Northern England Motorcycle Tour: Scenic Routes Through the Lake District, Yorkshire & Northumberland
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Start/End Location: The Lake District / Northumberland
Accommodation: Quality hotels (half board: breakfast and dinner included)
Motorcycle Hire: Available on request
Next Tour Dates: Monday 4 May to Tuesday 12 May 2026 (options to add extra days for those hiring bikes and riding with us from Scotland)
Overview
Embark on an unforgettable motorcycle tour through Northern England, exploring some of the region’s most breathtaking landscapes and historic locations. This multi-day riding holiday begins in the heart of the Lake District, continues through North Yorkshire, and concludes in the rolling hills of Northumberland.
Handpicked Accommodation for Riders
- Lake District Base: Our tour starts at a charming country hotel nestled in the Lake District National Park. Surrounded by serene lakes and wooded valleys, it’s the perfect launchpad for exploring iconic motorbike routes in Cumbria.
- North Yorkshire Stay: Next, we move to a country manor hotel set within 8 acres of parkland near York. This location offers easy access to the North York Moors, Howardian Hills, and the Yorkshire Dales, ideal for scenic motorcycle rides.
- Northumberland Retreat: The final hotel is a boutique property overlooking the Derwent Valley. With 20 acres of grounds, a spa, and a pool, it provides a relaxing end to the tour while offering access to the North Pennines and County Durham.
We spend two nights in the Lake District and three nights at each of the other hotels. These well-positioned bases allow us to explore Northern England’s most celebrated motorcycling regions. Each day features a new route, showcasing the diversity and beauty of the English countryside.
Lake District Motorcycle Tour: mountain passes, Lakeland scenery, historic estates, and a thrilling ride.
Day 1: Your home to The Lake District - routes will vary.
E.G. Glasgow to Lake District (~175 miles / ~5 hours riding)
Riders departing from Glasgow will enjoy a scenic journey south into England. After leaving the city via motorway, the route transitions to peaceful country roads through East Ayrshire, passing through charming villages like Moscow, Galston, and Drongan.
The ride ascends into the Southern Uplands, reaching Carsphairn — a remote village surrounded by dramatic moorland. Continuing through Moniaive, known for its artistic community, we head toward Gretna, famous for its romantic heritage and marking the Scottish-English border.
Bypassing Carlisle, we enter the Lake District National Park, where the landscape transforms into a stunning mix of wooded hills, shimmering lakes, and stone-built villages. The final stretch leads to Skelwith Bridge near Ambleside — a tranquil hamlet ideal for unwinding after a day on the road.
Day 2: Lake District Circuit (~140 miles / ~4.5 hours riding)
This loop from Skelwith Bridge showcases classic Lakeland scenery, historic estates, and thrilling mountain passes. We ride south-west to Lowick Green near Coniston Water, then on to Holker Hall & Gardens — a stately home with beautifully maintained grounds and a café.
Next, we head east to Lindale near Grange-over-Sands, offering coastal views before returning inland to Lake Windermere. Riding north through Windermere, Bowness, and Ambleside, we pause for lakeside photos and refreshments.
Continuing to Glenridding on Ullswater, we stop at the foot of Helvellyn before heading toward Lorton and Buttermere via the River Cocker. These quiet valleys offer dramatic scenery, stone bridges, and wooded lanes. The day ends with a break at Keswick before returning to Skelwith Bridge through central Lakeland.
Day 3: Lake District to Yorkshire (~165 miles / ~5 hours riding)
Leaving the Lake District, we journey into the Yorkshire Dales. The route begins with a ride to Windermere, then southeast to Kendal — known for its stone buildings and mint cake.
Crossing into the Yorkshire Dales National Park, we pass Sedbergh, Garsdale Head, Nateby, Gunnerside, and Reeth — each village rich in traditional Yorkshire charm. We continue to Richmond, with its Norman castle, and then to Newton-le-Willows.
