Glasgow to Lake District ~ 175 miles ~ 5 hours riding
For those departing from Glasgow to ride to the Lake District and begin this tour we have a captivating journey for you.We use the Motorway to escape the city and then join tranquil countryside roads through East Ayrshire. Heading south, the route winds through Moscow, a Scottish Hamlet nestled among green hills rather than the Russian one! We continue to Galston and onwards to Drongan, and other quiet villages surrounded by farmland and rural charm.
From here, the road climbs gently into the Southern Uplands, reaching Carsphairn, a remote village set amid dramatic moorland and rugged terrain. The scenery becomes increasingly wild and expansive, offering a true taste of Southern Scotland’s untamed beauty.
The route then dips into the artistic village of Moniaive, known for its creative community and picturesque setting in the Nith Valley. It’s a perfect spot for a brief pause before pressing on toward Gretna, near the Scottish-English border. Famous for its romantic history, Gretna also marks the transition into England.
Bypassing Carlisle, the journey enters the Lake District National Park, where the landscape transforms into a tapestry of wooded hills, shimmering lakes, and stone-built villages. The roads here are narrow and winding, ideal for a leisurely pace that allows full appreciation of the surroundings.
The final destination is Skelwith Bridge, a peaceful hamlet near Ambleside, nestled between lush valleys and serene waters. It’s a fitting end to a route that blends cultural heritage, natural beauty, and the joy of the open road.
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Lake District circuit ~140 miles ~ 4.5 hours riding
Departing from Skelwith Bridge Hotel this spectacular loop blends classic Lakeland scenery, historic estates, and thrilling mountain passes.
We head south-west to Lowick Green (Near Ulverston), a peaceful hamlet with views of the southern fells and close to Coniston Water. The journey traverses quiet country lanes, passing traditional pubs and leads to the Furness Peninsula where we stop at Holker Hall & Gardens. This grand stately home dates back to the 16th century, Built on the site of a former monastery it has beautifully maintained gardens and woodlands plus a café and gift shop making it a good spot for a refreshment break.
From Holker we head east to Lindale (near Grange-over-Sands), a charming village near the coast, offering a change of scenery to coastal views before we head back inland to Lake Windermere where we follow the Lake Road North through the towns of Windermere, Bowness and Ambleside where there shall be opportunities to stop at lakeside stops and to take photos.
Continuing north to Glenridding where you can board a boat that takes a trip around Ullswater we stop briefly for photographs at the lakeside village at the foot of Helvellyn then onwards to join more major roads that offer sweeping curves and open views across the northern Lake District including views of Blencathra and Skiddaw.
We rejoin the C2C heading west to Lorton then south on the U2200 following the River Cocker to Crummock Water and onwards to Buttermere. These quiet valleys with narrow lanes offer dramatic scenery. We cross stone bridges and wooded sections along this route that is the gateway to the western fells before turning north to Derwent Water and Keswick where we take our last break of the day.
We return to our hotel via Red Lion Square to Skelwith Bridge, a scenic ride back through the central Lakes, passing through quiet valleys and wooded areas.
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Lake District to Yorkshire ~ 165 miles ~ 5 hours riding
This scenic journey leaves the Lake District and delivers you into the Yorkshire Dales. We depart Skelwith Bridge to ride through the heart of the Lake District and onwards to capture a captivating blend of natural beauty and historic charm. The journey begins with a gentle ride to Windermere, England’s largest lake, surrounded by lush hills and timeless views. From there, we head southeast to Kendal, a bustling market town known for its stone architecture and famous mint cake.
Crossing into the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the landscape shifts to dramatic valleys and rolling moorland. We pass through Sedbergh, a quaint town nestled beneath the Howgill Fells, then continue to Garsdale Head, a remote and scenic spot ideal for quiet reflection. The road winds through Nateby, Gunnerside, and Reeth, each village offering a glimpse into traditional Yorkshire life.
Our route then leads to Richmond, a historic town with a Norman castle and cobbled streets, followed by Newton-le-Willows, a peaceful hamlet surrounded by farmland. Turning back into the Dales, we reach Buckden and Grassington (where they fimlen All Creatures Great and Small), both rich in rural charm and stone-built heritage. The road climbs and dips through the hills to Patley Bridge, a gateway to Nidderdale, before arriving in the elegant spa town of Harrogate, known for its gardens and Georgian architecture.
