TVAM Go North!
Another epic trip up to Northumberland, this time with the TVAM WOBMOD members. Weather was not as good as it could be but once again fantastic route, roads and hotels made for a memorable trip. Ably led by Dave Parsons.
Note - Because of problems with my bike I was unable to lead this tour. Dave Parsons ably took over and led a very successful tour.
30 April 2015
Travel up to rendezvous point in The Angel, Topcliffe.
The Angel in Topcliffe is a great and good value hotel that welcomes bikers. Thoroughly recommended.
1 May 2015
Start from the Angel in Topcliffe.
On this day the Tour of Yorkshire cycle race was planned to travel through Whitby, Scarborough and about. So hastily the route was altered to take account of that and prevent and delays.
Head across North Yorks to Stokesly and then across the North Yorks National Park to Helmsley. This is marked as one of the most dangerous motorcycling roads because it is quick but has many off camber corners that cause you to find yourself on the wrong side of the road very easily. Take care!!
On approaching Helmsley a short trip down to Rievaulx Abbey (toliets here if needed). Great opportunity to get some photos of the abbey.
Into Helmsley and stop for coffee at The Old Police Station (Now called the Sugared Butterfly). Unfortunately along with most towns in North Yorkshire bike parking in not free and you will need to purchase a ticket.
Optional - quick look at Helmsley Castle.
Optional petrol stop
Off to Pickering and maybe a short stop to see the steam trains on the NYMR. Parking right outside the railway station. These trans run very regularly and go to Whitby.
A169 to Whitby past the Hole of Horcum - maybe if it is a good day we can stop and watch the hang gliders.
Off to Whitby for lunch (best fish and chips anywhere and we will try to get into the Quayside, but if the queues is too long we will go into Hadley's). Parking in Whitby is difficult - there is bike parking on West Cliff and also outside the Whistle Stop Cafe at the railway station - map of parking.
Optional - walk up the 199 steps to Whitby Abbey
Petrol stop on the way out of town.
After lunch across the moors and into Salttburn for a quick toilet stop and coffee stop. Maybe a stroll down the pier or watch the surfers.
Now we have to make our way across Teesside - there is no easier way tot do this than to get on the A66 and soon it will be over and you will be on your way to Barnards Castle on the A67.
Out of Barnards Castle (petrol stop here) and up to Middleton in Teesdale (passing High Force falls).
We now start a very fast and flowing ride across the North Pennines. B6277 and A686 are fantastic roads. Very fast and very high!!
Ending up at the Premier in in Carlisle. The Premier Inn on J42 of the M6 is well placed for trips around Northumberland and Cumbria.
May 2 2015
Start off from Premier Inn
Stop at Vindolanda Roman Fort by Hadrian's Wall (Charitable Trust)
Optionally stop at Vindolanda for an hour to see the museum and digs going on.
Coffee stop at Cragside (National Trust)
Lunch at Long Newton, Ship Inn
Photo opp and ice cream stop at Bamburgh Castle
Optionally stop at Bamburgh Castle for a tour. As this is really a minimum of a 3hr stop if this option is chosen th suggestion would be to meet back in Carlisle (quickest route via A69)
Go through Berwick upon Tweed - fill up with petrol.
Up to Scottish Border (another photo opp)
Petrol stop in Kelso as well as toilet and coffee stop at Sainsbury super market.
Along the Scottish borders, through the Northumberland National Park, back to Premier Inn.
May 3 2015
Start at Premier Inn
Lunch at Tann Hill, highest pub in England
Coffee stop in Hawes at Pennygarth Cafe (Bikers sop).
Fill up with petrol in Hawes as there are very few petrol stations in the dales
Across to Ribblesdale Viaduct. Always good to stop and take in the view here and you may be blessed by a train coming across the viaduct.
Through yet more Dales (by now your arse and eyes will be aching).
Back to the Angel at Topcliffe
May 4 2015
Travel back home from rendezvous point The Angel, Topcliffe
Footnote - another run of this trip will take place in August 2015.