Adventourus Active Vacations

8 day Independent tour

This tour starts and finishes in the historic city of York and takes you round the network of delightful lanes and villages that lie to the north of the city. Daily distances are short with the emphasis on allowing you plenty of time to explore the sights and the countryside along the way. There is ample time too for sampling the local pubs and cafes or to just sit in the sun and relax.

For those who want to extend any of the days, then there is an opportunity to do that as well. Amongst the sights that your route passes are Beningbrough Hall, Shandy Hall, Byland Abbey, Helmsley Castle, Duncombe Park, Nunnington Hall, Castle Howard and Kirkham Priory. Add to that all there is to see in York and you will realise that there is something for everybody on this leisurely holiday.

Individual arrival in York. Check in the hotel and receive all your travel documents.

Leaving York on a traffic-free cycle path alongside the River Ouse you are soon on quiet lanes that lead you to the National Trust's Beningbrough Hall. Further quiet lanes lead you to the Roman town at Aldborough on the way to Boroughbridge.

Day 3: Boroughbridge to Easingwold (18 km)

A flat day takes you easily across the River Swale to Brafferton-Helperby and on to your destination in the small market town of Easingwold.

Today is a little hillier but you have plenty of time to explore the countryside on the way to Helmsley. The route takes you to the pretty village of Coxwold with its interesting church and nearby Shandy Hall. The ruins of Byland Abbey in their delightful setting are passed as you make your way to Helmsley on the edge of the North York Moors National Park. Helmsley is a delightful small town complete with castle ruins, the stately home and grounds of Duncombe Park and nearby Rievaulx Abbey.

A very short day allows more time in and around Helmsley before cycling through the pretty village of Harome to reach the National Trust's Nunnington Hall, alongside the River Rye. A short ride from here brings you to Hovingham.

Pleasant lanes through the Howardian Hills guide you to Castle Howard. The house was built in the 18th century and is a spectacular example of architecture of that time. As well as the richly furnished house, there are over 1000 acres of parkland with lawns, woods, lakes and fountains. From here it is easy cycling to Malton in the valley of the River Derwent. On the edge of this market town lies Eden Camp, a reconstructed prisoner of war camp and award winning museum.

The last day's cycling takes you back to York by way of Kirkham Priory, situated alongside the River Derwent. Narrow lanes are then followed to York, which you approach from the east.

After breakfast you may stay in York or return home. We would be more than happy to extend your stay in York or in Europe.

PRICE & DETAILS

DEPARTURE DATES:

Tours depart daily from April to mid-October.

- 7 nights in excellent quality B & B's, most rooms with private facilities.

- Personal welcome meeting and distribution of bikes and tour information

- English breakfast each day.

- Luggage transport from hotel to hotel.

- Maps with indicated routes, detailed route description, tourist information about places of interest.

- 18-21 gear hybrid bike with helmet, pannier bag, pump, water bottle, tool kit and lock.

- 7 day emergency support

EASY: You cycle on safe cycle paths and minor country lanes as you take a circular route around the region. Daily distances are very short. Suitable for all cyclists.

Total distance = 144 km (90 miles)

The nearest international airport is Manchester. Trains depart for York on a regular basis. The cost is approx. $20 one way.