Way of the Roses Cycle Route Launched!

I recently accepted the request from the office to ’help’ launch the brand new 170 mile Way of the Roses coast to coast national cycle route 69 which goes from Morecambe to Bridlington and has been developed by Sustrans. My role was to cycle the first 35 miles from Morecambe promenade to Settle, which sounded fine until I realised that Morecambe is at sea level, and Settle, very much, isn’t! So with a looming sense of dread I arrived at Morecambe promenade, adjacent to the newly restored art deco Midland Hotel, with dark clouds around, but no rain, for the official opening by the various dignitaries including one of Morecambe’s famous sons, designer Wayne Hemingway.

There were about 30 or so cyclists making their way to Settle, but many other cyclists of all ages and abilities starting off from Morecambe to do a few miles. So, off we set at 11.15am following a flat dedicated cycle path hugging the river Lune through Lancaster to our first stop at the Crook of Lune for a coffee. So far, so good I thought, if it’s all at this pace and level... Ten minutes later we started to climb into the hills above the Lune Valley into what can only be described as absolutely breathtaking countryside and it’s only when you stop to take a deep breath of fresh air and gaze around you that you really appreciate how beautiful this Lancashire corner of the world really is. Passing through Hornby and then onto Wray and skirting the top of the Forest of Bowland and further over the Yorkshire border to Clapham, you realise how many beautiful villages and rural areas are dotted about, and a bicycle really proved to be a great way to explore the area. At one stage we had a 5 minute delay whilst the farmer led his cows across the road for milking time – oh the country smells! The route is mostly on country roads or cycle paths and I found the route very easy to follow. The well signed route then took us over the moors into Clapham and then climbing again through Austwick and then onto Settle. Upon arrival in Settle it was time for a well earned rest with a coffee and cake, before awaiting my lift back to Morecambe to get the car. In all, with several stops, the journey took about 5 hours but the day was exhilarating and the sense of achievement as well as the experience was immense.

I would like to carry on this route and get to Bridlington, so will start the next stretch in Settle and carry on the remaining 135 miles sometime soon.

Tim Dixon

Comments

[Rachael Dyer]

There can surely be no greater example of the outdoors than starting with the stunning views of Morecambe Bay, with panoramic views of the Lakeland Fells, before descending on the quintessential English countryside that is The Lune Valley and Crook O’Lune so celebrated by Turner and Gray. As Gray says ‘ Every feature which constitutes a perfect landscape of the extensive sort is here not only boldly marked, but in its best position.’ What a shame that they couldn’t have cycled it too!!

With many congratulations to Tim and Mike, and particularly Martyn on his enormous effort completing the full route in one day. Perhaps this could be a stage of a future Iron Man!!

Rachael Dyer

[Suzi Bunting]

Congratulations Tim on cycling the Morecambe to Settle stretch, of the Way of the Roses Cycle Route. There where a few yawns coming back in the car to Morecambe, when I retrieved you and your bike! Do hope you are not feeling to stiff this morning? Congratulations to Mike Wilkinson too who cycled from Driffield to Bridlington on Saturday afternoon the last stretch of the Way of the Roses Cycle route, where he presented a bunch of 'red roses' to the Mayor of Bridlington. Also, many Congratulations to Martyn Bolt, CTC, who stayed over night in Morecambe at the Craigwell Hotel, left at 5.30am! and cycled the whole route ( all 170miles) in one day arriving early evening in Bridlington! Now the route is signed take up the challenge?? Either by doing this wonderful new long distance cycle route in sections or the whole route - it covers the north of Englands finest countryside.

Suzi Williams