Scarborough Spa to Goathland

Brian Beadle throws down the gauntlet in the first of four tough, linking rides... this time it is from Scarborough Spa to Goathland

The 100-mile challenge route, or Beadle's Bash as it is known, runs from Scarborough Spa to Helmsley market place.

It goes across the North York Moors National Park calling at Goathland and Glaisdale along the way. to take in all the sights.

The challenge is to complete it in less than 12 hours! Of course you could take three or four days, pacing yourself accordingly.

For details of how to claim your 100-mile certificate you will have to buy the book which has much more information on the places visited.

This time we set off from Scarborough Spa to Goathland, the next one's from Goathland to Glaisdale, then from Glaisdale to Bloworth Crossing, and finally from Bloworth Crossing to Helmsley.

Fact File

Distance: 32 miles (52km) approx

Grading: Moderate

Off road: 75 per cent

Start/Grid Ref: Scarborough Spa - GR 045878

Map: OS Landranger OS Outdoor Leisure North York Moors No. 27 Eastern Area. Alternative OS Landranger 101 or 94.

Refreshments: Station Tea Rooms Cloughton, Hayburn Wyke Hotel, Raven Hall Hotel, Cafes and pubs in Robin Hoods Bay, snacks at May beck in summer. Cafes and pubs in Goathland.

Reference book: Beadle's Bash - 100 mile challenge route for Mountain Bikers by J Brian Beadle published by Trailblazer at £1.80, available from book shops, cafes, cycle shops, Dalby Forest Visitor Centre and Tourist Information Centres.

DIRECTIONS

Leave the Spa and head off towards the harbour and continue along round the castle foot to the North Bay. After passing Little Jack's Bar and the corner caf go right at the roundabout along the A165 signposted to Whitby.

In about one and a half miles at the council caravan site, turn left along Station Road. After the speed limit signs take the third turning on the right along Field Close Road. There is a sign on the righthand wall which reads 'railway route'.

Take the first right into Lancaster Way and at the end of the road go right again along a tarmac path between the houses which leads to the old railway track.

At Burniston cross the road diagonally left to rejoin the track on your right. It is one mile to Cloughton Station which is now the Station Tea Rooms. Keep to the left of the buildings, cross the road bearing right and rejoin the railway track on the left.

The scenic route takes you to Hayburn Wyke Station which is approached through a gate. If refreshment is required turn immediately right through the gate to the Hayburn Wyke Hotel.

Rejoin the railway track and proceed north to Ravenscar passing Staintondale Station on the way. Please ride carefully, there could be children playing. It is a gentle incline upwards now, fair game for a cyclist but a hard slog for a heavily laden steam engine.

At Ravenscar you must leave the path because the old railway tunnel is dangerous. Turn right onto a chalky road to the square; there are a couple of houses, a shop and a caf on one side. Keep these on your left and head north along a wide well surfaced road to the Raven Hall Hotel.

Opposite the hotel entrance is the National Trust Centre. Take the track past the centre following a sign for the Cleveland Way, keeping the National Trust Centre on your right. The track soon becomes brick paved, using old bricks from the Ravenscar Brick Company. A few yards further on where the track narrows turn left following a 'Trail' sign to rejoin the railway track.

This extremely scenic route with views across to Robin Hoods Bay and beyond takes you past the old Ravenscar Brickworks, the remains of some of the kilns can still be seen.

Cross the road at Fylinghall Station, you will not see the station, and continue along to Robin Hood's Bay. If you wish to visit Robin Hood's Bay turn right, if not turn left along the road through Fylingthorpe and up the steep hill that ascends onto the moor.

Congratulations if you managed to ride all the way up this lung-bursting ascent without dismounting. I will now allow you five minutes rest to admire the view. Soon you will meet the A171 road, cross the road with care and follow the bridleway sign and follow the narrower track through the heather. You must ride in the direction which the sign points.

Eventually you will meet the road, turn right and cycle along for one mile where the road bends sharp right. Ignore the junction opposite to Littlebeck and execute a 'U' turn left over a cattle grid signposted to May Beck.

At the May Beck picnic area you might be lucky and be able to avail yourself of a little light refreshment if the kiosk is in situ. If not, keep going straight ahead uphill on an un-surfaced track. Follow the track around to the right to a gate. Continue straight ahead then when the track forks go right.

Look out for a waymark with a black cycle on a white background along the route although you are actually riding in the opposite direction to which the waymarkers are pointing. Keep on this route until it meets a gate at Stony Leas, almost 1,000ft above sea level. Ahead in the distance on the left is Lilla Cross.

If you do not wish to visit Lilla Cross do not pass through the gate or follow anymore of the black cycle waymarks, but turn right and follow the blue arrow bridleway waymark. It is a fast, rough track which takes you over Louven Howe, past Ann's Cross and across Foster Howes to meet the A169 Whitby to Pickering road, enjoy this downhill section and I hope you have suspension on your bike.

The A169 is a busy road, especially in summer, please cross with caution. Take the track through the gate on the opposite side of the road for a short way until it meets the Goathland road. Turn left here and enjoy the fast downhill bash into Goathland. This is journey's end for now.

Next time I will guide you from Goathland to Glaisdale.