The final stretch takes us through Boroughbridge, a town steeped in Roman history, before concluding at Burn Hall Hotel near Huby, a welcoming retreat nestled in the North Yorkshire countryside. This route is a perfect blend of scenic riding and cultural discovery, ideal for those seeking a true taste of Northern England.
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Yorkshire Circuit 1 ~ 170 miles ~ 5.5 hours riding
Today’s ride departs Huby, heading east into the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This peaceful region is known for its rolling farmland, wooded valleys, and stately homes, offering a relaxed and scenic start to the day.
We soon arrive in York, one of England’s most historic cities. Riders can explore landmarks such as York Minster, the towering Gothic cathedral; The Shambles, a medieval street full of character; and the City Walls, which offer panoramic views. Hidden alleys and riverside paths add charm to this walkable city, with motorcycle parking conveniently located near the centre.
Leaving York, we cross the Vale of York and enter the Yorkshire Wolds, where gentle hills and open farmland make for flowing, enjoyable riding. Our next stop is Bridlington, a classic seaside town with a lively harbour, sandy beaches, and plenty of spots for fish and chips. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy lunch by the sea.
From Bridlington, the route hugs the dramatic Yorkshire coast, passing through charming villages with sweeping sea views. We ride north to Robin Hood’s Bay, a picturesque fishing village with steep cobbled lanes and a rich smuggling history. Take time to explore or enjoy a coffee by the shore.
Turning inland, we climb into the North York Moors National Park, where twisty roads and heather-clad hills provide exhilarating riding. Passing through Goatland (where Heartbeat was filmed), Pickering, Thornton-Le-Dale, Wombleton, and Helmsley before returning to our hotel with time to shower and change before dinner.
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Yorkshire circuit 2 ~ 150 miles ~ 5 hours riding
This captivating circuit from Burn Hall Hotel offers a rich blend of history, nature, and coastal charm, with a particular focus on Yorkshire’s famed abbeys. The journey begins with a visit to Byland Abbey, a striking ruin nestled in the countryside, followed shortly by the majestic remains of Rievaulx Abbey, set in a tranquil valley near Helmsley.
From here, the route loosely follows the River Rye, winding through the scenic village of Hawnby and onward to Osmotherley, a gateway to the North York Moors. Passing the peaceful Cod Beck Reservoir, the ride continues north to Hutton Rudby, before veering southeast to the remote beauty of Chop Gate.
Sweeping north again, the road leads to Kildale, then east and north to reach the seaside town of Saltburn-by-the-Sea, known for its Victorian pier and cliff tramway. Following the dramatic coastline, the route passes through Staithes, a charming fishing village, and arrives at Whitby Abbey, famously linked to Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
Turning inland, the journey continues through Egton Bridge and Danby, then heads south to Hutton-le-Hole, a picturesque village with traditional stone cottages and a folk museum. The final leg takes us to the grand estate of Castle Howard, one of England’s finest stately homes, before returning to Burn Hall Hotel.
This route offers a perfect mix of cultural heritage, scenic riding, and coastal exploration, ideal for those seeking a memorable ride in North Yorkshire.
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Yorkshire to Northumberland ~ 140 miles ~ 4.5 hours riding
This scenic route blends historic towns, twisty roads, and natural beauty, ideal for riders seeking a varied and memorable journey through northern England. It begins when we depart Burn Hall Hotel to head west through the charming countryside of North Yorkshire. The first stop is the historic town of Knaresborough, perched above the River Nidd and known for its dramatic viaduct, riverside walks, and medieval castle ruins, and Old Mother Shiptons Cave. It’s a charming place to pause and soak in the views.
Continuing west, the route winds through quiet country lanes like Pill White Lane, offering a peaceful ride through farmland and wooded valleys. The journey then leads to Storiths, on the eastern bank of the River Wharf opposite Bolton Abbey, where the landscape begins to rise into the Yorkshire Dales, with sweeping vistas and stone-built villages.
From here, the ride follows the scenic A684, a favourite among motorcyclists for its flowing curves and stunning views. The road continues to the B6270, which cuts through remote valleys and picturesque hamlets, eventually reaching the historic town of Barnard Castle. Known for its impressive castle ruins and riverside setting, it’s a great spot to take a break.
The final leg of the journey heads north through the lush countryside of County Durham, culminating at The Derwent Manor Hotel, near Consett. Nestled in the rolling hills above the Derwent Valley, the hotel offers a relaxing retreat and a perfect end to a day of exploration.
