ON the southern edge of the Hambleton Hills lies the pretty village of Coxwold.

Its main street climbs past many interesting old buildings as it makes its way to the church on the hill.

This 15th century church was built on land of an eighth century Minster, being one of three in Yorkshire, the others being at York and Ripon.

The unusual octagonal tower contains three bells hung from an oak frame, one of which is used as the clock chime. Buried in the churchyard, after being exhumed in London lies the body of Rev Laurence Sterne.

Laurence Sterne was a British novelist and humorist. He was born in 1713 at Clonmel in Ireland, and died in 1768. Laurence’s father, Roger Sterne, was a soldier who served as an officer in Flanders under the Duke of Marlborough.

Laurence was educated at Jesus College, Cambridge, graduated in 1736 and was ordained later that year, moving to work at Sutton in Yorkshire. His first literary success was The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy.

In October 1765, Sterne set out for a tour through France and Italy, which later prompted him to write his second book, ‘A Sentimental Journey’.

When he was the parson at Coxwold, he lived at Shandy Hall opposite the church. This early 15th century house has two acres of garden.

Inside the house is a collection of Sterne’s work and the atmosphere to support it. The house and garden is open to the public.

Your route

Start from the Fauconburg Arms and head downhill towards Ouston. Just a short ride and you pass the lake on your left, then shortly after the gate and driveway to Newburgh Priory.

Keep straight on past the priory, then start to climb a little giving good countryside views from the top. Watch for slippery corners along here and soon you reach the village of Oulston.

Carry on through the village heading now for Crayke. The road twists and turns and undulates and still there are commanding views over open countryside, then eventually climb a short hill into Crayke.

Downhill through the village, then at the T-junction go left signed to Brandsby. Watch out for double bends, then at the next T-junction go left signed to Helmsley which takes you into Brandsby.

Keep straight on into the village, then take the turning on the left signed to Yearsley, Ampleforth and Coxwold. Downhill to start with, then a long climb, at the top enjoy the views.

In almost two miles, pass Yearsley by keeping straight ahead at the crossroads. Watch out when you see a ‘road narrows’ road sign, as it does what it says and also leads into a steep hill with very severe corners. If you have time to look on the right in the distance you have a grand view of Ampleforth College. The road continues downhill for some time and still has sharp bends, beware!

At the T-junction in Ampleforth turn left signed to Wass, Coxwold and Thirsk. There are two pubs in Ampleforth, one just to the right of the junction, the other you pass as you leave the village.

Up the steep hill, then down again along a twisty road to Wass. Bear left at the first corner past the pub, then continue along the road to Byland Abbey and the Abbey Inn. Turn right at the inn signed to Oldstead and Kilburn.

Pass through a fine old stone arch as you cycle along this narrow country road which becomes progressively narrower as it climbs and falls, enjoy this quiet road and eventually you reach Oldstead.

Keep straight ahead through the village following signs for Kilburn, leave the village on to a narrow downhill road that ascends and descends.

You will soon see the White Horse of Kilburn if you are sharp-eyed. Not far to Kilburn now, then follow signs for Coxwold. Pass the Mouseman Café on the right, then keep straight ahead along a winding road eventually to climb a hill to a T-junction. Go left here to descend into Coxwold, perhaps taking time to visit Shandy Hall on your left and the church on your right.

The facts

Distance – 21miles/32km

Terrain – Mainly quiet undulating country roads/

Best map - OS Landranger 100.

Start/Grid Ref – Coxwold village, grid ref: 536772.

Refreshments – Faucenberg Arms at Coxwold, pubs along the route, Café at Kilbur.n

Guide book – Exploring Ryedale, Moor & Wold by Bicycle by J Brian Beadle published by Trailblazer at £2.50 contains similar routes. Available from the Ryedale Rambler Shop in Pickering, book shops, Pickering Railway Station and tourist information centres.