peak tours way of the roses

Way of the Roses

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  Tour Operator   Peak Tours

    United Kingdom

  5   days   (Bike: 4 days)

  162   mi   (~ 41 mi  per day)

  Big climbs

Morecombe to Bridlington

The Way of the Roses tour done over 4 days averages at 43 miles a day. If you would prefer a more challenging ride then please see our 3 day version. At the end of the tour you can return home from Bridlington station or we can take you back to Morecambe if you left your car at your accommodation. There is always a good camaraderie during the trip and we aim to facilitate a relaxed, friendly & memorable Way of the Roses tour.

Tour Information

Bridlington

Guided       Please Ask

Single Supplement

4 nights accommodation, 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, full trip support including a tour leader that cycles with the group, back up van with spare parts and a few spare bikes, detailed route notes and maps so that you can cycle at your own pace and luggage transfer each day.

Evening meals, cycle hire, transport to Morecambe, transport from Bridlington.

Transfer back from Bridlington with bike 3 day tour also available

Related articles: My Way of the Roses Tour Bike Touring along the Way of the Roses

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While great care has been taken to show full and correct tour details, unfortunately transcription errors do occur and, although we continually seek to eliminate these, we apologise for any mistakes. Plans or bookings should not be made exclusively based on information shown on this website but must be confirmed with the tour operator.

The Way of the Roses is exhilarating rather than exhausting, from the valleys of Lancashire through the Dales of Yorkshire to the lovely, but little-visited Wolds.

An instant hit from its launch in 2010, it’s an unbeatable way to see the best of Northern countryside without needing to be super-fit. Morecambe’s seafront, Ripon Cathedral and York Minster might attract the photographers, but the delight of this route is really in little towns like Pateley Bridge and Settle, the tearooms of Clapham and the pubs of Appletreewick.

The National Cycle Network has several Northern coast-to-coast routes, but this is the most accessible. For most people, it’s closer to home than the C2C or Hadrian’s Cycleway, so there’s less hassle with booking long train journeys. The hills aren’t too steep, and since it passes through well-known tourist areas like the Yorkshire Dales, there’s plenty of accommodation. 

What sort of bike?

The route is almost entirely on quiet roads and tarmaced paths. The worst section, the notorious cobbled lane outside Austwick, has just been replaced with a new roadside path. There’s a very short unsurfaced section just east of York.

So whether you have a hybrid, a road bike, or something more rugged, you shouldn’t encounter any issues.

How long does it take?

At 170 miles, most people will take three to five days over it. (If you only have two days, consider cycling from Morecambe to York alone.)

West to east, as ever, is the most popular direction: there are only two taxing climbs this way, and walking up the first is almost de rigeur.

Is it suitable for a first-timer?

Yes. The climb out of Settle is tough, and again at Appletreewick. Other than that, though, it’s best described as ‘undulating’ terrain – enough to feel like an achievement, but never too much.

Do take extreme care on Greenhow Hill, the descent into Pateley Bridge. This is steep, twisting, and often potholed, and has been the scene of several accidents, some fatal. If you’re uncomfortable cycling down it, there’s no shame in pushing.

Is it signposted?

Yes; you’ll see a white rose/red rose combination on the trademark blue signs. Don’t expect to simply follow a number as you would with other Sustrans routes, though. The Way of the Roses is pieced together from several different NCN routes, and actually follows eight different route numbers along its course.

Are there any route options?

Not yet. The Way of the Roses was conceived as a main route and an optional ‘southern braid’, but the latter is far from finished. You can explore some of the excellent new paths around Harrogate and Wetherby that will eventually form part of that, but you’ll need to use your own initiative (or cycle.travel’s route-planner) to find your way there.

That said, the National Cycle Network’s tentacles extend into many parts of Yorkshire and the North-West; so if you have time to spare, it’s easy to plan a few off-route diversions. In particular, take a look at the new routes around the Yorkshire Wolds, a lovely area of the country whose quiet roads are too seldom visited.

Getting there

How do i get there.

There are frequent trains to each end of the route. Morecambe is on a branch line from Lancaster, but the two are sufficiently close together that you might just get the train to Lancaster and cycle – though you’ll retrace your steps when you set off. At the other end, Bridlington has half-hourly services back towards Doncaster and Sheffield (hourly on Sundays.)

