Motorcycle Routes for Summer
Looking for some new motorcycle routes to try? We’ve got you covered. Across the country there are endless routes that visit some of the most beautiful areas, and we’ve compiled a list of a few of them. It’s time to get the motorcycle out, put your leathers on and get out on the road.
Yorkshire
Ripon Loop via Masham, Hawes, Ribblesdale & Grassington
Taking just over 3 hours, excluding any stopping time to take in the views, this loop around the Ripon area visits some beautiful places in Yorkshire. With a combination of flat roads and various ascents, as well as being a relatively quiet route, this loop is perfect for those on two wheels.
Ripon is the perfect place to begin this route as it provides all the amenities that you could need ahead of your journey. With an abundance of filling stations, shops, and cafes, you won't struggle to find somewhere to get fuel, whether that’s for your bike or yourself. Once you’re ready to set off, head north out of Ripon towards Masham, a lovely market town, with a rich history, beautiful scenery and many local businesses, including breweries and distilleries. Continuing north, you’ll visit several towns and villages including East Witton, Cover Bridge and Middleham, which will eventually lead you to a left-hand turning onto the A684 before you reach Leyburn.
Once you’re heading west on the A684, you will make your way through more lovely villages including Wensley, Aysgarth and Bainbridge, before you reach the market town of Hawes. Home of Wensleydale Creamery, and a number of shops, pubs and cafes, this quaint market town is the perfect place to stop along this route for a bite to eat or something to drink. Exit Hawes onto the B6255 and you will begin to head south through the Yorkshire countryside. Continue along this road for a while until you reach a left-hand turn towards Selside, Horton in Ribblesdale and Stainforth. This road will take you alongside the River Ribble and offers more views of Yorkshire.
Once you reach Stainforth, take a left-hand turn onto Goat Lane, and then another left-hand turn onto Henside Road which will begin to take you back towards Ripon. This route takes you past Malham Tarn, a glacial lake offering unique views. Continuing past Malham Tarn to the east, the wonderful views of North Yorkshire continue. Eventually you’ll reach Threshfield, where you’ll need to take another left-hand turn onto the B6265 towards Grassington, yet another picturesque Yorkshire village. Between Grassington and Ripon, you’ll visit Pateley Bridge, home to the oldest sweet shop in the world, and you’ll pass Fountains Abbey. Once you return to Ripon, head for a bite to eat or a drink in one of the many eateries, pubs, and bars, or explore the city’s streets, market square and cathedral.
Driffield to Helmsley via Malton
For those looking for a shorter ride, the route from Driffield to Helmsley via Malton is a great option. Taking around an hour, this journey isn’t particularly long, however, it does take you to some lovely places in North Yorkshire. Starting in the town of Driffield and heading to the market towns of Malton and Helmsley. This route also provides the option of heading over to Sutton Bank, where you can get some of the nicest views in Yorkshire.
Begin this route in the town of Driffield, which has filling stations, shops, and eateries so that you can make sure you’re ready for the journey. Head out of the town in a north westerly direction onto the A166 and continue along that road until you reach the village of Wetwang. Once you have driven through Wetwang, take a right-hand turn onto the B1248 towards Malton. This road takes you through the fields of North Yorkshire and provides excellent panoramic scenery. Along this road, you will head through the villages of Wharram le Street and North Grimston, followed by the town of Norton, and then into Malton.
With its historic architecture, and country town feel, Malton is a lovely Yorkshire town. It is also known as ‘Yorkshire’s Food Capital’, so it’s definitely worth a stop for a bite to eat if you have the time. Head in a south westerly direction out of Malton towards Swinton and Amotherby, which continues to offer more lovely views of the Yorkshire countryside as you make your way through the towns and villages on your way to Helmsley. The market town of Helmsley is a very beautiful Yorkshire town, boasting a selection of independent shops and eateries, as well as being home to attractions such as Helmsley Castle, Helmsley Walled Garden and Duncombe Park.
If you wanted, you could extend this route slightly and make your way to Sutton Bank from Helmsley, with Sutton Bank being roughly 12 minutes away and being very straightforward to get to. Simply exit Helmsley the same way you came in and follow the A170 until you reach the top of Sutton Bank. There is ample parking at the top as well as a visitors’ centre. With a number of walking and cycling routes and viewing points providing excellent views of Yorkshire, Sutton Bank is worth a visit.
Northumberland
Hexham to Alnwick via Bellingham
With a drive time of roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes, this route from Hexham to Alnwick via Bellingham takes you through the Northumbrian countryside and several towns and villages. The town of Hexham is the perfect place to start this route with its range of filling stations, shops, and places to eat so that you can make sure you’re ready for the journey. Once you’re ready to go, head north out of the town and head over the A69 onto the B6319.
As you make your way alongside the North Tyne River, you’ll come to a T-junction in the village of Walwick. Turn left here, continue for about a mile, and then take a right. Once you reach the end of that road, turn left onto the B6320, which will take you through the villages of Nunwick and Wark, before you reach Bellingham. The town of Bellingham is quaint and cosy, with a number of cafes, pubs, and shops, making it the perfect place for a break if you fancy.
Continue north out of Bellingham towards Otterburn, another lovely village, and then continue your journey east, following the B6341 which takes you up to Alnwick. This road visits towns and villages including Elsdon, Thropton and Rothbury and takes you through the Northumberland countryside. The end point of this route, Alnwick is a lovely market town with plenty to offer, including Alnwick Castle, Alnwick Gardens and Hulne Park. With charming cobblestone streets and historic stone buildings, Alnwick is the perfect storybook town.
Warkworth to Berwick-upon-Tweed
This route takes you along the Northumberland coast and takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes, excluding stops, if you go the quickest route. Start your journey in the coastal town of Amble, where you can explore the marina or the high street and treat yourself to ice cream or fish and chips. Once you’re ready to go, head north out of Amble through Warkworth and Hipsburn. At this point there are a few different ways to continue the journey, as you can make head over to the the A1 which is the quicker route, or you can take the B1339 through various towns and villages.
Once you have decided on the route you want to take, continue north through Northumberland. As you make your way up the coast, a great place to visit is Lindisfarne, also known as Holy Island. Periodically cut off from the rest of the county, this island is home to Lindisfarne Castle and Lindisfarne Priory, plenty of cafes, pubs, restaurants and shops and offers a range of walks around the island. Paying a visit to Lindisfarne will add around 10 minutes onto the route each way, and you’ll have to make sure that you check the timings of when the causeway is inaccessible.
Once you’ve stopped off at Lindisfarne and you’re back on the mainland, continue heading north until you reach Berwick-upon-Tweed on the border of Scotland. A town with cobblestone streets, castle ruins and beaches, Berwick is rich in history. Grab something to eat or a drink in one of the towns many cafes, pubs, or restaurants, or take a boat trip to spot some seals and dolphins.
At Lloyd Motor Group we provide all you could need for your next adventure at our BMW Motorrad and Honda Motorcycles sites based in Carlisle. From new and used motorbikes to biking accessories, as well as motorbike servicing.
