Way of the Roses

[SamoDamo]

I am thinking of doing this ride soon. Anybody done it? What's it like? Any tips for accommodation? I do take a tent touring, but think I'd like to do this in bunk houses hostels - but any decent campsite tips appreciated too.

Cheers.

 

[Soltydog]

I've done it, but did B&Bs, can't cope with camping It's a great route, mainly quiet roads & not too hilly. The climb out of Settle is a tester though Thinking of trying to do it in a day next year

 

[ColinJ]

I'll give you one tip - TAKE EXTREME CARE DESCENDING GREENHOW HILL TO PATELEY BRIDGE!

I recently came across an unconscious cyclist in the middle of the road there. He had crashed on a dodgy bend. Another cyclist died there in 2013, and unfortunately another one died there a couple of weeks ago. And a motorist was also killed on the same stretch of road in the past few years.

If you are careful, you will be okay, but it is a death-trap for the unwary or inexperienced.

 

[Brandane]

I did it a few years ago, east to west so the climb out of Pateley Bridge was the biggy!
I took 3 days, with B and B accommodation in York and Grassington for the overnight stops. One of the most enjoyable routes I have done, and one day (well, probably 3 days again) I will do it west to east.

 

[MontyVeda]

I'll give you one tip - TAKE EXTREME CARE DESCENDING GREENHOW HILL TO PATELEY BRIDGE!

....

They've even done a PDF just for that section (here)

 

[Houthakker]

Did it last year over 3 days, camping, really enjoyed it. Route is well marked, its hard to go wrong. As mentioned above, watch the descent into Patley Bridge.
First stop was Mason's campsite at Appletreewick http://www.masonscampsite.co.uk/ and second night was at Yapham Holds. We camped but I think they have pods/tepee's you can book.

 

[Amanda P]

Mrs Uncle Phil and I did this a couple of years ago, camping with our tandem (the link takes you to our CrazyGuy journal for the trip). We did it back-to-front though, so we climbed out of Pately Bridge - and took the back way too. And we didn't manage to ride all of that (although pushing a loaded tandem is scarcely any easier).

 

[wormo]

I did it in 2011. As mentioned the climb out of Settle tough.
Stayed in a pub in Grassington, Premier Inn on western outskirts of York (very minor detour off route 1 mile if that).

Enjoyed the ride. The descent into Pately Bridge scared me to death. On the brakes all the way down.

 

[SamoDamo]

Thanks all. Now then Solty Dog, it's Damian - we went on a couple of rides together years ago... finally got back into cycling and got new bike a few weeks back. Couldn't access my old account, so...

I'll definitely be super cautious on that descent.

 

[Soltydog]

Thanks all. Now then Solty Dog, it's Damian - we went on a couple of rides together years ago... finally got back into cycling and got new bike a few weeks back. Couldn't access my old account, so...

I'll definitely be super cautious on that descent.

Good to see you back in the saddle Did you do the big G a couple of weeks back?

ps I've got maps for the route if you want to borrow them

 

[SamoDamo]

Now then, Solty! No I wasn't ready for it then - done a lot of miles since though.

I just bought the Sustrans map - cheers anyway

 

[SamoDamo]

Thanks all - the PDF is handy.

 

[oldfatfool]

Make it a challenge do it in a day Saves carrying any gear.

 

[ColinJ]

Make it a challenge do it in a day Saves carrying any gear.

I thought the same thing but the logistics are too difficult from here so I worked out a similar route from Scarborough to Blackpool which should be doable in mid-summer sunlight between the arrival of the first train to Scarborough in the morning and the departure of the last train back from Blackpool in the evening. I aim to have a go at it next year to do a v-sign to the concept of being past it at 60! (Roughly 155 miles with a lot of climbing in the first half of the route.)

 

[oldfatfool]

I have a lovely route that takes me from Ingleton to Carnforth then down the coast to Morcambe, Follow the way of the roses route back to Clapham then an alternative route to Settle before returning back to Clapham on the Way of the roses and the Old road back to Ingleton. A nice half day outing