Wolds Way Cycle-route
12-14th June 2018
Day 1. Huttons Ambo to Flamborough
Distance 46 miles
Total Ascent 2464ft
Weather Cool & overcast at first but improved as the day wore on.
Difficulty Moderate with a couple of long climbs
After a pleasant evening spent at a friends house we set out the following morning for the first day of our 3 day circuit of the Wolds Way, a circuit which took in the towns of Malton, Hunmanby, Flamborough, Bridlington, Driffield, Beverly, and Market Weighton. The route was well signposted throughout with the exception of a couple of places where we suspect the vegetation had obscured the signs and sent us merrily on our way in the wrong direction. On our journey we drank lots of coffee, ate lots of cakes, drank several pints of beer, met nice people along the way, and as we rode along Mal kept us entertained with his vast repertoire of hilarious jokes.
After a stop for coffee & cakes at Sledmere House followed by lunch on the pavement in Hunmanby, we had our one and only visit from the puncture fairy when she decided it would be great fun to let Big Johns back tyre down with a loud phsssst. when we examined the blowout we could see that the casing was totally knackered and would need to be replaced but (little) John managed to patch things together for the last 15 miles or so to our B&B where tyre (which was purchased in Bridlington with the help of my Sister in law, Dinty, who lived locally) was replaced while Mal and I went on a short ride to view the lighthouse and then round to the North Landing.
After a shower we went to the 'Seabirds' for our evening meal. We had eaten there two years previously while riding the Way of the Roses, and found it to be very good and we were not disappointed on this occasion either.
When I left home I forgot to pack my camera so all the photos on this page were taken on Mals phone
Please click on images to view.
Distance 46 miles
Total Ascent 2464ft
Weather Cool & overcast at first but improved as the day wore on.
Difficulty Moderate with a couple of long climbs
After a pleasant evening spent at a friends house we set out the following morning for the first day of our 3 day circuit of the Wolds Way, a circuit which took in the towns of Malton, Hunmanby, Flamborough, Bridlington, Driffield, Beverly, and Market Weighton. The route was well signposted throughout with the exception of a couple of places where we suspect the vegetation had obscured the signs and sent us merrily on our way in the wrong direction. On our journey we drank lots of coffee, ate lots of cakes, drank several pints of beer, met nice people along the way, and as we rode along Mal kept us entertained with his vast repertoire of hilarious jokes.
After a stop for coffee & cakes at Sledmere House followed by lunch on the pavement in Hunmanby, we had our one and only visit from the puncture fairy when she decided it would be great fun to let Big Johns back tyre down with a loud phsssst. when we examined the blowout we could see that the casing was totally knackered and would need to be replaced but (little) John managed to patch things together for the last 15 miles or so to our B&B where tyre (which was purchased in Bridlington with the help of my Sister in law, Dinty, who lived locally) was replaced while Mal and I went on a short ride to view the lighthouse and then round to the North Landing.
After a shower we went to the 'Seabirds' for our evening meal. We had eaten there two years previously while riding the Way of the Roses, and found it to be very good and we were not disappointed on this occasion either.
When I left home I forgot to pack my camera so all the photos on this page were taken on Mals phone
Please click on images to view.
Day 2 Flamborough to Market Weighton
Distance 69.4 miles
Total Ascent 2141ft
Weather Bright & breezy
Difficulty Moderate with a couple of long climbs
Today's ride was something of a milestone for me, its the furthest I have ridden for about 50 years so as you can see, I am feeling quite pleased with myself. Although not a particularly challenging ride there were a couple of long steady climbs to contend with and one or two busy sections of road to negotiate. We had a coffee break at an interesting cafe in Beverly which provided cycle racks inside the cafe which I thought was a great idea, and one that I had not come across before. We arrived at our B & B, Robbeanne House at about six o'clock expecting an evening meal there but unfortunately, they had some sort of staffing problem and provided us with free transport to and from The Bay Horse Inn at Market Weighton instead. This was probably a better arrangement because as far as I know, Robbeanne House do not have a drinks license.