The route loops through Buckden and Grassington (filming location for All Creatures Great and Small), then climbs to Pateley Bridge before reaching Harrogate, famed for its gardens and Georgian architecture. The day ends at Burn Hall Hotel near Huby — a peaceful retreat in North Yorkshire.
Yorkshire Motorcycle Tour: Exploring Historic Cities, Coastal Roads & National Parks
This leg of the Northern England motorcycle tour takes you deep into Yorkshire’s diverse landscapes — from ancient abbeys and seaside towns to moorland passes and stately homes. With two captivating circuits and a scenic transfer to Northumberland, this section offers a rich blend of cultural heritage and exhilarating riding.
Day 4: Yorkshire Circuit 1 (~170 miles / ~5.5 hours riding)
Departing from Burn Hall Hotel near Huby, we head east into the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This peaceful region features rolling farmland, wooded valleys, and historic estates — a gentle and scenic start to the day.
Our first major stop is York, one of England’s most iconic cities. Riders can explore:
- York Minster, a magnificent Gothic cathedral
- The Shambles, a medieval street full of charm
- City Walls, offering panoramic views of the historic centre
Motorcycle parking is conveniently located near the city centre, making it easy to explore on foot.
Leaving York, we cross the Vale of York into the Yorkshire Wolds, where flowing roads and open countryside make for enjoyable riding. We arrive at Bridlington, a classic seaside town with sandy beaches, a bustling harbour, and plenty of spots for fish and chips — perfect for a relaxed lunch.
The route then hugs the Yorkshire coast, passing through scenic villages with sweeping sea views. We ride north to Robin Hood’s Bay, a picturesque fishing village with cobbled lanes and a rich smuggling history.
Turning inland, we climb into the North York Moors National Park, where twisty roads and heather-covered hills offer thrilling riding. We pass through:
- Goathland (filming location for Heartbeat)
- Pickering
- Thornton-le-Dale
- Wombleton
- Helmsley
We return to our hotel with time to freshen up before dinner.
Day 5: Yorkshire Circuit 2 (~150 miles / ~5 hours riding)
This route focuses on Yorkshire’s historic abbeys and coastal gems. Departing Burn Hall Hotel, we visit:
- Byland Abbey, a striking ruin in the countryside
- Rievaulx Abbey, nestled in a tranquil valley near Helmsley
Following the River Rye, we ride through Hawnby and onward to Osmotherley, near the North York Moors. Passing Cod Beck Reservoir, we continue north to Hutton Rudby, then southeast to the remote beauty of Chop Gate.
The road sweeps north to Kildale, then east to Saltburn-by-the-Sea, known for its Victorian pier and cliff tramway. Riding along the dramatic coastline, we pass through Staithes and arrive at Whitby Abbey, famously linked to Dracula.
Turning inland, we travel through Egton Bridge, Danby, and Hutton-le-Hole, a charming village with stone cottages and a folk museum. The final leg takes us to Castle Howard, one of England’s grandest stately homes, before returning to Burn Hall Hotel.
Day 6: Yorkshire to Northumberland (~140 miles / ~4.5 hours riding)
This scenic transfer blends historic towns, twisty roads, and natural beauty. We begin by heading west to Knaresborough, perched above the River Nidd and known for:
- A dramatic viaduct
- Riverside walks
- Medieval castle ruins
- Mother Shipton’s Cave
Continuing through quiet country lanes like Pill White Lane, we reach Storiths, opposite Bolton Abbey, where the landscape rises into the Yorkshire Dales.
We follow the A684, a favourite among motorcyclists for its curves and views, then join the B6270 through remote valleys to Barnard Castle, a historic town with castle ruins and riverside charm.
The final leg heads north through County Durham, ending at Derwent Manor Hotel near Consett — a relaxing retreat in the hills above the Derwent Valley.
