Way of the Roses
The Way of the Roses is a striking 170‑mile coast‑to‑coast cycling adventure from Morecambe on the Irish Sea to Bridlington on the North Sea, weaving through the lush landscapes of Lancashire (‘red rose’ county) and Yorkshire (‘white rose’ county) and traversing the dramatic scenery of the Lune Valley, Forest of Bowland, Yorkshire Dales, Nidderdale, the Vale of York, and Yorkshire Wolds.
Launched in 2010 as part of the National Cycle Network, it combines traffic‑free paths, quiet country lanes, and occasional farm tracks, offering rolling terrain and a few challenging climbs—most notably Greenhow Hill (over 1,300 ft)—yet remains approachable for riders of varying abilities.
Whether taken on as a 2‑day blitz or a more leisurely 4‑ or 5‑day tour, the route rewards cyclists with historic cities (Lancaster, York, Ripon), charming villages (Settle, Pateley Bridge) and cultural highlights along the way . Ideal ridden west to east, this journey is as much about the changing scenery and heritage stops as it is about the miles under your wheels.
Find out more: Way of the Roses - Sustrans.org.uk
Purchase the map: Way of the Roses Cycle Route Map (Morecambe to Bridlington) – Sustrans Shop