Total Ascent 2141ft
Weather Bright & breezy
Difficulty Moderate with a couple of long climbs
Today's ride was something of a milestone for me, its the furthest I have ridden for about 50 years so as you can see, I am feeling quite pleased with myself. Although not a particularly challenging ride there were a couple of long steady climbs to contend with and one or two busy sections of road to negotiate. We had a coffee break at an interesting cafe in Beverly which provided cycle racks inside the cafe which I thought was a great idea, and one that I had not come across before. We arrived at our B & B, Robbeanne House at about six o'clock expecting an evening meal there but unfortunately, they had some sort of staffing problem and provided us with free transport to and from The Bay Horse Inn at Market Weighton instead. This was probably a better arrangement because as far as I know, Robbeanne House do not have a drinks license.
Day 3 Market Weighton - Huttons Ambo
Distance 35.9 miles
Total Ascent 2086ft
Weather Bright but very windy
Difficulty Hard work due to strong cross wind.
After a pleasant Breakfast with lots of friendly banter with the ladies who cooked and served our food we recovered our bikes from the outside toilet where they had been locked up for the night and prepared for what we expected to be a hard ride. During the night the wind had increased to almost gale force but fortunately the rain which came with it had cleared up quite early. Our first stop was at Pocklington to find something for our lunch because there seemed to be nowhere en route for coffee etc. Once back on the road we felt the full effect of a powerful wind which, because of the way the route zig-zagged seemed to hit us from all sides at different times. the road was littered with leaves ,twigs and small branches but fortunately nothing worse. Lunch was taken early, in the corner of a field at the top of a long climb against the wind before setting off on the last leg of our journey and finally crossing the rickety suspension bridge into Huttons Ambo a little after 1;00pm.
Altogether we covered just over 150 miles and climbed about 6700ft in total. Big Johns puncture was the only breakdown to hold us up but one of my pedals developed a nasty creaking and grinding sound during our first day, only to mysteriously clear up when we started out on the last.
Total Ascent 2086ft
Weather Bright but very windy
Difficulty Hard work due to strong cross wind.
After a pleasant Breakfast with lots of friendly banter with the ladies who cooked and served our food we recovered our bikes from the outside toilet where they had been locked up for the night and prepared for what we expected to be a hard ride. During the night the wind had increased to almost gale force but fortunately the rain which came with it had cleared up quite early. Our first stop was at Pocklington to find something for our lunch because there seemed to be nowhere en route for coffee etc. Once back on the road we felt the full effect of a powerful wind which, because of the way the route zig-zagged seemed to hit us from all sides at different times. the road was littered with leaves ,twigs and small branches but fortunately nothing worse. Lunch was taken early, in the corner of a field at the top of a long climb against the wind before setting off on the last leg of our journey and finally crossing the rickety suspension bridge into Huttons Ambo a little after 1;00pm.
Altogether we covered just over 150 miles and climbed about 6700ft in total. Big Johns puncture was the only breakdown to hold us up but one of my pedals developed a nasty creaking and grinding sound during our first day, only to mysteriously clear up when we started out on the last.
Castleton
24th June
24th June
Distance 38.7 miles
Total Ascent 3000 ft
Weather Warm, calm & sunny.
Difficulty Moderate but some long climbs
This was a solo ride along the side of the Esk Valley via Egton Oakley Walls, Danby & Castleton. After a packed lunch I returned home via Lockwood Beck, Scaling, Borrowby, Staithes and Sandsend. As I approached Lockwood Beck, my saddle suddenly broke at the front adjusting screw. This made for an 'interesting' ride home with my a*** wobbling all over the place. I had only had the saddle for perhaps 12 months so I contacted the Spa cycle centre in Harrogate where I bought it from and it was replaced free of charge without quibble and delivered on Wednesday morning so I cant complain about that. Unfortunately, I now need to break it in again so that will be another spell of purgatory in the saddle. Part of the route took me along the main Whitby Guisborough road where I encountered heavy traffic for a few miles but once I had turned off for Borrowby peace was restored for the rest of the ride home
Whitby-Kildale-Whitby 22/23 July
Distance 49.3 miles (total)
Total Ascent 4,718 ft
Weather Hot & Sunny
Difficulty Challenging due to (a) the terrain, (b) the camping gear I was carrying. (c) the temperature.
