Route YC, Yorkshire’s answer to the NC500, is focusing on cycling for 2024. The project, which aims to attract tourists to the county’s coastline, has an exciting new partnership and a headline event to get visitors in the saddle this year.
Cycling and caravan holidays are a great combination, allowing riders the flexibility to get to some little-known destinations with all their kit. Now, Route YC has launched a selection of new routes in partnership with Komoot.
The routes
Ranging from 15 km to 415 km in length, the routes have been specially designed by author and cyclist Markus Stitz. The aim is to enable visitors of all abilities to explore the Yorkshire coast and countryside on gravel, touring and road bikes.
Five-day adventure route
Five days is a nice amount of time to be cycling and easily allows for weekends on either side to travel or relax for anyone taking a week off work. This route from Whitby to Spurn Point, taking in dramatic cliffs and beaches, remote moors, dark skies, picture postcard villages and towns, is 415 km in total.
Adventure weekender
If you’ve only got a weekend to spare, that’s still enough time to head off in your caravan and tackle 147 km of the Yorkshire Coast. Depart from Whitby Railway Station and experience peace and quiet on the North York Moors, stunning coastline and quaint villages and towns. The ride is on gravel tracks and cycle paths, as well as quiet lanes and country roads.
Touring route from Hull to Staithes
Doing what it says on the tin, you’ll set out from Hull and ride to Staithes, a distance of 175 km. One of the nice things about this route, which can be ridden in either direction, is that it connects with the ferry in Hull and the well-known EuroVelo 12 route in Staithes, making it easy to extend your cycling trip.
Additional routes
Komoot is also showcasing a number of other cycling trips along Route YC, with specific types of bike in mind. These circular rides have been categorised for road bikes, gravel bikes and e-bikes, making it easy for cyclists and families to choose the right loops for their next adventure.
Yorkshire Coast Dirt Dash
This year will also see the inaugural Yorkshire Coast Dirt Dash event held on July 13th and 14th. Riders are encouraged to join in for £95 and enjoy the camaraderie of cycling with others over the 147-km route. They’ll be overnight camping around halfway through the route, with an evening meal and breakfast all part of the deal.
Photo credit: Unsplash/Fat Lads
