Continuing his series of cycle rides, Paul Kirkwood saddles up for a ride to Riccall, following the old railway line.

RAILWAY travellers were not the only beneficiaries of the creation in 1983 of a new section of the East Coast railway line from Selby to York.

Cyclists can now enjoy an uninterrupted, traffic-free ride between the two places, thanks to a cycleway that runs along the old line, as I found out researching this ride.

My route has the added bonus of a return leg which provides a different return leg back to the start in the city centre.

I began on Skeldergate, which has the first of several blue cycle route signs to Selby. Follow these as far as Riccall and you can't go wrong.

First pass under Skeldergate Bridge and continue alongside the river down Terry Avenue, past Rowntree Park and around a minor diversion at the construction site for the Millennium Bridge over the Ouse.

At a red life-belt, turn sharp right and up to Bishopthorpe Road. Turn left on this road and then almost immediately right, still sign-posted for bikes to Selby. The track wends its way around Knavesmire - actually crossing the course at one point - and eventually goes alongside and then left, under the A64.

Now you're on the disused railway track which was opened by the UK's most celebrated female cyclist, Beryl Burton, in 1987.

This scenery is pretty unremarkable but it is, at least, smooth and flat. The only tricky bit is when you enter Bishopthorpe. You emerge, after a section of track at the backs of houses, in a small modern estate. Go down Appleton Court and then you will see an old railway bridge after which the track is again clear to follow.

The only landmark ahead is a hub of menacing metal - more technically a 'coalface shearer drum' - which has nothing to do with England's centre-forward but was donated to the York-Selby cycle track by British Coal. After this point and following a bridge fork right and then right again after a bus shelter-like construction.

Eventually, you will come out on the A19 at Riccall - where you stop looking for signs to Selby!

Regrettably, there is no option but to cycle along this busy road, albeit for only a mile or so until turning left down King Rudding Lane, signposted to Rudding Grange. You are now en route to the highlight of the ride, Skipwith Common. This is one of the last remaining areas of lowland heath in the north of England, consisting of 270 hectares of open heath, ponds and mire.

The common has its roots in pre-history but also played a key role in more recent times when, in the Second World War, runways were built on which to train pilots for bombing raids. All that seems a long way away now, such is the tranquillity.

Today's commoners include Hebridian sheep, shielduck, teal and dab chick. The directions are simple. Cycle into the woods, turn left at a junction of four tracks, and then leave the woods along a bumpy but easily cycle-able track.

Skipwith Common is perfect for picknicking. But if, like me, you prefer your lunch on a plate I suggest you refuel at the Hare & Hounds in Skipwith, by which time a satisfying 15 miles will be on the clock. A roast dinner costs £3.50. Don't expect a gastronomic extravaganza, but then again, at that price who would? An alternative pub is The Drovers' Arms, which you will pass as you start the second section of the journey, having turned right out of the Hare & Hounds.

As you cycle north you will see two contrasting buildings, equally distant, on either side of the road. To the right is North Selby Mine, once part of the world's most profitable deep mine complex, but now due to close soon because of severe geological difficulties.

To the left, set within Escrick Park, is the country house that, for the past 50 years, has been home to Queen Margaret's School and its 360 girls. It was built by John Carr as a private residence in 1758 and the first lane on the left - which is named after him - provides your route into Escrick.

Turn right at the crossroads (or left if you fancy a drink at The Black Bull) to come out on the A19. Fear not: it has a cycle path running alongside the opposite side of the carriageway and soon on the left, a welcome blue cycle route sign directs you back towards York via Naburn.

In the village, turn left at the flagpole down Main Street to rest either in the Blacksmiths Arms and/or beside the river which is immediately in front of you.

Leave Naburn via Front Street, take the B1222 past the McArthur Glenn Designer Outlet, go over the A64 and then turn left on the A19 and through Fulford.

Just after the centre of the village turn left down St Oswalds Road, noting the trim, chalet-style architecture of Sir John J Hunt Memorial Cottages on your left. To complete your journey, follow the cycleway all the way alongside the Ouse back into town.

The distance is 27 miles and took me three hours excluding stops.

Travelling along the old East Coast line isn't as quick as the new line but it's much more fun and still needs lots of puff.

PICTURE: A hub of metal once used on the coalface now adorns the track