Public library book sale in Hull
It’s going to be a hot 8degrees today – no cycling today! Some of the bargains I did not bag at the book sale at the local public library
England and Japan 2019
Day 8: Slow Tour of Yorkshire
Goole, Howden and surrounding areas
On Day 8 we visited the Goole and Howden area. Surveyed the region with a loop ride. Howden is:
- a small historic market town and civil parish in the East Riding of Yorkshire.
- dominated by its Minster.
- strategically placed as one of the most inland ports in the UK.
The ride was made up of a number of distinct segments which we found on a nationwide bicycle route and group ride site called Let’s Ride. The first map shows the route we took from Goole to Howden. We then returned to Goole to catch the train back to Hull.
Goole to Howden
The route from Goole to Howden was largely traffic free path alongside (for the most part) a faintly busy minor road. But it did the trick of getting us to Howden. Crossing both the motorway and the Ouse River.
Howden
Howden is certainly dominated by its Minister. Part of the Minister is a ruin.
Howden seems to be well served with trendy eateries and wine bars. But this ride was on Monday, so some where closed. The ones open were doing good business. We went to the Kitchen – which seems to make the biggest cakes in the world. Our lunch was HUGE – I had to put the wide angle lens on my iPhone to fit in the boards.
After lunch we did a loop ride from Howden to Howden. It was quite country lanes, which meant that the ride was fast and fun! They are certainly the best routes to ride.
Overall the ride was about 30km. We did visit the Goole Library when we returned. If you are concerned that we are not getting enough libraries in.
Resources
- The GPX file came from Let’s Ride. Goole to Howden and Howden Loop.
- Details also came from a guidebook published by rideast.co.uk
- If you want big cake and lunch go to the Kitchen.
Modern furniture?
Strolling through Debenhams I saw this lovely piece of trendy furniture. So pleased Australia’s native wildlife has inspired someone to be creative.
Even with 20% off not buying it!
Day 7: Slow Tour of Yorkshire
Hull to Fort Paull
Day 7 sees the Slow Tour return to Hull for start on a special route created by us based on bike maps and Google. The route leaves from Hull on a rail trail towards Hedon ending at the Fort Paull Musesum, which is:
- Yorkshire’s only remains Napoleonic fortress.
- a gun battery situated on the north bank of the Humber.
- full of Underground tunnels and rooms.
- the home to the world’s only remaining Blackburn Beverley aircraft.
- in need of renovation badly, a clean up with a duster wouldn’t harm the place and a fresh lick of paint.
- very interesting and informative about the history and uses of the site.
Hull
The ride starts in the old town of Hull. We stayed at the Hideout Hotel in the old town – well located near markets and good food.
The ride moves to the Museums Quarter of Hull, with the Streetlife Museum, William Wilberforce House and the Hull and East Riding. We checked these museums out as part of this ride.
The ride towards Hedon is mostly traffic free following the Humber River east. Thus taking in some industrial sites including the Siemens factor making wind turbines. The route then transfers to a rail trail, after a crossing the busy A63 road.
Hedon
After crossing over the rail line with a bridge, the rail trail starts of quite well with a pleasant tarmac surface. About halfway along, however, it turns to a very narrow mud track, great fun if you have a BMX. This where Google let us down – the Sustrans paper map did have an exclamation mark on this part of the route suggesting that it might be rough!
Hedon is a pleasant village with a nice church and shopping area. It has all the services (and a range of barbers) that a local village needs. I had a Hawaiian gammon for lunch!
Paull
Paull is a Humberside village that includes the Fort Paull Museum. I think the dot points above fairly summarise this place. Below are some photos for you.
We caught the 79 Bus back to Paragon Hull interchange. Be careful they are infrequent.
Resources
- No fancy GPX file this time – we rolled our own on our Beeline App. You might be able to convert our Strava data to a route!
- Bus 79 to Paull.
- If you dare, the Fort Paull Museum.
Day 6: Slow Tour of Yorkshire
Driffield to Burton Agnes
Taking advantage of the good weather, and in search of old historic houses we decided on the final destination to be Burton Agnes Hall. However, to get to the start required a train trip. Please ask Kym about transport costs, it will be a rewarding conversation.
Why Burton Agnes Hall?
- It’s an old Elizabethan stately home (constructed 1598-1610)
- filled with variety of tapestries, art and ceramics
- English garden and woodland (although end of season)
- Good pub stop on the route.
Driffield
Starting out at Driffield, had us going through the centre of the town. It was also market day – so we had a look around the stalls which comprised of bread, pork pies, tarts, olives, Turkish delight, cheap clothes, shoes, toys, concrete garden objects and plants.
Getting out of Driffield was pretty simple (oh … love small towns), and we were soon on the country roads. Surprisingly we did encounter traffic lights near roads works and building development on the edge of town.
Country Roads
The country roads are truely a pleasure to cycle. They may be one lane in both directions, but the drivers so far have been respectful. Once you get even further out from the little towns the roads are really only wide enough for one and a half cars. The below picture is a prime example. There were hardly any cars, and the most traffic we encounter on this day one these types of roads were two cars, a tractor, a couple of cyclists.
Lunch
As you expected Kym had found the perfect stop for lunch at St Quintins Arms – menu below.
While the menu looked good – we both went for the lamb specials (apologies non meat eaters – on the bright side these people knew how they were looked after, where they came from etc). The taste was incredible, and match with sitting outside we were not disappointed by the entire experience at this place. If you are in Yorkshire – GO HERE.
While we enjoyed sitting outside we had to get going… back on the bike to the hall.
