The Way of the Roses transforms 170 miles of roads and cycle tracks into a spectacular new 'coast-to-coast' leisure route for cyclists in the North of England. Starting on the west coast in Morecambe, Lancashire, and finishing on the east coast in the seaside resort of Bridlington, Yorkshire, the route passes through magnificent landscapes and past great points of interest along the way including:
- Morecambe with its recently restored art deco Midland Hotel and famous seaside state of comedy legend Eric Morecambe
- the Yorkshire Dales National Park
- the Forest of Bowland
- Nidderdale
- the Lune Valley
- Coldstones Quarry near Pateley Bridge
- The Yorkshire Wolds
- the historic cities of Lancaster (a cycling demonstration town), and York with its famous Minster
- Ripon with its magnificent Cathedral
- Fountains Abbey - a world heritage dite (National Trust)
- Beningborough Hall on the outskirts of York
- Burton Agnes Hall - an Elizabethan stately home in East Yorks
- Flamborough Head - a Special Area of Conservation - and an RSPB nature reserve at Bempton Cliffs, where there are puffin and gannet breeding colonies in the summer
The route will be opened on September 11th 2010 and will be fully signed from coast to coast. A route map will be available to buy from the Sustrans Shop at the end of August 2010 priced £6.99.
Sustrans' Regional Director for Yorkshire, David Hall, said:
"The Way of the Roses runs through some of northern England's most stunning countryside with beautiful coastal scenery either side of the route. Whether cyclists choose to tackle the whole 170 mile length of the path as part of a challenge ride adventure, or enjoy a leisurely ride across sections of the route, Way of the Roses is suitable for use by people of varying ability and interest."
The Way of the Roses is one of seven UK 'coast to coast' routes on the National Cycle Network.
