London - New Castle & back

[Domestique]

Could you pick up the NCN1 by heading east? Then follow that north.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Cycle_Route_1

 

[jlpueser]

Following the NC routes is being quite difficult to me. All of a sudden they appear out of the blue and suddenly disappear as if the earth swallow it... So I've decided to avoid main roads and follow only the ones who seem less crowded. But you never now, some roads who seem to be empty of cars in the map, in the reality are crowded...
Guys, can you tell me the difference between B roads and A roads (the ones that have 3 or 4 numbers)? Because I don't see many differences.

What I have to say is that cycling here is pretty similar to Spain: pretty dangerous. There are drivers who respect the bikes, and there are others who should be put in prison for years until they learn how to behave when you find a bike...

Eventually I've made up my mind and I've though a route. Now I'm in Lincoln and tomorrow I'll head to Beverley. From there to North York Moors and then to New Castle. The back through Yorkshire district and then Peak district. Any suggestions about towns or villages which I shouldn't miss, are welcome.

 

[whoosh]

Don't miss Durham city (ps Middlesbrough is not a city and its barely 10 miles from the North Yorks Moors and the surrounding countryside is spectacularly British - despite the ignorance of some Southerners) York and Ripon are lovely old towns too.

 

[HelenD123]

There are some lovely quiet roads from Beverley to the moors. Head north out of Beverley along North Bar and at the roundabout you can pick up a cycle path on the right hand side towards Cherry Burton. I'm assuming you have a map, a page from a road atlas is sufficient. Pick out the white minor roads and head towards Middleton on the Wolds, Huggate, cross the A166 and make your way to Wharram Le Street and the desserted Medieval Village of Wharram Percy (if you're into historical things). From Malton you can take a small detour directly west to Castle Howard if you like large historic houses. You have to pay to go in but can get to the tea room and entrance free. Either way, I would next head to Pickering. Don't take the A169 out of Pickering as cars and motorbikes take it very fast. Head past the railway station (lots of steam trains!) and take the minor road up towards Newton on Rawcliffe. There are some short steep climbs but it's a beautiful ride.

 

[Domestique]

Maybe you could use Google maps 'bicycle' Tbh I have never used it but someone here might be able to advise.

 

[0lonerider]

hi jipueser glad your enjoying your tour,if theres anything i can help you with when you get to newcaste/gateshead give me a shout mate,or pop in for a coffee and a chat.
bikehub newcastle quaysides handy for info maps routes ect .

 

[Pale Rider]

Following the NC routes is being quite difficult to me. All of a sudden they appear out of the blue and suddenly disappear as if the earth swallow it...

Following the routes can be hard for us who live here, so I'm not surprised you are having problems.

As regards A and B roads, generally A roads are a bit wider and straighter than B roads.

Some A roads are what we call dual carriageways - two lanes in each direction.

These are generally best avoided, although it is legal to cycle on them unless they are in blue on the map and have (M) at the end of the number.

I can't help with the route where you are, but further north NCN 1 is fairly easy to follow.

You could pick it up at Thorpe Thewles - in the Wynyard Country Park near Stockton - and follow it straight up to South Shields, pop over the ferry to the north side of the River Tyne and then take the riverside path into Newcastle - which is also easy to follow.

 

[steveindenmark]

B roads are usually quieter than A roads.

 

[berty bassett]

i have just gone from northamptonshire up to carlisle on quiet roads ( nicked most the route of the london to edingburgh route ) they were lovely quiet roads but more of a direct route as i was trying to get to jog quickly - your welcome to the gpx files if you want them - i know you would have to doctor the last bit to get to newcastle but the offers there

 

[jlpueser]

I'm really glad with all your comments and tips, thanks guys. I'm taking them on account to see when it's possible to match them with what I'm doing.
My impression so far is that trying to follow always National routes from Sustrans it makes the trip very slow. I think that these routes are good for sort trips in a certain region or area, but when it comes to cross the country as I'm doing now, it's not the most convenient, unless you have plenty of weeks to do it... But in any case, in my way back heading south, I'll try to take some of these routes for certain places. Today I've been in "Cinder track", between Scarborough and Whitby, and it was really nice.
The thing now for me is to get something in paper, because not always is easy to have internet. So I'll pay attention to the recommendation by Olonerider. By the way, Olonerider, it can be nice to meet and chat for a while. I'm getting to New Castle Thursday at lunch time, and I'll be there at least until Saturday morning. I've no plans yet for next days. So tell me when are you up for a meeting.

Please PM me for my phone number.

[Edited to remove phone number by MODS]

 

[0lonerider]

pm sent!

 

[gooseygannon]

has anyone cycled from newcastle to london and if so can you recomend anywhere i can download a route to my garmin .thanks

 

[vernon]

has anyone cycled from newcastle to london and if so can you recomend anywhere i can download a route to my garmin .thanks

You might find part of this route useful. Not from Newcastle but you could ride/catch a train to pick up the route at brampton or Thirsk.

https://ade2010lejog.wordpress.com/the-route-2/london-edinburgh-london-route/