Cicerone Guide Book: Cycling the Way of the Roses

Cycling the Way of the Roses
Coast to coast across Lancashire and Yorkshire, with six circular day rides
By Rachel Crolla

Guidebook to cycling the Way of the Roses across Lancashire and Yorkshire, from Morecambe to Bridlington. A 170 mile coast to coast across the north of England split into 3 days, with alternative 4 and 5 day itineraries outlined. Maps and route profiles are provided for each stage, with advice on preparation, equipment and accommodation.

Seasons
Possible year-round but preferable April-October.

Centres
Morecambe, Lancaster, Settle, Burnsall, Pateley Bridge, Ripon, York, Stamford Bridge, Pocklington, Millington, Driffield, Bridlington.

Difficulty
A 170-mile challenge within the reach of cyclists of all abilities. The Way of the Roses is possible on a road bike or a hybrid. A three day itinerary of 50-60 miles per day is described, along with longer and shorter options. Six individual day rides of a similar difficulty are also included.

Must See
Cycle from coast to coast from Morecambe to Bridlington through the spectacular scenery of the Lune Valley, the Forest of Bowland, the Yorkshire Dales, Nidderdale, the Vale of York and the Yorkshire Wolds. Cycle on peaceful minor roads and traffic-free sections on dismantled railways.

Rachel Crolla is an outdoors all-rounder who loves hiking, biking, scrambling and climbing. She grew up in Yorkshire, where she still lives with her partner Carl McKeating and their young family. Rachel is an outdoors writer and photographer who is also trained as a journalist and teacher. She has hiked and climbed across the UK, Europe and the USA. In 2007 Rachel became the first woman to reach the summit of every country in Europe – she co-wrote the Cicerone guide book Europe’s High Points soon afterwards. Rachel has since co-written a guide to the mountains of the Massif Central in France and more recently has enjoyed writing about areas in the UK. She and Carl have recently fully updated the Cicerone guide book Scrambles in Snowdonia, which was originally written by Steve Ashton in 1980. Rachel’s first cycling guide to the Yorkshire and Lancashire-based Way of the Roses will be published in 2018. Rachel and Carl are passionate about enthusing the next generation of hikers and cyclists with a love of the outdoors.