Booking is recommended, particularly if your outward journey will take you on a Virgin service to Lancaster.

There aren’t many options for joining the route along the way: there are stations at Settle and York, and Driffield shortly before Bridlington.

Ride reports & comments

Way of the roses aug 2024.

Agree with other riders that this is an excellent route - full marks to the planners and markers.  Good quiet paths and roads, fabulous scenery, lots of historical interest, nicely…

Read more...

Make the end Flamborough Head, not Bridlington!

A great route, although don't underestimate the climbs between Settle and Pateley Bridge. We did it in 4 days staying overnight Morecambe - Settle - Ripon - Pocklington. Delightful countryside…

Way of the Roses in storm Francis

Five of us tackled the Way of the Roses, form Morecombe to Bridlington , a fantastic route. However after a beautiful day cycling from Morecombe to Settle, the weather closed…

A fantastic route of contrasts - whoever planned it deserves a medal!!

We cycled this route with our two teenage children (13 and 15 years) so did it over 6 days cycling with our longest days being 38 miles.  We took the…

Aldwark Toll bridge is closed

For riders of this, this summer (2023), the aldwark toll bridge is completely closed. Some riders i met later on on the route claimed you could cross on a nearby…

Ridden this route? Write a ride report and share your experience…

ecocarriers - luggage transfer service for the Way of the Roses

Let us lighten the load, with our luggage transfer service.  For the best price and the most eco option choose one of our calendar set dates.  Contact us for any other dates for a competitive price.

www.ecocarriers.co.uk

[email protected]

07766 894529

Made in the Cotswolds. Published by Éditions Système D Ltd.

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10 day lejog

Peak Tours organisation, support and unfailing good humour were amazing. If you're going to do this challenge, I can wholeheartedly recommend Peak Tours to guide you along the way....and their brew van

Date of experience : August 30, 2023

Way of the Roses July 2022

This three day Way of the Roses trip was my first such experience. I'm delighted to say that it was well worth the effort. I cannot fault Peak Tours's organisation either at HQ or on the ground. Good accommodation, decent food, great logistics support and comprehensive briefings. In short, an excellent all-round service. Many thanks to Dave at HQ and Johnny, Jim and Dan on the ground.

Date of experience : July 19, 2022

I really appreciate PEAK TOURISM team…

I really appreciate PEAK TOURISM team .....I applied 2 months tourist visa for my wife and I booked up and down tickets...I did just one phone call PEAK TOURISM then I send All details for in WhatsApp that's enough for them... All done now.....Thank you so much peak tourism team....👍👍👍

Date of experience : July 17, 2023

Best cycling holiday comepany

Just completed a trip in Portugal and as usual Peak Tours come up trumps. Few can equal and none can surpass the organisation and quality of this cycling holiday company. If you are thinking about booking, do it now as all us regulars will be booking again. Can't wait until September for the Channel to Med tour.

Date of experience : June 13, 2022

Hoping to still travel this year on LEJOG , peak tours have been fantastic keeping me updated on the current situation (coved 19) . Flexibility on amending dates have also been exceptionally good , can’t wait to take part in a Peak Tours holiday 🚴🏻🚴🏻 Thankyou Helen Young

Date of experience : June 02, 2020

10 Day Lands End to John O'Groats cycle ride

This 10 day trip was superb, it was challenging as expected but the support given by Peak Tours was superb from the detail provided before the trip, to arrival and transfer, morning briefings, refreshment/meal stops, accomodation and bag movements, nothing was left to chance. Mike, Alli and Johnny (the peak tours staff on the trip) were superb, nothing was too much trouble and information/instructions were excellently delivered. Superb trip, Thanks to all at Peak Tours, I am already looking at your trips to select my next one.

Date of experience : June 01, 2023

Great social and riding experience

I have been on two different coast to coast tours with this company and enjoyed both immensely. The pace was about right for me (35-45 miles per day with some hill climbing). The accommodation for the overnights was first class, all organised for us. The tours attracted a very pleasant sociable mix of riders in a wide range of ages. There was a Peak Tours "guide" with us at all times and another in a support vehicle. Generous mid ride snacks and drinks were included as well as lunch. Almost everyone joined in the evening meal (price not included) at well chosen restaurants. If this pace of challenge suits you then I'd thoroughly recommend the experience.

