Lower Dales & North York Moors Cycling Holiday | Cycling Holiday in Britain | Self Guided Cycling Holiday

You will explore beautiful Wensleydale and Swaledale before crossing the Vale of York to the lovely Hambleton Hills and Bilsdale on the western edge of the North York Moors. With two nights in the lovely town of Richmond you have the opportunity to explore further by bike or on foot or just take it easy for the day.

Grade: Moderate

Meals:
You will normally be staying in a town or village where there is at least one place to buy an evening meal. On the rare occasion that this is not possible, we will book you into an accommodation which provides an evening meal (this is not included in the holiday price). Lunches can usually be bought on route and we can advise you of the days when this is not possible. On these days you can book a packed lunch from your accommodation by letting them know the night before or we can book it for you. These usually cost about £5. Alternatively, most of the towns and villages in which you stay have shops where you can buy items to make up your own packed lunch.

When to Go:
April, May and June are when everything comes to life so it is very green, wild flowers are abundant and blossom abounds. July and August tend to be the warmest months, but it is rarely so warm as to be uncomfortable for walking or cycling. September tends to be one of the most pleasant times in the countryside and is quieter as most people with children have finished their holidays. By October the days are getting shorter and the weather is much more changeable.
Getting There:
By Car: Detailed route plans can be provided on request.
By Air: The most convenient airports are Manchester and Leeds-Bradford Airport
By Rail: York is easily accessible from London Kings Cross (less than 2 hour journey), and from the rest of the UK
Return Journey: Train from York

Day 1 Arrive in York (has railway station).

Day 2 York to Ripon.
Leaving York on a traffic-free cycle path, you are soon on quiet lanes to the National Trust's Beningbrough Hall and the Roman town at Aldborough. From here you pass the stately home of Newby Hall to arrive in the delightful cathedral city (but small town in size) of Ripon. Nearby is Fountains Abbey, the best -preserved medieval monastery in Britain. ~ 27 miles

Day 3 Ripon to Richmond.
Cycling through beautiful countryside to Masham, home of the Black Sheep Brewery and its Visitors Centre and on past Jervaulx Abbey to Middleham with its castle and associations with Richard III. You are now well into Wensleydale and heading for the typical Dales market town of Leyburn, after which you pass over into Swaledale and your overnight stop in Richmond. ~ 30 miles

Day 4 Sightseeing in Richmond and Swaledale.
Richmond is a truly attractive North Yorkshire market town with its market square, old buildings and its castle dominating the Swale. There are many pleasant walks from the town, and opportunities to explore further into Swaledale. We can provide you with routes to meet your needs, however energetic or otherwise you are feeling

Day 5 Richmond to Osmotherley.
A steady ride across the Vale of York, following the course of the River Swale for part of the day. Passing Easby Abbey and many pleasant villages to arrive for the night in Osmotherley, nestled below the Hambleton Hills, and with Mount Grace Priory nearby. ~ 25 miles

Day 6 Osmotherley to Helmsley.
Climbing onto Osmotherley Moor, you are rewarded with fine views of the Vale of York and the Yorkshire Dales beyond. Winding country lanes lead you through the villages of Hawnby and Old Byland into Ryedale, dominated by the splendid remains of the Cistercian Abbey of Rievaulx. A short ride now brings you to Helmsley, your stop for tonight, which is popular with visitors for its castle, nearby Duncombe Park and its many fine and attractive houses. ~ 18 miles

Day 7 Helmsley to York.
A pleasant last day's riding through rolling countryside and interesting villages. Visit Shandy Hall in Coxwold, or nearby Byland Abbey, or Newburgh Priory as you wend you way back to York. Once again you will follow a traffic-free cycle path into the city and to your accommodation. ~ 27 miles

Day 8 Departure.

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