The main purpose of this two day ride was to try out my camping gear which had not been used for some time and to see if my Trek bike was up to the job. I set off on what must have been one of the warmest days of the year so far and I was soon feeling the effects. however, the bike was handling fine considering that I had a full load so that side of things is OK. I have to admit though, that I was quite relieved to arrive at Park Farm, Kildale where I was to spend the night.
The site is small and basic but pleasantly situated with the Cleveland Hills nearby and an extensive view over the Vale of Mowbray visible through a break in the hills. The site Owner, David I think was his name, was welcoming and very pleasant. On the downside, the site has a slope which in places is rather steep so care should be exercised when selecting a pitch. I will use the site again but would probably avoid it when busy.
I coped a little better on the return journey, possibly because I left earlier and it was not so warm until I was almost home. Afterwards, I came to the conclusion that I need to work at strengthening my legs if I am to attempt the E2E next year.
Total Ascent 4,718 ft
Weather Hot & Sunny
Difficulty Challenging due to (a) the terrain, (b) the camping gear I was carrying. (c) the temperature.
The main purpose of this two day ride was to try out my camping gear which had not been used for some time and to see if my Trek bike was up to the job. I set off on what must have been one of the warmest days of the year so far and I was soon feeling the effects. however, the bike was handling fine considering that I had a full load so that side of things is OK. I have to admit though, that I was quite relieved to arrive at Park Farm, Kildale where I was to spend the night.
The site is small and basic but pleasantly situated with the Cleveland Hills nearby and an extensive view over the Vale of Mowbray visible through a break in the hills. The site Owner, David I think was his name, was welcoming and very pleasant. On the downside, the site has a slope which in places is rather steep so care should be exercised when selecting a pitch. I will use the site again but would probably avoid it when busy.
I coped a little better on the return journey, possibly because I left earlier and it was not so warm until I was almost home. Afterwards, I came to the conclusion that I need to work at strengthening my legs if I am to attempt the E2E next year.
Camping Trip to Newton under Rawcliffe
30/31 July
30/31 July
Distance 63.5 miles
Total ascent 5,047 ft
Weather Changeable. some showers & sunshine on the second day.
Difficulty Moderate but with some hard climbing, especially with the bike loaded with camping equipment.
This was another outing to try out our camping gear, our original plan had been for a leisurely 60 plus miles over 3 days but prolonged heavy rain on the day we had planned to start made us decide to modify our plans and in the event, we cut the time down to only two days. We set out with reasonable weather against a light wind, along the Cinder track (cycle-route 1) towards Scarborough where we had intended to spend our first night. On the way it gradually began to cloud over and a light drizzle started to fall which lasted long enough for us to stop and don our waterproofs when it decided to stop. We arrived at Scarborough at around lunchtime and decided to go on a bit further and look for a campsite somewhere near Dalby Forest but we were unable to find one on our route so we carried on through Pickering and on to the White Swan at Newton under Rawcliffe where we had originally planned to spend our second night. When we arrived, gasping for a drink we were devastated to find the pub was shut for a couple of days and had to make do with a cup of coffee and and a meal consisting of various tinned products, shortly after which we had a couple of rain showers so it was an early night for us.
Next morning I had an early morning walk before returning to our camp for breakfast and then began packing the tents away. As we rode home over Wheeldale Moor the sun was shining and what breeze the was, was blowing on our backs helping us on our way.
Total ascent 5,047 ft
Weather Changeable. some showers & sunshine on the second day.
Difficulty Moderate but with some hard climbing, especially with the bike loaded with camping equipment.
This was another outing to try out our camping gear, our original plan had been for a leisurely 60 plus miles over 3 days but prolonged heavy rain on the day we had planned to start made us decide to modify our plans and in the event, we cut the time down to only two days. We set out with reasonable weather against a light wind, along the Cinder track (cycle-route 1) towards Scarborough where we had intended to spend our first night. On the way it gradually began to cloud over and a light drizzle started to fall which lasted long enough for us to stop and don our waterproofs when it decided to stop. We arrived at Scarborough at around lunchtime and decided to go on a bit further and look for a campsite somewhere near Dalby Forest but we were unable to find one on our route so we carried on through Pickering and on to the White Swan at Newton under Rawcliffe where we had originally planned to spend our second night. When we arrived, gasping for a drink we were devastated to find the pub was shut for a couple of days and had to make do with a cup of coffee and and a meal consisting of various tinned products, shortly after which we had a couple of rain showers so it was an early night for us.