Date of experience : November 05, 2018

Outstanding service! Excellent supportive guides One guide is always a back rider which gives confidence and reassurance for slower riders Fantastic and well planned route Would definitely use Peak tours again for another trip!

Date of experience : June 22, 2021

14 Day LEJOG September 2020

A great experience from start to finish, well organised, great route and nothing is too much trouble for the tour leaders. Definitely recommended and hope to use Peak Tours again.

Date of experience : September 22, 2020

I went on their LEJOG cycling tour and…

I went on their LEJOG cycling tour and it was exceedingly well organised. Great guides, good accommodation, good food, great routes. Fabulous job.

Date of experience : August 21, 2019

Cycling LEJOG with Peak Tours

Cycling LEJOG with Peak Tours recently in September 2020 was great -I loved the whole experience. The route was superb, the organisation excellent and the guides were friendly, pleasant and so helpful.

Date of experience : September 29, 2020

LEJOG Aug 2020

What a Team! First class communication, outstanding customer service, friendly supportive and helpful guides every step of the way. A great experience and no hesitation whatsoever in awarding 5 star review

Date of experience : September 02, 2020

Wonderful experience

Wonderful experience. Support was first class. Definitely going to use Peak Tours again. Jim

Simply the Best!

Simply the best! I have done 12 of their tours so far, all have been excellent. 2 more booked for next year. Great guides, all of whom only want you to have a great time. Nothing is too much for them. The legendary brew van makes even the longest climb worth it.

Date of experience : February 21, 2020

Excellent company with a great culture

Excellent company with a great culture. Recently did LEJOG with them and the organisation and culture was excellent.

Date of experience : September 23, 2021

velo cartel cycle tours. LEJOG, Way of the Roses, Coast to Coast, Tour de Wales, Peak District. Fully supported cycle tours.

the cycle tour specialists.

  [email protected], velo. cartel.

Eric in Morecombe

Way of the Roses

2nd to 5th June 2023

What does the ride involve? The Way of the Roses Coast to Coast is a highly popular route covering 170 miles between Morecambe and Bridlington, passing through the historic cities of York and Lancaster. It’s a challenging but rewarding adventure. Velo.cartel is passionate about all things cycling. Whatever your experience their team will provide a cycling adventure that you will never forget. This is a supported tour accompanied by experienced guides. Velo.cartel will provide route planning, source all accommodation (using good quality B&B’S or country hotels), organise full transport for you (your luggage and your bike), provide mechanical assistance during the ride and offer plenty of encouragement - all you’ll need to do is pedal!

The Way of the Roses tour takes place over three days averaging 53 miles a day. A moderate standard of fitness is required to enjoy the tour and participants must have their own road worthy bike and helmet (a full check list of equipment will be provided to all participants in advance).

Morecambe to Settle - 35 miles/1898ft

On the first day of the tour you will be collected from a central location, where you will be conveyed to Morecambe along with your bikes and luggage to the start line. It is intended to arrive at the start line ready for the adventure by late morning. From there you’ll have the opportunity to dip your back wheel into the Irish Sea before setting off from Morecambe Bay on the 35 mile first leg of your journey. The route passes through the historic city of Lancaster before heading on through the picturesque Lune Valley to Hornby. Continue onto the Forest of Bowland to Clapham and into the Yorkshire Dales National Park, which offers its spectacular scenery before arriving at the charming town of Settle. There you where you will spend your first night arriving there by mid-afternoon at your accommodation, where you will find your bags already waiting for you in your room

Settle to York - 60 miles/4500ft

The second day of the leg is a 60 mile hilly yet rewarding ride travelling through the Nidderdale area renowned for its outstanding natural beauty. There is a planned stop for lunch at Pateley Bridge, which is a hidden gem and ideal place for refreshments. Having suitably refuelled, the remainder of the leg east is less demanding through the Vale of York, towards the historic city of York, where you can unwind and take in the sights alongside the river Ouse and York Minster.

