Make tracks for rail lines

Brian Beadle suggests off-road routes for mountain bikers to try out

To keep you cycling off-road during the winter months old railway tracks are useful. There are many of these disused tracks around York, Hull and the east coast such as the one from from Hull to Hornsea.

Hull to Hornsea

The Hull and Hornsea Railway Company was formed and built the railway line which was opened in 1864. Its main function was to carry tourists to Hornsea but it also carried agricultural products, animals and coal. The line was closed for economic reasons in 1964.

THE ROUTE

When in doubt look at the map

The railway track to Hornsea is 11 miles long and the return route to Hull can either be on the track making a 22 mile off-road route. If you wish you may return to Hull on quiet minor roads via Burton Constable to enable a visit to this fine house to be made. If this route is chosen it would be an extra four miles making a round trip of 25 miles.

Starting from Spyvee Street off Cleveland Street in Hull take the track which goes behind the Reckitt & Colmans factory. This part of the ride is actually on the filled in Fordyke Stream, an old drainage ditch.

In one-and-a-half miles, leave the stream path and join the railway track passing through Sutton on Hull. A little further along you cross the Holderness Drain by a new bridge, just past the bridge on the left are the earthworks of an old motte and bailey castle.

Soon the track arrives at Swine which has connections with the Romans and a Cistercian Priory. The Priory was founded in 1154 and housed both nuns and monks.

Continue along past the site of Skirlaugh station then past Dowthorpe Hall which boasts Norman fishponds in its grounds.

Ellerby station is perhaps a good place to rest and sample the fare in the nearby Railway Inn which has some railway memorabilia on display.

On through Whitedale station to Sigglesthorne station. The village of Great Hatfield nearby has an excellent medieval cross and some fine carvings. North of the station the ground is waterlogged and a haven for marsh plants which are being studied by botanists. Please use the alternative path to conserve this important nature area.

Progress onwards toward Wassend station at Goxhill, the village named after Gauk, a Viking chief. Visit the interesting church there if you have time. From here you will see the water tower which signals that you are nearing the end of your journey in Hornsea which has connections with the Danes, there was a settlement nearby at the deserted village of Southorpe. Be sure to visit Hornsea Mere for within its superb setting there are many different varieties of waterfowl to be seen.

When you have had your fill of seaside and mere it is time to think about the return journey. I would suggest going by road and calling to see Burton Constable Hall, a magnificent 16th century house with more than 20 rooms open to the public. Take the road to Great Hatfield out of Hornsea. If you did not visit this village on your way up from Hull now is the time to do so.

Continue south west out of Great Hatfield to New Ellerby turning east here to Marton and Burton Constable. After enjoying the Hall and grounds and perhaps a refreshing cup of tea, make your way back to New Ellerby, join the railway track and return to Hull and your starting point

FACT FILE

Distance: 22 or 25 miles (35 or 40km) see text.

Grading: Easy.

Off Road: 100 per cent unless returning on the minor roads.

Start/Grid Ref: Hull, Spyvee Street GR 110312.

Map: OS Landranger 107.

Refreshments: There are many pubs adjacent to the track as it passes close to the villages on route.

Weather Forecast: Evening Press and recorded forecast 0891 500 418