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Biking Tour of Englands Cathedrals York to Durham

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Biking Tour of Englands Cathedrals York to Durham

Single / Double

$3084/ $1910

Tour Period

Any Start Date February to November

Tour Nights

6

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Tour description

A five centre self-guided bike tour from York to Durham in northern England. 6 nights bed and breakfast in en-suite (wherever possible) guesthouse accommodation, and 4 days of cycling. Tour price includes; hire of a 21 speed all-terrain bicycle, emergency back-up, luggage transfers, route guide and maps. PLEASE NOTE:  The only meal included in the tour price is breakfast.

The tour starts in the medieval walled city of York, famous for its splendid Minster and ancient narrow streets. This cyclist friendly route is relatively flat, uses traffic-free cycle ways and minor country roads. Leaving York you soon enter the beautiful Yorkshire countryside along quiet country lanes between pretty market towns like Harrogate, Ripon and Thirsk. These attractive historic towns are nestled on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales and Cleveland Hills National Parks. Designated as areas of outstanding natural beauty, there are optional extra sections for the more adventurous biker. The final day’s ride passes through industrial Teesside before a lovely traffic-free section leads to Durham City with its dominating feature, Durham Cathedral.

Sample schedule

START and FINISH: York is in the North East of England.

ARRIVAL DAY: York. Your first night’s accommodation is in the magnificent medieval City of York. York is home to England’s largest gothic cathedral with quaint narrow streets and shop fronts that have hardly changed in centuries. There are many places of interest to visit in this city including; museums and York Minster, plus you can walk around the ancient city walls that provide great views. There is also a huge variety of places to eat, from fish and chip shops to traditional pubs to luxury restaurants and cafés. Overnight: York, England.

6 nights Biking England’s Cathedrals York to Durham, York Minster 6 nights Biking England’s Cathedrals York to Durham, Inside York Minster

 

DAY ONE: York to Harrogate. Distance approx. 23 miles (36 km). After breakfast the bikes will be delivered to the guesthouse, and help will be given to adjust them. You can then begin the ride out of York on mainly traffic free cycle lanes which allow you time to get used to your bikes. The route passes the scene of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War at Marston Moor before entering the beautiful Yorkshire countryside. Riding along quiet country lanes you will encounter lots of pretty villages, giving you the opportunity for refreshments or lunch. Today’s ride finishes on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park at Harrogate. This large town has lots to offer, with a busy shopping centre and many places to enjoy an evening out. Overnight: Harrogate, N. Yorkshire.

DAY TWO: Harrogate to Thirsk. Distance approx. 24 miles (38 km). The beautiful North Yorkshire Dales are the big attraction on today’s ride. The route takes you along quiet country roads lined by dry stone walls through lush green fields full of cattle and sheep. About half way along this section is a typical North Yorkshire market town ‘Ripon’ (an excellent place to stop for your lunch). Heading east out of Ripon with the beautiful Yorkshire countryside all around, you will encounter many pretty little villages as you cycle. It is not long before you reach your next overnight stop, the busy little market town of Thirsk. Overnight: Thirsk, N. Yorkshire.

DAY THREE: Thirsk to Yarm. Distance approx. 22 miles (35 km). As you leave Thirsk you will see ahead of you a White Horse that is carved out of the chalkstone hillside. From here there is a choice of route. One rises gently into the Cleveland hills, where your efforts are rewarded by spectacular views over the Yorkshire Dales and the Vale of York. Set on the hillside is the pretty village of Osmotherley, a great opportunity for a lunch stop. Alternatively there is a longer but very flat route along quiet country lanes via Northallerton, which is also a good place to have lunch. Both routes take you to your next overnight accommodation near Yarm. A traditional local pub close to the guesthouse will provide your evening meal for tonight. Overnight: Yarm, Teesside.

DAY FOUR: Yarm to Durham. Distance approx. 26 miles (42 km). From Yarm you cross the river Tees over one of 2 impressive bridges passing industrial Teesside to join a disused railway line know as the ‘Castle Eden Way’. This area was traditionally associated with coal mining but now most of the pits have closed down and the sites landscaped. As you approach Durham you will notice this ancient city is dominated by its cathedral (the world’s finest Norman building). Your bikes will be picked up when you are finished with them, allowing you time to enjoy this beautiful city with its many tourist attractions. There is a good selection of cafés, restaurants and pubs to celebrate completion of the tour. Overnight: Durham, Co. Durham.

6 nights Biking England’s Cathedrals York to Durham,
Durham City Skyline

 

DAY FIVE: Today you have the whole day to explore this magnificent city and enjoy another night here.  Overnight: Durham, Co. Durham.

6 nights Biking England’s Cathedrals York to Durham, Inside Durham Cathedral 6 nights Biking England’s Cathedrals York to Durham, Inside Durham Cathedral

 

DEPARTURE DAY: After breakfast you can continue on your journey from Durham train station. 

This is the type of bike we rent out for this tour: Giant Cypress.

6 nights Biking England’s Cathedrals York to Durham. This is the type of bike we rent on this tour.

Forks: Hiten ATB w/lowrider mounts

Wheels: Alloy/nttd, Matrix 550/36h/blk anod/brush.
Crankset: Shimano TX71 48s/38s/28s w/CG
Size: 15,17,19,21,23,15L,18L,21L.
Colours: Titanite Black.

Travel Description

RAIL TRAVEL from LONDON to DURHAM There is an hourly service of trains from London Kings Cross to Durham. The journey takes about 3.5 hours.

RAIL TRAVEL from DURHAM to LONDON There is an hourly service of trains from Durham to London. The journey takes about 3.5 hours.

ARRIVING and DEPARTING by EUROLINES or NATIONAL EXPRESS COACH: This is by far the cheapest option for long-distance travel in England, Scotland, and Wales. There are very convenient buses from each major airport. National Express carries over 16 million passengers to 1000 different places in the UK every year, and thousands more from destinations across Europe and Ireland. You can purchase an e-Ticket where you print your travel ticket online in a matter of minutes OR you can obtain an m-Ticket and have your travel ticket sent to your mobile phone - no paper ticket required. You then present this to the driver on arrival.

ARRIVING BY CAR: Please ask for details.

Tour Start Location

Tour End Location

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If you want to book this cycling tour, or chat about an altered schedule, please use the 'Enquire Now' tab above or contact us on richard@xplorebritain.com

Related Categories
Tour Code:

RD06

Grade

C

Grade Description

GRADE C cycling: Between 22 - 26 miles (35 - 42kms) a day. The route is principally a flat ride but has some steep climbs onto the Cleveland hills. We recommend that clients bring their own bicycle equipment helmets, shoes and clothing. We can arrange for the hire of this, if required. The cost would be about £50. You will start cycling about 10am and finish at approx. 4pm. These grades are for guidance only and will depend on weather conditions and your fitness.

[open quote]

Hi Richard
just a note to thank you for returning Helen's bag so promptly; also fororganising so efficiently a wonderful 
experience for both of us; we thoroughly enjoyed it and much of that was down to you and your excellent 
organisation; we will recommend you to anyone else who is thinking of doing it.

best wishes, Brian and Helen Canberley, Surry, UK

[close quote]
Brian & Helen
c2c bike tour