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Northumberland circuit 1 ~ 150 miles ~ 5 hours riding
We begin with a short ride to one of England’s most famous open-air museums. Beamish recreates life in the Northeast during the 1820s, 1900s, and 1940s. It features vintage trams and buses, a working coal mine and an Edwardian town and farm. If there is interest, we shall stop here to tour the facility.
Departing Beamish we turn southwest entering the North Pennines National Landscape, this stretch offers twisting roads through moorland and river views along the Wear ring us to Stanhope’s charming village centre.
Further south we arrive at the historic market town of Barnard Castle where the dramatic castle ruins overlooking the River Tees. Time permitting the Bowes Museum makes an interesting stop though we will most likely stretch our legs in town and seek out a café.
As we leave Barnard Castle heading north-westerly we pass the High Force Waterfall. Although not directly on the route, it’s a short detour for those willing to take a hike to one of England’s most powerful waterfalls, set in a deep gorge.
We now torn West joining the Sea to Sea (the C2C Cycle Route). We join the route near Carrigill and Leadgate, riding through remote valleys and quiet upland roads with scenic river crossings including the South Tyne and Black Burn before turning north through Renwick and onwards to Castle Carrock. These two peaceful villages in Cumbria are ideal for a break although Castle Carrock is especially picturesque, with a lovely village green and pub.
On the return leg we visit Vindolanda, a Roman frontier fort near Hadrian’s Wall, which is a must-see for history lovers. You will see Roman ruins, a museum, the site on an ongoing archaeological dig and part of Hadrian’s Wall.
The final leg brings us through the Slaley Forest, a scenic ride through forested areas and quiet country lanes, to loop back toward Derwent Manor to end the day.
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Northumberland circuit 2 ~ 150 miles ~ 5 hours riding
This beautiful loop through Northumberland, combining historic estates, remote moorlands, and forested valleys. It’s ideal for riders who enjoy a mix of cultural stops and scenic, low-traffic roads.
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Departing Derwent Manor we join the B6309, a quiet countryside road with gentle curves and open views across farmland. We pass through a few hamlets with stone built properties as we take a ride north making our first stop at Cragside, a Victorian mansion set in woodland and gardens now managed by the National Trust. The work of architect Rochard Norman Shaw for industrialist, engineer, inventor and arms manufacturer William Armstrong and his wife Margaret, Cragside is the original smart home with a hydro-electric plant used to power the home and creative use of hydraulics for other tasks. The gardens are also a joy to stroll through, although we are best to restrict our stop to the main house before continuing our ride.
The next leg of this route enters the Cheviot Hills region, with rolling uplands and sheep-dotted fields, narrow, winding roads with minimal traffic, and a sense of remoteness and tranquillity as we make our way to Blakehopeburnhaugh a tiny hamlet deep in the Northumberland National Park, surrounded by forest and moorland. This is the eastern end of the Kielder Forest Drive, a remote beauty spot offering great photo opportunities as we make our way west to Kielder Castle. At the highest point along the drive you will see The Nick, a quirky timber shelter designed to enhance the experience of visiting this remote spot. Continuing to Kielder Castle, a former hunting lodge that is now a visitor centre, we take a break at the café and exhibition area.
Turning south we traverse Kielder Water, a reservoir and England’s largest man-made lake, before taking more quiet backroads, passing through the edge of the Pennines and back to your base at Derwent Manor.
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Derwent to Glasgow ~ 155 miles ~ 4.5 hours riding
After a restful night, many will make their return journey homeward from here, those returning with us to Glasgow shall leave our hotel near the Derwent Reservoir, to make our way north through the scenic countryside of Northumberland by heading north toward the vibrant market town of Hexham, known for its impressive medieval abbey and charming stone-built streets.
Crossing the border into Scotland, the landscape transforms into rolling hills and winding rivers as we enter the Scottish Borders. Our next stop is Selkirk, a town steeped in history and famous for the Selkirk Bannock. Take a moment to explore its streets and enjoy a taste of this rich fruit bread.
Continuing north, we pass through picturesque towns and villages, each offering a glimpse into the character of the Borders region. The terrain changes to heather-clad hills and scenic river valleys.
We then arrive in Peebles, where the river flows gently through the town, adding to its tranquil charm. From here, we press on toward Lanark, a historic market town perched above the River Clyde. Known for its ties to William Wallace and the nearby New Lanark Mill, it’s a place rich in heritage.
The final leg of our journey takes us northwest through the broad, sweeping roads of Lanarkshire, with gentle hills and farmland guiding us back toward the city. Soon, the countryside gives way to urban streets as we arrive in Glasgow, completing this North of England into Scotland route.
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