Walking, Running and Cycling around Tadcaster

Index of routes

Bramham, Wetherby & Thorpe Arch Loop
Aberford & Lotherton Loop
Copmanthorpe, Selby & Church Fenton Loop

I have recorded some of the walks, runs and cycle rides I have undertaken around Tadcaster. This is in the hope other people will find them useful. The routes are, or will be, recorded on Google Maps, and you can comment on them there. I will also record the routes in the Ordnance Survey User Maps area. I find this less convenient than Google Maps, but it has the advantage that off-road routes can be followed more easily on an OS 1:25,000 map.

Cycle routes are usually round trips out from Tadcaster. I try to stay off-road as far as possible and so some routes can be very muddy and tough. There is also the danger of a puncture, especially in the hedge trimming season.

Walking and running routes may also be round trips, but I also have some one way routes based on journeying to the start by Coastliner. Some routes are suitable for all 3 activities. It is up to you to decide what you want to do. Also, because there are a limited number of ways you can enter and leave Tadcaster, especially off-road, you will find considerable overlap in some of the routes.

I have tried to embelish the routes with useful information about the topography. Sometime, when I get around to it, I may add photos. However, the nice thing about Google Maps is the possibility of viewing other people's photos and videos that have been registered in YouTube or Picasa.

I hope you have fun. Please get in touch through the comments section on Google Maps.

Bramham, Wetherby & Thorpe Arch Loop

The route described on Google Maps.

This is a new route that has been made possible by the upgrade of the A1 to the A1M. The new motorway is tracked by a metalled cycle and foot path. This, and the use of SUSTRANS Route 66, makes it a largely off-road route on a smooth surface. The return to Tadcaster is along Wighill Lane, which is not particularly pleasant route for a cyclist, and so a rather vicious alternative route is provided through Boston Spa. I thinks there are quite a few interesting things to see along the way. There's also interest in following the motorway and watching the traffic, as the noise is reduced by both low-noise tarmac and wooden baffling.

Distance about 19 miles. You could run this if practising for a marathon. I wouldn't walk it.

Aberford & Lotherton Loop

This route is described in my old, hand drawn style :Aberford & Lotherton Loop.

An interesting route, about 24 kms, taking a couple of hours or longer if you want to stop at places of interest (Aberford, Lotherton Hall, Lead Church), or for refreshment (9 pubs on the route). A considerable amount of off-road farm track and quiet back roads, but a short unavoidable distance on the A64.

Copmanthorpe, Bishopthorpe, Selby & Church Fenton Loop

This route is described at :Google Maps and also at the Ordnance Survey.

This is a long route, about 35 miles, mostly easy off-road and quiet country roads. It can be a physical challenge rather than an interesting tour though the countryside, though there are many interesting things to see. If you can complete this route in 3 hours you are doing well. I would normally plan for four hours, but if you intend to stop, look, drink and eat, then the whole day would be best.