Next morning I had an early morning walk before returning to our camp for breakfast and then began packing the tents away. As we rode home over Wheeldale Moor the sun was shining and what breeze the was, was blowing on our backs helping us on our way.
Please click on images to enlarge
Rosedale Abbey-Hinderwell camping trip
8th 9th 10th September
Distance 59.5 miles
Total ascent 4957 ft
Weather Cooler than of late, some rain on first day then mainly overcast with some brighter spells.
Difficulty Moderate to difficult due to the weight we were carrying and of course the terrain.
This was another run to test both our gear and ourselves too in preparation for next years E2E. Our route took us to Rosedale Abbey by way of Egton Bridge and Hamer Moor on the first day. The second day's ride was a little longer as we made our way to Hinderwell by way of Blakey Ridge-Castleton- Danby and Staithes .followed by a short ride home on the last day.
Day one started overcast until we climbed the 800 ft in three miles from Egton Bridge to Wintergill plantation where it began to rain. after putting on our waterproofs we carried on to Rosedale Abbey where, at the Abbey Stores Tea Rooms we abandoned the bikes and went in for coffee & cake. The service was a little slow due to the place being packed to the rafters but the cake was worth the wait. It was still raining when we left but began to ease when we reached our campsite and by the time our tents were pitched it had stopped completely. The site (Rosedale Abbey Caravan and Camping Park) was well laid out in a picturesque setting but we thought it a little on the expensive side for small tents such as ours.
Next morning I was awake with the sparrows as usual and had a stroll before returning to pack away some of my gear. When John woke, we had a coffee then walked back to the tea rooms for breakfast. As we were the only customers we were quickly served our meal by a pleasant young lady who threatened to read this record :0 Once breakfast was over, we packed our bags and set off in the general direction of Lastingham & Hutton le Hole where we began the long climb up to Blakey Ridge and then down the rapid descent into Castleton for a break at the tea rooms opposite the co-op before setting out again heading for yet, another long climb from Danby up to the A171 which we followed for a little way before turning off along Ridge Lane to Dalehouse & Staithes where we stocked up for our evening meal. We spent the night at the Serenity campsite at Hinderwell and spent a couple of hours at the Brown Cow. I had only been here once before and thought it was a drab and run down sort of place, completely devoid of any sort of atmosphere. It was still the same, but at least the beer was good and the food they served looked good too.
Next morning we packed the tents and set off intending to stop for a bacon sarnie at the local butcher but were disappointed to find that they had sold out (at 9am!!!) so, no problem, we carried on to Lythe Tea Rooms only to be told that the Kitchen was closed! Grrrr. we finally managed to get one at Sandsend, only 3 miles from home.
We enjoyed our outing and identified a couple of things which need sorting out before the E2E & hopefully, we will get another short break before the end of the season.
Total ascent 4957 ft
Weather Cooler than of late, some rain on first day then mainly overcast with some brighter spells.
Difficulty Moderate to difficult due to the weight we were carrying and of course the terrain.
This was another run to test both our gear and ourselves too in preparation for next years E2E. Our route took us to Rosedale Abbey by way of Egton Bridge and Hamer Moor on the first day. The second day's ride was a little longer as we made our way to Hinderwell by way of Blakey Ridge-Castleton- Danby and Staithes .followed by a short ride home on the last day.
Day one started overcast until we climbed the 800 ft in three miles from Egton Bridge to Wintergill plantation where it began to rain. after putting on our waterproofs we carried on to Rosedale Abbey where, at the Abbey Stores Tea Rooms we abandoned the bikes and went in for coffee & cake. The service was a little slow due to the place being packed to the rafters but the cake was worth the wait. It was still raining when we left but began to ease when we reached our campsite and by the time our tents were pitched it had stopped completely. The site (Rosedale Abbey Caravan and Camping Park) was well laid out in a picturesque setting but we thought it a little on the expensive side for small tents such as ours.
