England Coast to Coast Bike Tour

Overview

Welcome to England! Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Lancaster Railway Station (Station Road, Lancaster) at 11:00 AM. We will transfer 30 minutes to Arnside on the shores of Morecambe Bay, the largest expanse of intertidal sands in the United Kingdom. After a light lunch and a brief introduction to your new travel companions and the rules of the road, you'll be fitted to your Trek bike for the week. We wind along the side of the estuary taking in the sights of the southern tip of The Lake District, before turning in-land and into the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Quiet undulating roads take us to the historic market town of Kirkby Lonsdale, and then a beautiful gradual ascent along Barbondale before descending to Dent Village Heritage Centre to explore the hidden histories of Dent and the surrounding area. Our ride continues to Sedbergh and a gradual ascent following the river Rawthey separating the Howgill fells from the rest of the Yorkshire dales. The ride finishes with a descent to the beautiful village of Ravenstonedale and our lodging in one of our favorite country inns.

Overview

On this classic day of riding, we traverse the northern reaches of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, riding through the stunning Wensleydale Valley. After a few miles to warm up the legs, take on a 1,000 foot (300 m.) climb out of the valley up onto Birkdale Common. It's a tough start to the day but quickly gets you up onto the wild, heather-clad moors, where you see more sheep than cars! Your effort is rewarded as the next 20 miles are mainly downhill. At the village of Keld, we reach the River Swale. Our next climb is one of the giants of Yorkshire, Buttertubs, as features on Stage 1 of the 2014 Tour de France. This two-and-a-half mile (four km) climb is full of spectacular scenery and will give you a sense of achievement. A long, steady descent takes us to our lunch stop in Askrigg, also known as "Darrowby" in TV Veteran James Heriot of "All Creatures Great & Small." From here, we ride southeast, through farmlands, as we make our way to the next hotel, located in the small market town of Masham.

Overview

After enjoying a hearty English breakfast, you’ll enjoy more superb terrain as you continue riding through the Yorkshire Dales National Park and its many historic villages. It’s a tale of three dales as we ride through the stunning valleys (or dales) of Coverdale, Wharfedale, and Nidderdale on a memorable loop through the National Park. There are some longer climbs today with a few testing ramps but each brings its own reward, not the least of which is the fast, fun descent into the next dale! We first ride through Coverdale, a valley which is notable for the "shake holes" which dot the land on both sides. These are conical pits dissolved into limestone over a long time by the action of the rain and it creates a very unique geological landscape. Enjoy sweeping views as you roll from valley to valley, with a steep descent into Wharfedale, a supremely scenic spot with rocky hillsides catching your eye at either side. You'll pass the Gouthwaite Reservoir, a particularly good location for bird-watching, before your final climb of the day onto High Ash Head Moor and a last few fast miles to end the day's magnificent ride. Back at Masham, we'll visit one of our favorite local breweries, the Black Sheep Brewery Bar, for a freshly poured pint and then you'll head out for a free evening in the village.

Overview

Today offers an easier day of riding as we head east, positioning ourselves for our ride to the coast the following day. You'll leave Masham today following a relaxed morning and a delicious breakfast. You'll cross the flatlands to reach the traditional market town of Thirsk, made famous for being the home of the veterinary surgeon and author, James Herriot, who created entertaining stories recounting his nearly 50 years of practicing veterinarian medicine for the surrounding villages. These stories have since been transformed into a highly popular British television series, "All Creatures Great and Small." With Thirsk's medieval cobbled market square, original frontage shops, and historic coaching inns, you’ll appreciate having some free time to explore and have lunch on your own in town. Leaving town, you'll ride into North York Moors National Park. After passing through the villages Kilburn and Coxwold, a climb will take you toward Byland Abbey. Described in 12th century as one of the shining lights of northern monasticism, the abbey rose to to be one of the largest Cistercian order in Britain. The remains of the buildings, particularly the great church with its magnificent west front, are important in the development of northern monastic architecture in the second half of the 12th century. Afterwards, you'll continue the short distance to your hotel in the charming town of Helmsley, where you'll finish your ride beneath the flanks Castle where we will convene for a dinner of local specialities. Also, be sure to try some of the delicious local county cheeses that Yorkshire has become known for.

Overview

On your last full day of riding, you'll start with a steady climb up onto the high moors and into the heart of the North York Moors National Park. We pass the 16th century Lion Inn which is located on the highest point of the moors at 1,325 feet (400 m.) above sea level, although perhaps a little early to enjoy a pint. Instead, we descend the moorland roads past the millennium stone eventually arriving at our lunch stop, a quirky cafe situated deep in Great Fryup Dale. Peaceful and undulating lanes are ahead of us, bound for the east coast, passing Ugglebarnby, we take on a final climb and you may taste the salty sea air as you crest the final rise! The sight of the North Sea on the horizon means that our journey is almost over and when we arrive at the picturesque fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay, we know we’ve made it! Dipping our wheels into the lapping waves makes it official, so then it’s time to go celebrate the achievement! The twisty cobbled alleyways of this village used to be the stomping grounds of smugglers. Now they hide many great pubs—perfect for a celebratory drink! Afterwards, we transfer back to the hotel for our final night dinner.

Overview

After a relaxed breakfast, there is time for a final short ride, taking in a circuit of the River Rye as it winds its way through the farmlands which surround the town. Alternatively, spend some time in Helmsley, perhaps visiting the medieval castle, which dates back to the 12th century. Or, simply rise at your own pace and enjoy a leisurely breakfast before taking the one-hour transfer to the train station in the historic cathedral city of York. You'll say farewell to your guides at 12:00 PM in York. Please do not schedule a train to your next destination before 1:00 PM on the last day to allow plenty of time for any unforeseen delays.