When to ride the Way of the Roses

The Way of the Roses runs from Morecambe to Bridlington, about 170 miles (270 km). The useful decisions are how many days to take, which way to ride, and what the west side actually asks for. A road or hybrid bike is enough.

The hard work is early

The route crosses the Lune Valley, the Forest of Bowland, the Yorkshire Dales, York and the Wolds. The steep bit out of Settle is about 20 percent at its steepest. Greenhow is the high point, at roughly 400 metres.

After Pateley Bridge the ride eases through Ripon and York, then rolls across the open Wolds to Bridlington. From there it feels like a long ride east, not a mountain tour.

Choose three or four days

1. Three days is a strong challenge, about 55 to 60 miles a day.
2. Four days leaves time for the Dales and the Wolds.

If three days already feels tight on paper, take four. A calmer split beats a grind.

Ride west to east, and watch the Wolds

A west wind helps a west-to-east crossing, so start in Morecambe and finish in Bridlington. The Wolds are exposed. Wind there matters more than a light shower. If the forecast is a strong east wind, move the dates.

Set the bike up for Settle

1. Road or hybrid.
2. Tyres around 28 or 32 mm. Wider is nicer if you are loaded.
3. The descent into Pateley Bridge is steep and winding. Take it steadily, especially in the wet.

Walk the steep bit out of Settle if you need to. Plenty of riders do. Save your legs for Settle and Greenhow, then settle into a rhythm once the hills are behind you.

Download the GPX from the Way of the Roses guide and check the line runs from Morecambe to Bridlington before you leave. For the week you are actually going, score the route against the wind rather than a single town forecast.