Simon recommends the following:-
Pink Geranium cafe in Kirkby Stephen: ‘…very cyclist-friendly
(they sell energy gels and inner tubes etc. and
offer to fill water
bottles etc.), have good food and a nice friendly atmosphere. There
are bike racks outside
that you can lock your bike to.’
Four Alls Inn in Ovington: ‘…near Barnard Castle and
about half a mile from the Walney to Whitby route
- and only a few
miles past the point the Whitby option splits from the Wear section.
This is a lovely old
pub with its own micro-brewery (I can recommend
their ales) - they charge B & B prices for luxury hotel
style
accommodation, are very friendly, will lock your bikes away overnight,
and have an excellent restaurant
and as big a breakfast as you could
wish for.
Suggits Cafe in Great Ayton: ‘… (just off the route,
straight up the main street on the left of the river) is a
fantastic
cycling cafe - full of people in Lycra talking about chain rings
and what hills they have ridden - huge
mugs of tea and sandwiches
at a very good price - basic but just what you want on a ride. Got
a brief summary
of some of the upcoming hills from one of the cyclists
in there.
Whitby Abbey Youth Hostel: ‘…this is a fantastic location
at the top of the steps out of Whitby town centre
with fantastic
views, a restaurant, wonderful facilities, helpful staff, a locking
bike shed (opened with the
same card that lets you into the bedrooms)
with a bike repair stand and a complete set of Park tools to
tackle
any maintenance issues anyone could have.
Trans Pennine trains: ‘…the staff were very helpful and
made us feel welcome even on overcrowded
trains from Scarborough
to Oxenholme on the Bank Holiday Monday.’