Railway Crossings Yorkshire Style
Along the route there were two occasions where we had to cross railway tracks through gates. These required checking to ensure no train was coming before going across the tracks. We were saying “I bet they hardly ever get used… “ when we crossed we saw lights down the track.. just to prove us wrong. These are only used by locals based on the signage.
Burton Agnes Hall and Gardens
In addition to the house, there is also an old church and and Norman building (at least I think that is what it was). The art works are of a broad range, as the family collects art and fine furniture. They even commissioned famous English tapestry designer Kaffe Fasset (yes Vivienne!) do create an original for their house >> see below.
The grounds are large and have a walled vegetable section – with maze. We only got lost once. In addition there is a children’s outside playground and woodland correct with wooden carvings. Like many of these places you can also grab a bite to eat and purchase plants. We had a quick food stop before catching the bus home – yeah for folding bikes! After 4pm it gets cold quickly and its best to be on the way home.
Truely a fabulous day on the Brompton bike
Resources
- This ride was based on the GPX file from GPS Cycle and Walking Routes for Driffield to Bridlington.
- We however made some changes that you can see on Strava.
- Lunch stop is highly recommended at St Quintin Arms. You can stay here too!
- Burton Agnes Hall and Gardens. You can get some ideas from www.castlesandgardens.co.uk
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Day 5: Slow Tour of Yorkshire
Selby to York
On this occasion we ventured further afield for the ride. To get to the beginning – once again – involved a train ride to Selby, as it is approximately 60km, or 50 minutes on the train.
Do I need to describe York? Surely everyone knows York is famous for:
- being a walled city built by Romans
- 13th century Gothic cathedral, with two bell towers (which while being burned a number of times the latest was July 1984)
- Vikings made it a river port
- Birth place of Guy Fawkes
- ..lots more google it yourself.
We selected the ride as the end destination was perfect for meeting my mum and uncle who were catching the train. But also it was suggested by the train conductor when we caught the wrong train on the previous ride. Why not take the recommendation. When a little research it was described as having a lengthy route without traffic – what more could you ask for in a cycle route?
Selby
The route starts immediately out of the railway station. But if you are coming from Hull, you need to walk over the bridge. If you look closely, there is only a very thin rail to enable you to push your bike up the stairs. But lets face it carrying is easier if you have a bag.
The route takes you through Selby to the old railway line. The track is really a broken asphalt, with dirt, plants, leaves… and in this season mud. I was thinking a mountain bike at this stage would be easier – see the picture below which is through dense trees after coming off the rail trail.
Once you get out of Selby there is a separate walking/cycle path which enables you to get up good speed towards Barlby. Once through the town you connect with the dedicated rail trail.
The trail was originally done from 1985-1987. Unfortunately at times it is very bumpy given there are a number of trees planted close to the track which has pushed up the asphalt. Along the route, you pass many dog walkers, walkers, and cyclists. Along the length of the path are also planets in the solar system, done to a specific scale – so you can walk the distance of the solar system to York. I could add the photo of the art work representations – but I am going to leave that to your imagination.
York
The closer you get to York the more people you encounter. There is also more art along the trail…. and a plant nursery. Here in addition to plants, you can also buy vegetables, snacks, drinks, and trinkets – where we stopped and had a cool drink.
Take a closer look at the above picture 🙂
The trail signage is really great – as it takes you into the centre of the town. This can sometimes be the hardest part to navigate if you have to stop and check a map every few minutes.
Oddly enough, the trail takes you through the middle of a racecourse – thankfully they were only doing maintenance. We found our way to the train station, and my mum and uncle who were waiting patiently. We were talking to them about finding a park for our bikes, and someone passing suggested the bike park accessible from the station. It was worthwhile – as there were hundreds of bikes, and we managed to find a free bike park and “city locked” our bikes, and re-joined my relatives for a spot of lunch.
Resources
Loop ride…
To get to the start of today’s ride we catch the train to Goole. <not mentioning price> the internal train interior reminds us of something from the 80s. I do feel for people who find it difficult to get up steps or in wheelchairs.
Hello from Leeds
Here at the Leeds Art Gallery.
Day 4: Slow tour of Yorkshire
Skipton to Saltaire
On day 4 we travelled a little bit further afield. The start of this ride was Skipton. This should take two trains from Hull – the Transpeninne Express to Leeds and then a Metro train to Skipton. We took four trains…. one that accidentally went to Selby and one returning us to Leeds.
Saltaire is:
- a Victorian model village
- near Bradford in West Yorkshire
- named after its founder, Sir Titus Salt and the River Aire
- an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This ride starts of in Skipton the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales. There are a number of good coffer shops. These are of course a good place to start a bike ride.
This route starts on country lanes. They hold stunning views that can not easily be captured in a single photo. But, as a word of warning, there are a couple of small hills with gradients around 20%.
You need to keep a keen eye out for a pub lunch! The first part of the ride has a limited number of options. I had a lovely pie and Helen had bangers and mash.
After the more strenuous hills and riding through someone’s farm … the route becomes a lot simpler following the Leeds to Liverpool canal. Easy gradients but unfortunately the towpath has not been well maintained.
There were some impressive locks, including the 5 level rise Bingley lock.
Since we were a little delayed in our start and the forecast was for rain, we decided to shorten our ride and finish in Saltaire. We’re glad that we did. Saltaire, an UNESCO site, is a fascinating model village. It’s mill, now closed, has been turned into and art space with tasteful shopping.
I’d recommend visiting Tambourine for you cake and coffee needs.
Resources
- The GPX route from GPS Cycling and Walking Routes.
- My Strava information, so you can see how slow we were.
- Salts Mill and Tambourine Coffee websites.
Bromptoneering or bust 