Abbeys and Castles of North Yorkshire | Cycling Holiday in Britain | Self Guided Cycling Holiday

Daily distances on this tour are short with the emphasis on  allowing you plenty of time to explore the sights  and the countryside along the way. Amongst the sights that your  route passes are Beningbrough Hall, Shandy Hall,  Byland Abbey, Helmsley Castle, Duncombe Park,  Nunnington Hall, Castle Howard and Kirkham Priory.  Add to that all there is to see in York and you will  realise that there is something for everybody on this  leisurely holiday.

NB. extra nights can usually be added at any of the overnight locations for about £45 per person.

Grade: Easy

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

Departure:
Train from York

Day 1 Arrive York (has railway station).

Day 2 York to Boroughbridge.
Leaving York on a traffic-free cycle path alongside the River Ouse you are soon on quiet lanes that lead you to the National Trust's Beningbrough Hall. Further quiet lanes lead you to the Roman town at Aldborough on the way to Boroughbridge. ~ 20 miles

Day 3 Boroughbridge to Coxwold.
A flat day takes you easily across the River Swale to Brafferton-Helperby and on to the small market town of Easingwold. It is then a short ride to the charming village of Coxwold where you can visit Shandy Hall and Newburgh Priory. ~ 15 miles

Day 4 Coxwold to Helmsley.
Today is a little hillier but you have plenty of time to explore the countryside on the way to Helmsley. The ride takes you past the remains of Byland Abbey in its delightful setting and on to Rievaulx Abbey located in the beautiful valley of the River Rye. Helmsley is a delightful small town complete with castle and the stately home and grounds of Duncombe Park. ~ 14 miles

Day 5 Helmsley to Slingsby.
A short day allows time in and around Helmsley before cycling through the pretty village of Harome to reach the National Trust's Nunnington Hall, alongside the River Rye. A short ride from here brings you to the village of Slingsby. ~ 12 miles

Day 6 Slingsby to Malton.
Pleasant lanes through the Howardian Hills guide you to Castle Howard. The house was built in the 18th century and is a spectacular example of architecture of that time. As well as the richly furnished house, there are over 1000 acres of parkland with lawns, woods, lakes and fountains. Castle Howard was made famous for millions of people as the location of the TV series "Brideshead Revisited" and the new film of the same name was also made there. From here it is easy cycling to Malton in the valley of the River Derwent. On the edge of this market town lies Eden Camp, a reconstructed prisoner of war camp and award winning museum. ~ 10 miles

Day 7 Malton to York.
The last day's cycling takes you back to York by way of Kirkham Priory, situated alongside the River Derwent. Narrow lanes are then followed to York, which you approach from the east. ~ 22 miles

Day 8 Departure.

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