York to Bridlington - 65 miles/1790ft

The final day of the leg is a 65 mile journey cycling alongside the river Ouse before taking to cycle paths and quiet country lanes to the small town of Pocklington. Although the longest day, the terrain is mainly flat which makes for an easier day’s ride through to Driffield and Burton Agnes, before a few undulations to give the legs a test or two. The final stretch passes through Bridlington’s old town before reaching the promenade and the end of the adventure, where you can finish off by dipping your wheel in the North Sea. Enjoy the rest of the evening with the knowledge that you’ve completed this challenge, unwinding with a few beers and maybe some fish and chips.

At the end of the tour you will be transported back to your pick-up point. There is always a good camaraderie during the trip and we aim to facilitate a relaxed, friendly and hassle free memorable trip through the Way of the Roses tour.

From £375 based on two people sharing a room. Single supplements apply.

7 to 10 Days

2 to 4 Days

2 to 7 Days

Way of the Roses

Way of the roses ordnance survey map - view and print off detailed os map, way of the roses open street map - view and print off detailed map, way of the roses os map - mobile gps os map with location tracking, way of the roses open street map - mobile gps map with location tracking.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

The trail links with the Yorkshire Wolds Cycle Route as you pass through the AONB. The 143 mile circular ride takes you on a tour of some of the Wold's highlights.

Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby

The starting point of The Way of The Roses at Morecambe

Millington, nice day for a ride IMG 1258.JPG

The road to Huggate. A scenic by road that follows Millington Dale and Pasture Dale on its route from�Millington�to Huggate.

Route sign at the eastern trailhead of National Cycle Network route 164 (northern braid) where it meets route 1 near Hutton Cranswick.

Crossroads�Tibthorpe,�East Riding of Yorkshire, England. This view looks east from Main Street to Kirkburn Road. The crossing road is the B road from�Bainton�to�Wetwang, named Marshall Hill (left) and Bainton Road.

Appletreewick

Old Railway Station at Stamford Bridge. The station was opened in for the York and North Midland Railway Company. Rail services ceased in 1965 and the line is now part of the Transpennine Trail and Way of the Roses route. The buildings and platforms are now listed grade 2 (list entry 1083842).

End of the Way of the Roses cycle ride on Bridlington promenade

Elevation Profile

Memory map route.

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Way of the Roses 2022

Preparation

• Bike transport & Baggage transfer
• Hostel / Bunkhouse
• Camping site / Barn
• Self Catering
• Places of Interest
• Food and Drink
• Bike Shops & Hire
• Visitor Information Centres

Whilst cycling the Way of the Roses is not in the same league as a polar expedition or round the world trip, it’s worth taking a little time to get prepared.  

Which Bike? As this route is either on roads or surfaced off-road tracks most bikes will be suitable and many cyclists complete this route each year on road bikes. Your choice of bike may be dependent on how you intend to carry luggage (see below for baggage transfer). Many cyclists, especially those with support vehicles, do the route on road bikes however if you're intending to carry luggage a touring or hybrid bike might be better. Tandems, recumbents, handcycles and tricycles may find some sections awkward but not impossible due to the occasional barrier (eg the level crossing a mile or so out of Morecambe). Please check that your bike is in a roadworthy condition. Pay special attention to your brakes - there are some steep hills on this ride and the impact on performance of poor quality brakes combined with too much speed can be multiplied many times if the road is wet and/or the rider or his load his heavy and this has caused accidents. It is essential to have adequate brakes as recommended by your local bike shop.

What equipment do I need? With any cycle tour it’s a balance between taking too little and taking everything but the kitchen sink.  There are cycle shops on the route but it’s definitely worth taking a basic toolkit with you including spare inner tubes, tyre levers, pump, multi tool and adjustable spanner.

Waterproofs - this is the North of England after all.  It’s up to you if you want to take along a full set, and we would recommend waterproof not showerproof, personally I prefer to just keep my top half dry and forget about trousers but then that’s me.

There are plenty of pubs, cafes etc en route but it’s always a good option to have a couple of snacks on board.

Take a copy of the official map with you (available from Sustrans).  The route is well signposted but it’s always possible that a sign is missed or missing, plus there’s lots of other useful info on it.