Next morning I was awake with the sparrows as usual and had a stroll before returning to pack away some of my gear. When John woke, we had a coffee then walked back to the tea rooms for breakfast. As we were the only customers we were quickly served our meal by a pleasant young lady who threatened to read this record :0 Once breakfast was over, we packed our bags and set off in the general direction of Lastingham & Hutton le Hole where we began the long climb up to Blakey Ridge and then down the rapid descent into Castleton for a break at the tea rooms opposite the co-op before setting out again heading for yet, another long climb from Danby up to the A171 which we followed for a little way before turning off along Ridge Lane to Dalehouse & Staithes where we stocked up for our evening meal. We spent the night at the Serenity campsite at Hinderwell and spent a couple of hours at the Brown Cow. I had only been here once before and thought it was a drab and run down sort of place, completely devoid of any sort of atmosphere. It was still the same, but at least the beer was good and the food they served looked good too.
Next morning we packed the tents and set off intending to stop for a bacon sarnie at the local butcher but were disappointed to find that they had sold out (at 9am!!!) so, no problem, we carried on to Lythe Tea Rooms only to be told that the Kitchen was closed! Grrrr. we finally managed to get one at Sandsend, only 3 miles from home.
We enjoyed our outing and identified a couple of things which need sorting out before the E2E & hopefully, we will get another short break before the end of the season.
Tees 8 Bridges Cycle-way via Seaton Carew
8th October 2018
Distance 33.1 miles
Total ascent 470 ft
Weather Mainly overcast with a bit of a breeze which always seemed to be in my face.
Difficulty Easy
This ride was a repeat of one that I did some time ago. I was brought up not too far away from the River Tees and spent some of my early working years on the river so naturally I am drawn to make an occasional visit. It makes quite a change to ride in flat countryside again, hills which seemed like mountains in my childhood, were scarcely noticed as I made my way along the once familiar routes which in places, had changed almost beyond recognition. Shortly after setting off I passed over Saltholme Marsh which is now a bird sanctuary with nicely laid out paths so visitors can keep their feet dry. I remember it as a wild place of water mud and reeds but with the ever present background of smoking chimneys with the sound of riveters working in the shipyards on the river which was not too far away. one side of the marsh stretched all the way to the riverbank where we would go and watch the ships at they sailed in and out. That area is now a vast area of factories & refinery's, the cargo ships which were once a feature of the river have been replaced mostly by huge tankers which are discharged within a few hours before sailing again.
Something else which has totally changed the area is the increase in woodland. It certainly gives me food for thought when I see mature trees where I knew only open farmland.
Seaton Carew was once a thriving seaside town which has now sadly has gone to seed in spite of the local councils attempts to rejuvenate it. Hopefully things may one day improve. From Seaton I made my way back to the Tees and followed the 8 Bridges route to Stockton and back to the transporter bridge, marvelling all the while how much different the area looks without all the heavy industry which was once so dominant here.
Total ascent 470 ft
Weather Mainly overcast with a bit of a breeze which always seemed to be in my face.
Difficulty Easy
This ride was a repeat of one that I did some time ago. I was brought up not too far away from the River Tees and spent some of my early working years on the river so naturally I am drawn to make an occasional visit. It makes quite a change to ride in flat countryside again, hills which seemed like mountains in my childhood, were scarcely noticed as I made my way along the once familiar routes which in places, had changed almost beyond recognition. Shortly after setting off I passed over Saltholme Marsh which is now a bird sanctuary with nicely laid out paths so visitors can keep their feet dry. I remember it as a wild place of water mud and reeds but with the ever present background of smoking chimneys with the sound of riveters working in the shipyards on the river which was not too far away. one side of the marsh stretched all the way to the riverbank where we would go and watch the ships at they sailed in and out. That area is now a vast area of factories & refinery's, the cargo ships which were once a feature of the river have been replaced mostly by huge tankers which are discharged within a few hours before sailing again.
Something else which has totally changed the area is the increase in woodland. It certainly gives me food for thought when I see mature trees where I knew only open farmland.
Seaton Carew was once a thriving seaside town which has now sadly has gone to seed in spite of the local councils attempts to rejuvenate it. Hopefully things may one day improve. From Seaton I made my way back to the Tees and followed the 8 Bridges route to Stockton and back to the transporter bridge, marvelling all the while how much different the area looks without all the heavy industry which was once so dominant here.
Please click on image to enlarge