Good stops in Yorkshire

[Marquezs Stabilisers]

I'm riding from Scotland to Sheffield for the snooker soon, and looking for advice for places to stop. I'll be needing petrol sometime around a line drawn between Leeds and York, so I'll need a cup of tea too.

Where's good to stop in that rough area? I'm planning in coming down the Leyburn - Ripon - Harrogate sort of way (not the A1), and I did the obvious option of Squires last year.

Thanks much in advance!

[Marquezs Stabilisers]

Triaguar said:

If you know Squires and you're planning to be in that area. Try 'The Motorist' at Sherburn aerodrome

If it's dry that looks a good option.

I'm not wedded to which side of Leeds I go so something Bradford side also works.

[Marquezs Stabilisers]

Planet Claire said:

Check out Manor Farm Cafe in Bellerby, just outside of Leyburn, which is a 'biker cafe'.

Thanks for the suggestion - unfortunately it's apparently only open on a Saturday and Sunday which doesn't suit my days!

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georgefreeman918 said:

The Motorist is a good shout - I was really impressed when I went.

The other one to consider is NY500 between Malton and Pickering

Thanks for the suggestion - a bit too far east this time, but if I go to Germany for the Euros that's on the way to Hull...

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vindaloo79 said:

Strawberry fields is a nice relaxed One. Lots of nice roads that way.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g186...

This looks good, though saw an online review saying it had a 1 star food hygiene rating!

I'm just to the NW of Glasgow, so route plan is currently M74 to Stonehouse, B7076 or 78 to Longtown. Then via Brampton to stop at Nooks Farm just outside Alston for lunch.

Thereafter across to Barnard Castle, Leyburn and Ripon, and then both the FireBlade and I will need fed.

I'd planned to come back up via Bradford, Skipton and either Hawes or Kendal

[Marquezs Stabilisers]

Triaguar said:

If you come down the 'Bratfud' side, Bolton Abbey Tea Rooms is very pleasant. This sets you up for A59 towards Harrogate, Leeds Wetherby etc

This might be a good one for the way back!

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hiccy18 said:

Big fan of their homebaking, and a proper pot of tea.

As my waistline will attest, I like scones, so this is good.

On the way back, is Devil's Bridge at Kirkby Lonsdale worth a stop?

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186GDF said:

Cheese factory Hawes.
Cafe, followed by a buffet of cheese in the shop.

That's always been a very good option!

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hiccy18 said:

I use bits of the B7076 quite often, but from the sawmills north of Lockerbie onwards I find it a chore, so I'd probably join at Beattock.

From Barnie to Leyburn you've got a few choices, we'd normally turn off the A66 for Ravensworth then pass Feldom ranges for Marske; it's no faster, but it avoids Richmond. An alternative which we haven't done for a while because the bridge was washed away last time we were down: over the Stang to Langthwaite then down Arkengarthdale to Reeth.

A nice trip, I'm quite jealous

I quite enjoy the B7076, means you don't need to worry about Plod and the roundabouts give me a chance to shift my botty and do something with my hands.

I'm looking at the road over the The Stang as I've not done it before and it looks a belter on Google Maps

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hiccy18 said:

Hmm realised my post wasn't very clear, I meant when travelling south I would join the M74 at Beattock to avoid Lockerbie etc. Of course enjoy going your chosen route

Ah! There's a nasty on ramp to the M74 at the South of Lockerbie with a long, long slip road. There's no corresponding off ramp. There is almost always a cop car parked there - every time I've been that way since my Dad was pulled for speeding there back in 2001 for doing 101 mph in our Astra 1.6.

[Marquezs Stabilisers]

So to start off, this was Nooks Farm. Sat outside as allows dogs inside, but a "Roman" Rarebit, tea and scone with jam and cream. Roman as used their Roman Relish; there's a Roman Fort behind the cafe. Clean loos and lovely food. Would go back as long as it was dry.

I left Glasgow about two hours later than planned: bad night with the little one. I left here about three, so after a good thrash over towards Barnard Castle:



Thereafter it was over The Stang and on to Leyburn and Ripon. The Stang is a real challenge to the rider, well worth the diversion. A brief Lucozade and apple at Morrisons at Boroughbridge, and I started thinking about dinner.



I decided to treat myself to The Motorist. Not cheap, but generous portions, and really, really good quality. A different cup of tea to Squires altogether.

[Marquezs Stabilisers]

Ride has ended in Sheffield. Came down to a dangling indicator. Taped that up, then found key wouldn't turn. Looked down, steering lock is smashed. Either been reversed into or attempted theft. Phoned breakdown. Today is going to be a long day.

[Marquezs Stabilisers]

Was parked outside OYO Hotel. Someone had a real go at the lock. However, recovery company picked apart the mess and we got going. I'm now at Devil's Bridge

[Marquezs Stabilisers]

The ride back was a bit of a disappointment - the A65 which is often excellent was stuffed with old dears doing 35mph in 60s. There were also a few lads making overtakes which were unbelievable - over double whites on the approach to a blind bend being one staggering example.

I stopped at Devil's Bridge, which was a 'traditional' biker stop. Lots of '21 support' back patch types and an overcooked bacon . As I'd set off two hours later than intended, I then mostly belted up the motorway home.

The Honda dealer in Glasgow is open tomorrow - a check on Fowler's Parts suggests the parts list is going to be an expensive one.