8 days / 7 nights
Self Guided with Luggage TransportationStarting in the rustic market town of Skipton you will complete a tour of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park with its distinctive valleys, villages of immense character and majestic hills. The journey finishes with 2 nights staying in the historic city of York, with plenty of time for sightseeing. This a tour that displays all that is good about Yorkshire and why it has become one of the top tourist destinations in the UK.
"An unforgettable week of riding with a good balance of beautiful hilly rides in the dales and visits to must-see local attractions such as Fountains Abbey and Bolton Castle. We ate really well and drank hardy ale in many a charming town. A day in York at the end of our trip was also fantastic and we recommend the city as a final destination.
Without fail, the accommodation that Charles booked for us was top-notch, very friendly, and offered a slice of Yorkshire hospitality"
Will and 3 friends from Germany, May 2019
The start of the tour will be Skipton or Ilkley:
Leeds/Bradford Airport (12-20 km)
Manchester Airport 1.5 hours train journey (change at Leeds)
Hull Ferries: 2.5 hours drive
The tour finishes in York with the option of transport back to the start point.
From York:
Leeds/Bradford Airport (50 km)
Manchester Airport 1.5 hours train journey (change at Leeds)
Hull Ferries: 1.5 hours drive / 70km
Arrival
Stay overnight in the delightful town of Skipton which boasts a classic Yorkshire market area and some cobbled streets, as well as a medieval castle built in 1090.
Skipton to Hawes
Set up and test the bikes.
The majority of today’s ride is along the beautiful valley of Wharfedale, right to the source of the river nestled in the hillside approaching Fleet Moss, one of the most impressive hills in the Yorkshire Dales. This is the only high hill you will cycle on the tour, but the view as you look down on your evening stop at Hawes will take your breath away.
Route highlights: Wharfedale, Villages of Grassington, Kettlewell and Buckden, Kilnsey Crag (pic), Source of the River Wharfe, Fleet Moss
Hawes to Masham
Today you venture down Wensleydale to the market town of Masham, with it’s 18th century Georgian market square, where your hotel is located. Plenty of places to visit on the cycle ride today, but save some time for a tour of the famous Black Sheep Brewery and of course sample a well deserved taste of the produce!
Route highlights: Aysgarth Water Falls, Castle Bolton, Middleham Castle (built 1190), Jervaux Abbey (one of the great Cistertian abbeys in Yorkshire), Black Sheep Brewery tour
Masham to Pateley Bridge
Today you head south out of Wensleydale to Pateley Bridge set in the Nidd Valley. The route takes you via Fountains Abbey, one of the largest and best preserved ruined Cistercian monasteries in England and a World Heritage site. In contrast, you also pass by Brimham Rocks, an amazing collection of natural rock formations.
Route highlights: Fountains Abbey, Studley Royal Gardens, Brimham Rocks
Pateley Bridge to Thirsk
Today we head east and experience two classic Yorkshire market towns. Firstly, you ride down Nidderdale to Ripon where you definitely need to stop off for a while, stroll round the market square and visit the impressive cathedral. Then it’s on to the overnight stop in Thirsk, right on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors.
Route highlights: Nidderdale Museum (Pateley Bridge), The oldest sweet shop in the world!, Ripon Cathedral
Thirsk to York
Today you enjoy a journey south through the Vale of York to the city of York, founded by the ancient Romans. Its huge 13th-century Gothic cathedral, York Minster, has medieval stained glass and 2 functioning bell towers. The City Walls form a walkway on both sides of the River Ouse.
Your hotel is right in the heart of the city.
Route highlights: York Minster, Medieval City Walls, York Dungeon, Jorvik Viking Centre, York Castle museum
A full day sightseeing in York.
So much to do and see in this historic city.
Overnight stay in York
Highlights: York Minster, Medieval City Walls, York Dungeon, Jorvik Viking Centre, York Castle museum
Depart York
Option to stay an extra night or two if you wish
@yorksvelotours
14 Apr