Itinerary
This is a fully guided and supported 5 day cycling trip. Itinerary as follows:
Day 1 - Monday 14 September 2026
Arrival in Knayton.
If you are travelling by train, you will arrive at Thirsk Station. Arrangements can be made to transfer you and your bike to Knayton, but this will need to be arranged at the time of booking. For those driving, simply make your way to the accommodation in Knayton by the designated time. A representative from Halcyon Cycling Holidays will meet you and show you to your accommodation. There is ample car parking on site. You are then free to spend time exploring Knayton or nearby Thirsk. Please note, an evening meal has been booked at a local restaurant or hostelry to welcome everyone on the trip.
Day 2 - Tuesday 15 September 2026
Ride through North Yorkshire Pretty Villages (35 miles/56km, ascent 1755 feet/534m)
After breakfast, we will assemble outside the accommodation, and the Halcyon ride leader will explain the ride in detail to the group. This ride is graded as grade 2/3 (see grading system) easygoing to steady. There are a few challenging ascents and descents on this ride. The ride is approximately 35 miles with a coffee and lunch stop planned and you will ride through a variety of North Yorkshire villages and interesting places to visit including Kirby Whiske, Maunby, South and North Otterington, Yafforth, Great and Little Laughton, Thintoft, and Morton on Swale to name a few.
On day 2, after we get back after our ride, please note this is a free evening, no evening meal has been booked, so you will have the opportunity to enjoy the accommodation facilities and dine with your fellow housemates.
Day 3 - Wednesday 16 September 2026
Ride to Kilburn and The White Horse (31 miles/50km, ascent 2157 feet/657m)
After breakfast, we will assemble in the courtyard outside the accommodation, and the Halcyon ride leader will explain the ride in detail to the group. This ride is graded as grade 3 to 4, steady to challenging. This ride is approximately 31 miles and is mainly on quiet roads and lanes but there is a challenging ascent into Kilburn. This is a circular ride. We will have the opportunity to explore Kilburn and cycle up to the White Horse but please note it’s a challenging climb! The Kilburn White Horse is England’s largest and most northerly hill figure, carved in 1857 into Sutton Bank by schoolmaster John Hodgson and volunteers, inspired by south chalk figures but needing limestone clippings for its distinctive white appearance. It’s a famous landmark in North Yorkshire, visible for miles. Lunch stop is in Kilburn. Kilburn, North Yorkshire, a picturesque village is known as the home of famous woodcarver Robert Thompson, the “Mouse Man” with a visitor centre to display and explain more about his work. St Mary’s Church in the village also features some of his carvings. On the way back from Kilburn, we will also cycle through breathtaking countryside back to Knayton. After the ride, please note, an evening meal has been booked at a local restaurant or hostelry for everyone to enjoy.
Day 4 - Thursday 17th September 2026
Ride to Old Thirsk and Boroughbridge (40 miles/64km, ascent 1112 feet/339m)
After breakfast, we will assemble in the courtyard outside the accommodation, and the Halcyon ride leader will explain the ride in detail to the group. This ride is graded as grade 2-3, easygoing to steady. This ride is approximately 40 miles and is mainly on quiet roads and lanes. This is a circular ride. We visit Thirsk our first stop, and specifically Old Thirsk. Thirsk is a historic North Yorkshire market town, characterised by its medieval cobbled square and deep ties to James Herriot, who based his famous stories there, with its history rooted in Norse times as “dwelling by the water” and featuring sites like St Mary’s church. It’s also a centre for sheep, cattle and horses and it holds a regular weekly market. Another place we visit on this ride is Boroughbridge, another historic market town, known for its Roman roots, located on the River Ure, boasting charming shops, pubs, a lovely band stand and access to sites like prehistoric Devil’s Arrows standing stones and Aldborough Roman Ruins. Boroughbridge is our lunch stop with a good choice of places to eat. On the way back we ride through pretty villages such as Busby Stoop. The Busby Stoop refers to a legendary cursed oak chair and the infamous Busby Stoop Inn, named after Thomas Busby, a murderer executed in 1702 for killing his father-in-law. Before his hanging, Busby allegedly cursed the chair he often sat on, claiming anyone who used it would suffer a misfortune or death. The chair is now on display in Thirsk Museum.
After the ride, please note, an evening meal has been booked at a local restaurant or hostelry for everyone to enjoy.
Day 5 - Friday 18 September 2026
Final day and departure
After breakfast, we will all leave for home. A transfer back to Thirsk station will be provided if you are travelling by train or, if driving, you can leave directly from Knayton after checking out from your accommodation.
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