Ambleside to Whitby

Ride the amazing Hartside Pass along the route through the Yorkshire Dales & North Yorkshire Moors National Parks

🏍️ Lake District to Whitby via Yorkshire Moors  

Leaving the Lake District

The adventure begins in Ambleside, nestled among the rugged fells of the Lake District National Park. The journey kicks off along the A591, one of the most scenic roads in England, winding past Lake Windermere with shimmering reflections of the surrounding peaks. Passing through Grasmere, home to Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage, the road snakes through lush valleys and along tranquil waters, making for a breathtaking start to the ride.

 Crossing the Pennines via Hartside Pass

Heading east, the ride joins the A66, a sweeping route that carves through the Pennines, offering expansive views of rolling hills and deep valleys. The ascent towards Hartside Pass via the A686 is one of the highlights of the trip—1,903 feet of twisting, exhilarating bends with a stunning panorama stretching as far as Scotland on clear days. The descent flows smoothly into the Eden Valley, where green pastures and winding country roads provide a scenic contrast to the rugged heights of the pass.

  Into North Yorkshire: Hawes & The Moors

Leaving Cumbria, the route ventures into North Yorkshire, passing through Hawes, a historic market town. From here, the journey continues on the legendary A684, a dream for motorcyclists with its perfect blend of fast straights, technical corners, and undulating terrain.

As the road climbs into the North York Moors National Park, the landscape transforms into vast, open heathland. In late summer, the hills are ablaze with purple heather, and the horizon stretches endlessly in every direction. The route winds through picturesque villages like Helmsley, with its charming market square and castle ruins, before following the B1257 toward Kildale Join the A171. Just south from the A171 is the village of Goathland, famous as the filming location for Heartbeat and home to a heritage steam railway is just south of here.

 The Final Stretch: A171 to Whitby

The final leg follows the A171, a spectacular road skirting the edge of the moors. As the sea breeze becomes noticeable, glimpses of the North Sea appear on the horizon. The descent into Whitby is breathtaking—the haunting ruins of Whitby Abbey stand tall on the cliffs, overlooking the harbour where Captain Cook once set sail. Narrow streets wind down to the town’s bustling waterfront, enjoy a well-earned plate of Whitby’s Famous Scampi by the shore.

🏍️ Ride Highlights:

✅ Sweeping lake views from the A591
✅ High-altitude thrills on Hartside Pass
✅ Historic charm in Richmond & Helmsley
✅ Moors magic on the B1257
✅ Coastal finale into Whitby

This route delivers the ultimate mix of technical riding, stunning scenery, and the best of England’s landscapes—from mountains to moors to the sea. 🏍️