Holiday Highlights
- Posing at Eric Morecambe’s statue on Morecambe seafront
- Cycling through the Forest of Bowland & Yorkshire Dales
- Superb local ales and tasty food every night
- York – flat cycling, big Minster
- The chalky rolling hills, with big country views of the Wolds
- Fish & chips on Bridlington’s waterfront to celebrate your ride!
This was my first Skedaddle holiday and it was a great experience. I had such a good time that I didn’t want to go home at the end of the holiday. Our guides made is such a great experience.
Itinerary
York is our chosen rendezvous point for the Way of the Roses ride. York has excellent rail connections, and we will arrange to pick you up from the station if you choose to travel by train. For those arriving by car, we can provide info on parking if required.
York is a fascinating historic city, and those choosing to arrive early will have time to visit some of the sights. The city centre is quite compact and very pleasant to explore on foot. Your accommodation on this first night is in York itself, with the evening meal taken at a nearby restaurant or pub.
During the evening we’ll be on hand to answer any particular questions that you may have and provide a general overview of the next few days of cycling.

- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 750 Metres Approx.
After an early breakfast we make our way by minibus to Morecambe (approx 2 hours 45 min) to the start of the Way of the Roses. We soon leave the sweep of Morecambe seafront and its promenade and begin our way eastwards on traffic-free cycleways.
As you would expect, the first few miles are quite flat as we make our way to the vibrant city of Lancaster, a place with a rich industrial and cultural history. Following the valley of the River Lune we soon leave Lancaster via the Crook O’Lune viewpoint and head towards the Dales. We’ll now be following quiet country lanes as we traverse the Forest of Bowland. The cycling gets a bit more challenging now as we start to tackle the hills of the Dales, with stunning views of Ingleborough, Pen-y-Ghent and Whernside, the famous Yorkshire Three Peaks.
With regular refreshment stops and a buffet style picnic lunch provided, we’ll be suitably refuelled for the day’s big challenge at Far End, where we tackle the climb onto Swarth Moor, the highest point of the day at around 265 metres. From here we are rewarded with a downhill alongside the River Ribble to Settle, our final destination for today.
Home of the famous Settle – Carlisle Steam Railway, Settle is a bustling market town boasting a wealth of interesting shops, welcoming cafes and historic buildings and a great place to spend our second evening.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 950 Metres Approx.
A shorter day than yesterday, but today we are in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales and yes – you’ve guessed it; a few more ‘cheeky climbs’ to negotiate along the way. With our hearty full Yorkshire breakfast no doubt weighing a little heavy, our start to the day is a corker of a climb out of Settle and in fact the toughest of the entire route and even has a cobbled section at the start for good measure! Upon reaching the top at the appropriately named High Side, we can see Rye Loaf Hill (547metres) to your left. Our reward for the effort is a speedy downhill of around two miles to the village of Airton.
Continuing along on an undulating route we cycle to Cracoe and then Burnsall. The route then follows the River Wharfe before tackling the climb onto the Nidderdale Moorland (AONB), passing the famous Stump Cross Caverns and on to the highest point of the entire route at Greenhow (402 metres) on Bewerley Moor.
Our destination for this evening Pateley Bridge is just a couple of miles away and we’ll arrive there courtesy of a steep downhill (take care!) that deposits you in this Yorkshire village. Our evening meal will be taken in Pateley Bridge, no doubt accompanied by a pint of the local tasty ales.

- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 650 Metres Approx.
Although today’s mileage is the longest of the trip, the steep hills of the Dales are now behind us and with our cycling legs geared up for another day in the saddle we’ll soon be eating up the miles. It wouldn’t however be a Skedaddle trip without a little morning climb, so first thing we’ll head up to the famous Brimham Rocks, known for their weird and wonderful formations that are scattered over a wide area, and are apparently associated with the druids, Mother Shipton and even the Devil!
After Brimham the gradients ease off all the way to York. On the way we’ll pass Fountains Abbey, then down to Ripon. From here quiet country lanes take us through the numerous small villages of the flat Vale of York as we follow the River Ouse to York and our finish point for the day.
Arriving at our accommodation in York we’ll be able to explore a little further this walled city famous for its impressive Minster, ghosts, tea rooms and welcoming pubs and inns.

- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 450 Metres Approx.
A fairly easy day of cycling with just one hilly section as we climb into the Yorkshire Wolds and head to our destination for today, the market town of Driffield. After winding our way out of York we leave the city behind and head out into the farmland, making our way towards Pocklington.
After Pocklington, there is a climb up to Huggate (200 meters), through the pretty Millington Dale. From here on in, we’ll be in the Yorkshire Wolds, threading through pretty little valleys and across the wide rolling expanses of the Wolds. This section of the route is an undulating, easy paced 15 miles to near Hutton Cranswick, where we stay for the night. Our evening meal will also be taken here.
Tomorrow the cycling is relatively flat with the odd short cheeky climb, so it may be the night to sample one more local ale or an extra glass of wine or fizz to celebrate your cycling achievement so far!

- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 250 Metres Approx.
A relaxed start today on our final day of the trip. Just 25 miles to go on a lovely meandering route through the pretty villages of this part of East Yorkshire. At the mid-point of the cycling we’ll be stopping at Burton Agnes for a short break at which point we’ll be able to see the impressive Burton Agnes Hall and Manor House. Burton Agnes is also famous for its annual Scarecrow Festival. From here, the route rises up a little onto the Woodgate Roman Road, with its impressive views of the North Sea.
The ride then descends through Bridlington’s Old Town for a final spin along the promenade. With its views of Flamborough Head, famous for its stunning white cliffs further to the east this is a fitting end to your Way of the Roses cycling journey with Skedaddle. Handshakes and slaps on the back accepted and photos dutifully taken its time for a well deserved lunch and ice cream.
Time now to load the bikes on the trailer and hop aboard our support vehicle(s) for the return journey to York (approx. 1.5hrs). Once back in York, we’ll reunite those travelling by car with their vehicles or drop those departing by train at the station.

Gallery
The Cycling
Terrain
Following a National Cycle Network route, the Way of the Roses uses a combination of cycle paths, quiet country roads and some short sections of farm track.
Most of the surface is tarmac. There is an unavoidable short section of farm track, which can be tough when ridden on a road bike, especially after poor weather.
Almost any type of bike would be suitable for the Way of the Roses, with semi-slick tyres fitted on mountain bikes and hybrids, and touring tyres fitted on road bikes.

Leisure Cycling Grade
Distances generally between 20-45 miles / 32-72 kms per day
For the leisure cyclist with a good level of physical fitness
May include some steeper, cheeky climbs and possibly sections of varying terrain (eg. forest tracks, gravel paths etc)
Our grading guidelines have been carefully created based on our many years of cycling experience, as well as customer feedback from our trips. Of course, if you're still struggling to figure out where you fit on the scale, do feel free to give us a quick call and we'll be more than happy to help!
For more information about our grading system click here.
Is this suitable for you?
Although you may not cycle everyday, you do keep yourself relatively fit and maybe enjoy an afternoon out on your bike at the weekend. Your preference is perhaps for flatter terrain but you don’t mind tackling some hills, and the occasional steep climb if you can take it at your own pace. For those happy to tackle some ups and downs, and possibly some sections of varying terrain (eg. forest tracks, gravel paths etc) we’d recommend our grade 3 trips. We’d generally expect those on a Grade 3 holiday to have a decent level of physical fitness and be comfortable with some longer days in the saddle.
Dates & Prices
Late Availability
We want you to know which holidays are coming up soon, so you don’t miss out! If a trip has this symbol beside it, it means you don’t have long to snap up your place.

