On this ride we will be following, as closely as possible, the famous “Wainwright” route from the far West Coast of Britain all the way across to the East cost of Yorkshire.
The 172 mile route from St Bees Head on the far West coast of Cumbria across to Robin Hood’s Bay on the East coast of the North Yorkshire Moors is one of the most famous (and spectacularly scenic) journeys in Britain.
We will be travelling along small roads and tracks (there are NO “off-Road” sections) from the initial ascent in to the heart of the Lake District to the wide open expanse of the Pennines and then down through the “B Roads” of the Yorkshire Moors.
We will be taking a leisurely pace riding around 6 hours per day, covering about 50 miles.
The event will start on Wednesday when you may either make you own way up to our 1st night’s hotel stay in St Bee’s or board our free coach which departs from Leeds station around midday. The hotel is ideally placed as a start point being only 50m from the beach overlooking the Irish Sea. On arrival we will have time to take a very short ride to ensure that our bikes have been correctly “sized” and that everything is in good running order before sitting down to a hearty meal.
On Thursday morning we set off bright and early for our ride across the Lake District over a pass toward the south of Keswick. That night we will stay in Appleby which is a small town on the border between the Lakes and the Pennines.
Friday will see us heading off into the more remote sections of the ride (see main picture – left) as we traverse the Pennines. On this section of the trip there are numerous small hamlets and villages each, it seems, with their own small café or tea stop. That night we will be staying in Northallerton.
On the last day of the event, which is slightly shorter than the proceeding two, we wind our way down through the small lanes that cris-cross the North Yorkshire Moors. Just above the village of Danby you will have your first view of the North Sea before we ride down past Whitby (on a disused railway line) and onward towards Robin Hood’s Bay.
We will supply a high quality 21 gear touring bike (or you may use your own).
Our bikes have:
Spring loaded gel saddle
Handle bar extenders
Double equipment panniers
Water bottle
Combination lock
Toe clips (optional)
We will also provide all riders with a high visibility jacket.
Note on bikes – Our bikes are specifically designed for just this type of ride and we have spares so that we are able to fix any mechanical problems. Of course you CAN use your own bike but please make sure that it is right for long (on-road) days in the saddle before you decide to bring it. Mountain bike are NOT suitable for this type of ride.