RIDE THE BEST OF YORKSHIRE
If you’re a fan of the mag then you’ll probably already be familiar with our favourite test route. For us it kicks off from Lincolnshire, but the real fun starts when you enter the Dales through the quaint town of Harrogate. Don’t forget to stop for a cream tea as you’ll need your energy on the blast further north via a myriad of small villages that litter the quiet, winding and sheep riddled roads of the Dales. The views are just as stunning as the squiggles of tarmac that never stop winding, taxing your brain and your body in all the right ways. Hawes is a must-stop location, offering loads of eateries, accommodation options (including camping), and even a creamery (…where they make Wensleydale, no less). Once you’ve had your fill of cheese, it’s time to get stuck in to some butter! The Butter Tub Pass is right on Hawes’ doorstep and it’s one of the most stunning rides you’ll ever experience, towering high above ridiculously breath-taking scenery. It’s a great ride that leads you to another good stopping place; Richmond... where you can get even fatter on more cream teas.
From there, it’s a blast along some bigger roads as you leave the Dales and head for the Moors on the far side of the A1(M), passing by Northallerton and Osmotherley, en route to Guisborough. This is where you pick up the A171 that leads you to Whitby along wide and open moorland. The road’s not the most taxing, but it sure is pretty. It’s considered sacrilege if you don’t treat yourself to fish and chips on Whitby’s sea front, the place from which Captain Cook sailed and discovered Australia (a few points down the pub for that one).
Back on the road, the route south to Saltergater is an absolute corker and the fun continues past Pickering and on to Old Malton. York’s next on the agenda and is well worth a visit. But if you’re short of time, crack on and head back to Harrogate to round off the route. It’s a belter to experience, taking a full day to tackle its 208 miles of goodness. Get it ticked off.
When is it: All year long goodness Who to contact: www.yorkshire.com Tel: 0113 322 3500