Private Departures
Are you keen to only travel with your family or friends? Struggling to find the right date? Well, we can organise a private departure for this tour and tailor aspects to suit your group's specific needs. Contact our friendly team and we'll help you turn your dream into reality.
Whats Included 
A) Accommodation (shared twin / double en suite rooms)
B) Meals as itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
C) Full support service including a guide qualified in First Aid in a back up vehicle carrying spares, snacks and extra equipment not needed on your bike
D) Access to the Skedaddle App for holiday information
E) GPX files available upon request
F) Scheduled train station transfers on arrival and departure days
What's not Included 
A) Riding guide
B) Personal clothing and equipment
C) Travel insurance
D) Bar bills, telephone calls, souvenirs, etc.
E) Bike & helmet hire (available if required)
F) Travel or flight costs and charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)
G) Single room option (may be available if required)
H) Entrance fees to cultural or historical sites and visitor centres
I) Other optional activities
The Essentials
News, Reviews & Stories
Way of The Roses, Yorkshire
This challenging coast-to-coast route takes in some of the most beautiful landscapes in the North of England...
Meet the guides: Rob Wood
We sat down with veteran Skedaddle guide Rob Wood to learn more about him and his passion for two wheels...
Yorkshire: 5 reasons to explore by bike
Home to some of the most glorious scenery, outstanding history and cycling extravaganza...
Reviews
David, Isle of Man, UKMore than lived up to my expectations..I had done this trip previously, however with better weather than my previous trip I was able to enjoy scenery I had missed last time and very little seemed like a repeat. What made the trip though was the people, group and guides. It helped that all riders were fairly strong allowing us to maintain a good momentum, but everyone was interacting with all the others, no cliques, and very pleasing the two couples were mixing just as the solo guests. So for me it was not just a fill in holiday, it was another highlight, with lots of pleasant memories.
I have come to expect high standards from Skedaddle guides, and Rob and Andrew more than lived up to my expectations, thoughtfully and flexibly looking after us particularly allowing Covid restrictions not to take over, but giving us a sense of safety without feeling we were being straight-jacketed. Their humour and Rob’s local information contributed to the success of the trip.
Fiona, LeicestershireExcellent...Nothing was too much. The pre holiday information was excellent. Transfers from location to location went smoothly. All other holiday arrangements from room bookings, restaurant table bookings etc were well organised.
Our favourite day was riding out of Settle (day 2). A personal challenge, where everything went well. Loved the downhill into Pateley Bridge.
Nicola and Barry, North YorkshireIt was a fabulous experience...It was a fabulous experience, lovely scenery and great stops. The accommodations were all very welcoming. The first two days were very hard but also scenic. The leg from York to Driffield over the Wolds was our favourite, especially the valley after Millington Woods and the wonderful long downhill after that. Our guides Rob and Dave provided amazing refreshments, asked what we would like and tried very hard to source things we asked for. Rob was brilliant. He kept an eye on all of us and was very supportive to those of us going a bit more slowly. The morning briefings were very good, all the meals were well organised and everyone was listened to and looked after. Both guides worked well together to make a professional and fun team. All requests before the holiday were dealt with quickly and our request to drop off at home when the group stayed in York was accommodated.
James, DevonA beautiful routeThis was my first Skedaddle holiday and it was a great experience. I had such a good time that I didn’t want to go home at the end of the holiday. I certainly hope to go on more holidays with Skedaddle in the future.
The route was beautiful, the group got on very well together, the accommodation was very comfortable and we had great food. However, in my opinion, it was our guides, Tom and Sarah, who really made it such a great holiday. Nothing was too much trouble for them, they were friendly and relaxed and they both had a great sense of humour. At all times I had complete confidence in them.
Richard, BedfordThe refreshments and lunch during the ride were tasty and very welcome...I thoroughly enjoyed the Way of the Roses ride, with good company, tasty food and nice weather. I especially appreciated having my bags carried by the van and the refreshments and lunch provided by the Skedaddle guides. Despite the hills I particularly enjoyed the first day for the beautiful scenery and sense of achievement.
Judith and Alan, HampshireGuides were simply outstandingOur guides were simply outstanding – both of them as willing, positive, optimistic, encouraging and helpful as the other. We could not fault the service they offered from early morning until the end of the day They were knowledgeable and always there if one of us got left behind or had an issue. We cannot recommend them highly enough.
Jo, CambridgeshireNothing was too much trouble...Rob was exemplary. His knowledge of the route was very good and his encouragement and guidance was very subtle. Nothing was too much trouble for either Rob or Dave and I appreciated them joining us for the evening meals. Their people skills were fantastic, helping the group to gel and the trip a great success.
Carolyne, WakefieldI had a fantastic time!I felt amongst friends immediately. I haven’t felt so relaxed or laughed so much in a long time. Brilliant pre-trip info. I especially liked the personal phone call the day before to check if I had any final questions.
Jo, OxfordLes was a great guide...Nothing was too much trouble for our guide. He was really friendly, approachable, accommodating and smiley. He particularly picked up on our requests for specific food items, such as jelly babies and Tunnock’s caramel wafers to get us up and over the hills! Every B&B we stayed in served us with a smile and nothing was too much trouble.
James in the office was always really helpful, a friendly voice at the end of the phone, and quick to call back if a message was left when he was unavailable!
Elizabeth, WorcestershireI can't fault the service...Wayne’s helpfulness and cycling experience was very much appreciated. The lunches he put on were great. He is a credit to Skedaddle.