New cycle route launched in Howardian Hills (From Gazette & Herald)

New cycle route launched in Howardian Hills

10:49am Wednesday 13th June 2012 in News

A CAMPAIGN to get people on their bikes has been launched in the picturesque Howardian Hills area of Ryedale.

A brochure, featuring three scenic bike rides around the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) has been published with two of the circular rides on country lanes and back roads, starting at Malton, and the third beginning at Castle Howard.

County Coun Clare Wood, chairman of the AONB and the representative at County Hall for the Sheriff Hutton and Hovingham area, said: “With its richly wooded parkland, countryside, picturesqaue villages and great views, the Howardian Hills is a lovely, unspoilt part of Yorkshire for people to explore at their own pace. And they can pause at the welcoming tearooms, cafés and pubs en-route.”

The brochure has been produced by sustainable transport charity, Sustrans, the co-ordinators of the National Cycle Network, with financial support from the AONB sustainable development fund, Welcome to Yorkshire, Castle Howard, Malton Amenity Community Interest Company and Ryedale District Council.

Coun Wood added: “We are pleased to support these cycle routes which help people discover some of the finest historic architecture in the north.”

Janet Deacon, area director for Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “Yorkshire is a cyclist’s paradise with its charming routes that crisscross its beautiful landscape. These new rides will be a great addition to the Malton area, showcasing some of North Yorkshire’s most stunning scenery, and will benefit many local businesses.”

Sustrans, meanwhile, is expanding the National Cycle Network with routes linking Malton with Pickering, Kirkbymoorside, Helmsley, Easingwold and Stamford Bridge being proposed, said Rupert Douglas of the charity’s regional office.

He said: “Cycling is fun, healthy and doesn’t cost a lot. Linking communities, beautiful countryside and interesting places to visit with safe and attractive routes is a proven way to get more local people and visitors cycling. There will also be economic benefits to local businesses.”

Three major cycling events are being held in Ryedale this year. The National Road Race championship is being held on June 24, the Yorkshire Wolds Cycle Challenge on July 14 and 15 and the Ryedale Rumble Sportive on September 2.