What's the best way to carry luggage? So how do you carry all of this stuff?  The best option is one or a set of panniers, although I’ve known plenty of people do the trip with just a small rucksack on their back.  It’s recommended that you carry the least amount that you can get away with - you’ll notice every additional kilogram when you’re climbing.

It’s worth making a list or laying out all of your kit and working out which bits are essential and which are not.  If you’re travelling with a group perhaps there are some things you can share.

If you prefer a supported ride with your luggage carried, there are various companies who will organise everything for you and provide mechanical back-up. See the Tour Operators page. You can also have your luggage carried, Baggage Transfer this costs from £10 per bag, per day (based on group size of 10) or £15 per bag, per day, (based on group size of 6).

How many days? Many people do the Way of the Roses over three days - although some have done it in less and others much more - there are no rules (see our Your Stories pages .) The cumulative distance table on the Route Map page and the terrain page will give you an idea of the distances involved and help you plan where to have breaks and stay for the night . The Food and Drinks page shows the location of various rural pubs, cafes and the Places of Interest page is essential reading especially for those taking a more leisurely approach.

Way of the Roses isn’t a sportive type route but can be used for training for one provided time is allowed for slower paced cycling on narrow lanes and shared use sections.

This route is not flat (at least not at first) and so you should plan your ride according to your own ability…. Which brings us onto the next point.

How fit do I need to be? A cyclist of reasonable fitness should have no problems completing this route.  However we realise that it can be difficult to work out what is reasonable fitness…. Just how high are those hills and how will I feel after cycling for 3 days?

Be realistic - if the furthest you’ve cycled previously is ten miles along a canal towpath then aiming to complete the route in less than four days is probably not a good idea.

The profiles on the terrain page will give you some idea of what’s in store. The hills start after about 8 miles and the biggest climbs are between Settle and Brimham Rocks (a few miles east of Pateley Bridge).  This is roughly between miles 35 and 65, so you could get them all out of the way on day one if you’re feeling particularly brave/energetic or, you could do shorter distances over the hills and then double or even treble the distance on the flatter sections. The highest point of the route is at Greenhow at 402m (1312 ft).

If you’ve never ridden a ‘fully loaded bike’ before we would recommend that you do at least a couple of short rides carrying luggage to get used to the feel and weight of the bike especially when braking downhill.  Some riders would recommend that you use tyres 25mm or above for comfort and coping with variable road and path surfaces.

How do I get to the start? The biggest problem many riders face is getting to the start/making their way home with their bike.  Anyone that has travelled by train and bike can testify that it can be a frustrating experience. But plan well in advance and you should be ok. The main problem is that some local trains are restricted to carrying only 2 or 4 bikes, which when travelling as part of a large group can make things awkward. On most mainline trains, bikes spaces need to be reserved.

Lancaster is on the West Coast mainline so well served by direct trains from Scotland and the NW England and also from Birmingham and London. There are also plenty of regional trains. You can get a train to Morecambe from Lancaster - it only takes about 11 minutes, although you could just as easily ride the 4 miles to Morecambe, there’s a cycle path right outside the station (gate by platform 1).

For train services and information on all operators visit the National Rail website or call 08457 48 49 50.

Luckily I live near the start of the route as did all of my riding companions so that didn’t trouble us.  To get back from Bridlington we used a hired minibus and helpful friend, who drove over and picked us up.  This way about 7 people and bikes could travel back together.  You will need to check out the minibus beforehand to check how you’ll all fit in (on one trip the company removed a row of seats - at a cost).

Accommodation If planning on staying in B&Bs and Guest Houses etc then it’s probably best to book these in advance.  You can find a range of cycle friendly accommodation on the where to stay page .  Please bear in mind that if doing the route over a weekend it can be difficult to find accommodation for one night only in some locations. If at all possible and for the best deals, plan your trip mid-week and outside of peak holiday periods. If not, book early.

Good Cycling Code Please be courteous! Always cycle with respect for others, whether other cyclists, pedestrians, wheelchair users, horse riders or drivers, and acknowledge those who give way to you. Be sure to let walkers and horse riders know you’re approaching by using a bell or calling out.

Read Sustrans Good Cycling Code for more information.  Keep safe, be courteous and enjoy your cycling on the National Cycle Network