| 1. Hi. Here is an overview on this route.
From the startoing point in Askern to Pocklingto it is very flat. In the main you are travelling on small single track back roads.
All are tarmac but with very little traffic. The biggest road you will come across up to Pocklington is the A614 into Howden, take care going over Boothferry bridge.
After Pocklington, the hills and scenery get more exciting, but again mainly quiet B roads. The A166 is a fast road down to Fridaythorpe so again, take care. The B road through Sledmere is fine, as is the road to Staxton.
Once you have gone down the hill, take care on the A64 into Scarborough. Its fast, busy and you will be tired, other than that, pick the right day and enjoy.
Get the Ordnance survey maps out first and study the route because as I said some of these roads are very minor and will take some working out
I have ridden this route 6 times (and about 10 on a motorcycle) over the years.
September is great time to go, the fields look good and the air is fresh If you have any questions or want to do it one September do not hesitate to to add comments below.
My travelling time has been about 7.5 hours and cycling time about 6 hours.
It is not so much the terrain that is difficult, but combined with the length of the route makes it a long, but rewarding day.....
The Route
From Askern go down Moss Road, heading towards Moss, crossing over the main London - Edinburgh railway line.
Through Moss following signs for Sykehouse, straight through Sykehouse (supposed to be Englands longest village) carry on till you come to the A614. Turn left and carry on until you get to the Roundabout, bear right and stay on the A614 right through Rawcliffe and on towards Airmyn.
Just before you hit the M62, bear left by the Vauxhall/Peugeot garages following the sign for Airmyn. Follow through the village, come to a roundabout and bear left and cross Boothferry bridge over the River Ouse. Over the bridge, road bears right and down to a roundabout. Take the sharp, first left, follow this road it leads to a cross road, turn right and this will take you the back way into Howden and an opportunity to grab a coffe at the nice coffee shop in the centre of town by the Church.
Head through Howden, past The Press Association office block and then turn left onto the B 1228 towards Howden. Follow this Road crossing the railway line at Howden Station and right up to a small cross road with farm buildings on the corner.
Turn right, straight down, come to a cross road with cottages facing you, straight across bear left and carry on this road (dont take the sign to Gribthorpe) until you come to Foggathorpe and the main junction with the A.163 .
Pub on the corner (fast road, be careful here) Straight across the A163 and upto Laytham, turn right in Laytham by the bungalow, heading towards Seaton Ross.
Come into Seaton Ross, hit a junction and bear left, follow through this part of the village, next junction bear right (new conversion of buildings and Windmill on your right) follow round in front of it and carry on your way, bear right again, carry on untill you come to the next minor junction and take a left signed Bielby.
Through Bielby, bearing right then straight on down this road. Look for Routh Lodge (Farm buildings in the distance on your left) and take the left turn here, straight down and you come to a T junction on the main A 1079. (again, take care, fast road)
Take a right, 200 yards and then take a left by the Motel. This will take you straight down and into Pockilington itself. In the main town square you can take all sorts of refreshments.....you will need them as the next bit gets a tougher.. Come out at the back of Pocklington following signs for Millington (also signposted as the "scenic route") Longish road with some nurseries and Garden centre on your left, keep going and follow the road round in front of some bungalows and houses.
Bit of an S bend. Millington is then signposted down a bit of a drop on your right, follow down this and then take your first left in the bottom. You know have quite a climb up to the top of the Wolds with great views looking back over your shoulder.
Take the right fork at the top by Millington Grange, just past the big sign advertising British Beef. Eventually you will come out on the main A 166. Pause a while, pick your spot and turn right. This road will take you right down to Fridaythorpe village.
As you come through the village and past the petrol station, take the next left, the B 1251. Just after this junction grab a quality bacon sandwich at the bikers (motorcycles) cafe on the right.
From Fridaythorpe stay on this road down the hill following signs for Sledmere.
As you hit Sledmere and the famous "Sledmere House" look out for "The Triton" pub. take the road off to the left just by the pub signposted, Helperthorpe, Weaverthorpe and Butterwick. Stay on this road and straight through these pretty, quaint villages.
Eventually you will hit the junction with the B 1249. Turn left and go straight through Foxholes, stay on this road and you will eventually arrive at the infamous Staxton Hill. If it is the right day you will find the toilets open and the tea stop open in the car park at the top of the hill.
You will be able to pick out Olivers Mount at Scarborough and maybe even to be able to see the sea..
Carry on down the hill, take care though and eventually you will hit the traffic lights on the junction with the main A64...This is probably the worst bit of the trip, turn right and follow the A64 into Scarborough, not pleasant, especially if you are tired.
When you get into Scarborogh, turn left at the big junction by the railway station and playhouse theatre and follow the signs for Peasholm Park and the South Bay. Down Columbus ravine and you are at Peasholm Park before you know it, bear right at the roundabout follow down to the beach, where the old Corner Cafe used to be, recently demolished and some new apartments are now under construction and thats it....have a paddle in the North Sea whilst licking on a 99.....you deserve it.
You total mileage will be between 70 and 75 miles. Pedal on the Marine Drive and into the town..I have caught the train back to Doncaster on several occasions...it all works a treat. |