft Odenwald
