Advice on A61 to Thirsk

[Nigeyy]

I'll be doing the Yorkshire Dales Cycleway in early September, and am planning on leaving the cycleway and adding a leg to Thirsk and back. The idea is to use back roads, and eventually join up to the A61 at Skipton-on-Swale, leaving only 4-5 miles on the A61 to Thirsk.

I know it's only 4-5 miles, but is the A61 suitable for that? Looking at the map, it doesn't look like I have much choice, but would welcome suggestions.

Here is my proposed route:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&sad...l=54.223597,-1.4011&spn=0.06453,0.115871&z=13

 

[ComedyPilot]

Nigeyy, If you don't mind a few extra miles, turn to Catton from Skipton on swale and follow the Swale river past catton to Topcliffe, from Topcliffe head towards Dalton. At Dalton follow signs for Sowerby and Thirsk. Almost all will be done on minor roads. Otherwise stick with the A61 to Thirsk, it's shorter, but I am sure you'd want to explore a bit? BTW I used to live in the area and cycled over all the roads with no problems. But that was over 20 years ago.

 

[vernon]

I know it's only 4-5 miles, but is the A61 suitable for that? Looking at the map, it doesn't look like I have much choice, but would welcome suggestions.

Here is my proposed route:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&sad...l=54.223597,-1.4011&spn=0.06453,0.115871&z=13

That stretch of the A61 is fine and not too busy. I use it several times a year when I cycle up to Darlington from Leeds.

 

[Nigeyy]

Just from the time perspective I may well do that, and take the scenic route suggested by ComedyPilot.

Looking forward to it! Thanks for the help.

That stretch of the A61 is fine and not too busy. I use it several times a year when I cycle up to Darlington from Leeds.