Northumberland Motorcycle Tour: Forest Trails, Historic Estates & the Ride Back to Scotland
The final leg of your Northern England motorcycle adventure takes you through the wild beauty of Northumberland, with forested valleys, remote moorlands, and cultural landmarks. Two scenic circuits and a return ride to Glasgow round off this unforgettable journey.
Day 7: Northumberland Circuit (~150 miles / ~5 hours riding)
Our final day’s ride begins with a short journey to Beamish, one of England’s most renowned open-air museums. Beamish vividly recreates life in the Northeast during the 1820s, 1900s, and 1940s, featuring vintage trams, a working coal mine, and an Edwardian town and farm. Riders interested in history may wish to stop and explore this immersive attraction.
Departing Beamish, we head southwest into the North Pennines National Landscape, where twisting roads wind through moorland and river valleys. The route leads us to Stanhope, a charming village nestled along the River Wear, ideal for a brief pause.
Continuing south, we arrive at Barnard Castle, a historic market town with dramatic castle ruins overlooking the River Tees. Time permitting, we may visit the Bowes Museum, though most will enjoy stretching their legs and relaxing in one of the town’s cafés.
Heading northwest, we pass near High Force Waterfall, one of England’s most powerful falls. While not directly on the route, it’s a worthwhile detour for those keen to hike into the gorge.
We then join the Sea to Sea (C2C) Cycle Route near Carrigill and Leadgate, riding through remote valleys and scenic river crossings including the South Tyne and Black Burn. The road turns north through Renwick and onwards to Castle Carrock, a picturesque village with a welcoming pub and green.
On the return leg, we visit Vindolanda, a Roman frontier fort near Hadrian’s Wall, featuring ruins, a museum, and an active archaeological site. The day concludes with a scenic ride through Slaley Forest, looping back to Derwent Manor Hotel to end the tour.
Day 8: Northumberland Circuit 2 (~150 miles / ~5 hours riding)
This loop from Derwent Manor Hotel offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and peaceful riding. We begin by joining the B6309, a quiet country road with gentle curves and open farmland views. Passing through stone-built hamlets, our first stop is Cragside, a Victorian mansion set in woodland and gardens.
Designed by architect Richard Norman Shaw for industrialist William Armstrong, Cragside was the world’s first home powered by hydroelectricity. Now managed by the National Trust, it offers fascinating insights into Victorian innovation. We’ll focus our visit on the main house before continuing the ride.
Next, we enter the Cheviot Hills, a region of rolling uplands and tranquil roads. We reach Blakehopeburnhaugh, a tiny hamlet deep in Northumberland National Park, surrounded by forest and moorland. This marks the eastern end of the Kielder Forest Drive, a remote scenic route with excellent photo opportunities.
At the highest point, we pass The Nick, a timber shelter designed to enhance the experience of this wild landscape. Continuing west, we arrive at Kielder Castle, a former hunting lodge now serving as a visitor centre with a café and exhibition space.
Turning south, we ride past Kielder Water, England’s largest man-made lake, then follow quiet backroads through the edge of the Pennines, returning to Derwent Manor Hotel.
Day 9: Homeward bound - Routes will vary
E.G. Northumberland to Glasgow (~155 miles / ~4.5 hours riding)
After a restful night, riders returning to Glasgow will enjoy a scenic journey through the Scottish Borders. Departing Derwent Manor, we head north to Hexham, a vibrant market town known for its medieval abbey and charming streets.
Crossing into Scotland, the landscape shifts to rolling hills and winding rivers. We stop in Selkirk, a town rich in history and famous for the Selkirk Bannock, a traditional fruit bread.
Continuing north, we pass through picturesque villages and heather-clad hills, arriving in Peebles, where the river adds to the town’s tranquil charm. From here, we ride to Lanark, a historic market town with ties to William Wallace and the New Lanark Mill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The final stretch takes us northwest through Lanarkshire, with broad roads and gentle hills guiding us back to Glasgow, completing this epic motorcycle tour through Northern England and Southern Scotland.
