Dear All,
Now summer is here with its long warm days, beautiful sunshine, good company and the enjoyment of riding our Velocettes. How do you fancy joining us for a few fine days riding in the Yorkshire Dales? Our plan is to repeat the format of what happened in 2022, 2023 and 2024 when Lancashire Members and friends took part in very enjoyable visits to the Yorkshire Dales and the North Yorkshire Moors. It will be at the same time of year to avoid major Velocette Owners' Club events. An account of the 2023 and 2024 trips can be found in Fishtails 494 and 502.
Here are a few details and a tentative itinerary for 2025's trip based at Grassington.
Yorkshire Dales, Monday July 14th to Thursday July 17th, 2025
Visiting and motorcycling in the Yorkshire Dales National Park is to experience some of the most dramatic roads in the country. The Dales can be wild and windswept or tranquil, with valleys full of hay meadows, barns and drystone walls, and is famous for its waterfalls and spectacular cave systems. We will explore the area from our base in the market town of Grassington, which is well positioned in Upper Wharfdale in the south east corner of the National Park.
Grassington is a small but fascinating town with cobbled streets, interesting shops, a folk museum, historic churches and is famous for Linton Waterfalls. There are good bus services to Skipton and Ilkley, so there is plenty for non-riders to do.
Don’t forget your bus pass.
Also, please bring your National Trust Card.
Fans of the TV series "All Creatures Great and Small" will be interested as we pass many of the locations used, such as Darowby, Skeldale House and the Drovers' Arms in Grassington, and Helen's Farm in Yockenthwaite. Much of the 2003 film "Calendar Girls" was filmed in Wharfdale. "Knapely" is Kettlewell.
People coming on the trip should book their own accommodation. Grassington has a choice of small bed and breakfast guest houses, airbnb's, historic pubs, and country hotels with a range of prices for double rooms, twin rooms, single occupancy rooms etc. Some have car parks or secure storage for bikes. There are several campsites near Grassington catering for tents and mobile homes.
In the evenings, the group will meet at one of the cafes/bistros/restaurants in and around Grassington for an evening meal and to discuss the next day’s activities.
The two riding days will have a led group, but route instructions will be available for those wishing a shorter, more relaxed day.
Non-riders, car drivers, wives, partners and girlfriends are all welcome.
The holiday has proved to be very popular and we are expecting 17 people taking, part who are riding 14 bikes (3 pillion passengers). We may also be joined by day visitors. For safety and courtesy to other road users, we plan to split into two groups riding say 10 to 15 minutes apart. One group will be led by me, John Booth and the second group will be led by Mike Peach, who has very kindly volunteered!
A suggested itinerary is as follows:-
Riding Itinerary
Monday July 14th.
Travel to Grassington.
Grassington is approximately 54 miles from Manchester by motorway and fast dual carriageway, or more leisurely, along pleasant A roads.
7.30pm, evening meal together, (say the "Devonshire Arms" for traditional Pub Food).
Tuesday July 15th
After breakfast, we meet at the Spar, Theshfield on the B6160 (1.2 miles from Grassington) to fill up with petrol before we set off on our ride proper at say 10.15 am.
Following attached Route 1, we climb out of Wharfedale over the moors before descending into Wensleydale and Hawes for morning coffee at the "Penny Garth Cafe", say 10.45am to 11.30 am.
We continue along Wensleydale, pausing to inspect Aysgarth Falls, before stopping in Middleham for lunch at "Richard the Third", say 1.00pm to 2.00pm.
After lunch, we ascend over to Nidderdale dropping into Pateley Bridge for afternoon tea at "Toft Gate Barn", say 3.15 pm to 4.00 pm.
Next we pass Barden Bridge before returning via Skipton to arrive in Grassington for say 5.00pm.
Total distance 91 miles.
7.30 pm, evening meal together at a restaurant in Grassington (The Foresters Arms for traditional Pub Food)
Wednesday July 16th
After breakfast, we meet at the Spar, Theshfield on the B6160 (1.2 miles from Grassington) to fill up with petrol before we set off on our ride proper at say 10.15 am.
Following attached Route 2, we have an exhilarating ride over high moors on our way for morning coffee at the "Richard the Third", say 11.30 to 12.15 pm.
Next we follow the River Ure through Masham and Ripon to arrive for lunch at the "Fountains Abbey Visitor Centre" and explore the Abbey, say 12.45pm to 2.30pm.
After lunch, we pass Brimham Rocks, stopping for a cup of tea and viewing the rocks, say 3.00 pm to 4.45 pm.
Finally we ride through rolling hills back to Grassington for say 5.15pm.
Total distance 74 miles.
7.45 pm, evening meal together at a restaurant in Grassington ( Black Horse for traditional Pub Food)
Thursday, 17th July,
Set off for home after breakfast. Petrol is available at Spar, Theshfield on the B6160 (1.2 miles from Grassington).
Riding Routes
Tuesday July 16th
Here is a link for those with a TomTom, Garmin or Smart Phone
www.myrouteapp.com/en/social/route/9918792?mode=share
Wednesday July 17th
Here is a link for those with a TomTom, Garmin or Smart Phone
Photographs of places to be visited or passed en route
What to do next
If you are interested in coming, please contact John Booth, mobile 07827 796609, or email janetandjohnbooth@btinternet.com.
As navigating the routes may be a little tricky and some of the stops for morning coffee and afternoon tea are quaint and not very big, plus the fact this will only be the fourth time Lancashire Centre has organised anything like this, we are a bit nervous of having a very large group, so before booking any accommodation, please contact John.
Next book your accommodation. As we plan to have three evening meals in Grassington itself, having accommodation within walking distance of the town centre is good.
Finally, please fill in the Entry Form below. The main purpose of the Form is to give us contact details if we need to speak to your family for any reason.