Scenic ride on a route steeped in history

The town has a special significance for cyclists of a certain age; who have heard of George Herbert Stancer (or GHS for short).

Born in Pocklington, GHS was a renowned racing cyclist in his own right, but better remembered for his administrative contributions to the sport and pastime.

He was editor of what is now Cycling Weekly, for nearly 10 years, before being appointed secretary of the Cyclists Touring Club (CTC) in 1920. He is still remembered today through organised rides from all over the north, which converge on Pocklington on the Sunday nearest his birthday of April 17, each year.

Start from the car parks near Sainsburys (opposite Burnby Hall Gardens). Go straight across the roundabout, onto The Balk, passing the approach to the gardens on your right. The road curves left then right, becoming New Street. Take the narrow Dean’s Lane on the left, bringing you into the eastern end of Market Place. You can download a useful map of Pocklington at pocklington.gov.uk I started the day by visiting Market Street Cafe, recommended by the local CTC. From the cafe, head back down the length of the Market Place. It was a Tuesday when I visited, so the market was in full swing.

At the crossroads, take a short walk right, against the no entry sign, along appropriately named “Pavement” passing in front of All Saints church. Head onto George Street and cross at pedestrian crossing.

On the bike again, set off with the Co-operative store on your left, and follow George Street out of town. Leaving the built-up area, note sign for Fangfoss, three miles. On the way, pass through the hamlet of Yapham Mill. As you pass the village sign, the disused mill is obscured by trees, over to the right. To get a better look take a short diversion right at the crossroad. Returning to the route, carry on as before, through subsequent hamlets of Bolton and Spittal.

Arriving in Fangfoss, the Carpenters Arms (open lunchtimes apart from Monday) is on the right. There was a choice of half a dozen different sandwiches, all at £5, plus more elaborate meals for those not exercising.

I enjoyed a BLT, with side of chips, and a pint of York Brewery Guzzler (3.6 per cent) all for £9. Timothy Taylors Landlord was also available. The chef came out to see if I was happy with the food and I gave her a verbal 10 out of 10.

Right out of the pub, and quickly left, towards Wilberfoss. In just over a mile, and approaching a junction, look for the old Fangfoss railway station to the left. Now a caravan site office, the old platform and some signage are still evident. Continue ahead towards Wilberfoss, ignoring Sustrans Cycleway signs to left and right. In Wilberfoss take a right at T-junction, noting the old fingerpost indicating York, eight miles.

You now approach the busy A1079. Look for the rideable footpath to your right which takes you to a safe crossing refuge. Cross with care and again join a short path, to the side road for Newton upon Derwent.

At Newton, take first right onto Jackson Lane. This gives you a quiet detour through the village. Re-joining earlier route at T-junction, turn right and then right again at the next T-junction, following signs for Sutton upon Derwent. Left onto the B1228 through Sutton.

Beyond the village we pass over a narrow hump back bridge, our first sight of the Pocklington Canal.

We’ll get a closer look shortly. Note sign for Melbourne, two miles. The B1228 takes a right turn at Rossmoor Garage. Most of the traffic heads off that way, but we keep straight on towards Melbourne instead. Quite a way into the village, you’ll find the Melbourne Arms on the left (only open Friday to Sunday lunchtimes). Just before the pub is a lane that runs down to a canal basin. An interesting detour; you’ll find a few barges.

Past the pub, follow the next sign right for Seaton Ross, three miles. Left at next T-junction (the lane straight on being a farm entrance). Off to the right now is the remains of Melbourne airfield; No.10 squadron flying Halifax heavy bombers during the Second World War.

At the next T-junction, our second windmill of the day is straight ahead. This one converted to a family home.

To see a third, you’ll need to detour right (into Seaton Ross) for a few hundred yards. Otherwise, take a left at the T-junction, in the direction of Bielby. Don’t be tempted by the next left, signposted to Melbourne and Pocklington, but instead follow the road as it curves right, and take the next left thereafter signed (indistinctly) as Bielby half a mile.

The pub at Bielby is closed down, but there’s an interesting Wesleyan Chapel with spooky inscription on the sundial. Also look out on your left for the 12th century St Giles’s Church.

Reaching the speed de-restriction sign at the end of the village, take the single track road left, signed to Thornton. In three quarters of a mile the road curves left, and over a hump back bridge.

Immediately beyond the bridge look for the bridleway sign on right. Here we join the old tow path of the Pocklington Canal. It’s a public bridleway, so a through route for bikes. Lurking under the grass and fallen leaves there is (by and large) a metalled surface.

I bumped along at about 7mph, and you’ll be fine on any normal touring bike. Perhaps not on your best carbon racing machine though. It’s about one and a half miles to the other end. I met only one walker and two on horseback.

At the far end, there’s another safe crossing of the A1079 if you follow the path left for a few yards. Follow the minor road on the opposite side to meet a T-junction on the outskirts of Pocklington where turn right, back into town. Right again at the first roundabout, onto Station Road, will bring you back to Sainsburys.

Ride details

Date of ride Tuesday, October 20

The map Ordnance Survey Landranger. Number 106 Market Weighton

The cafe Market Street Cafe, 72 Market Street, Pocklington, YO42 2AB (open 8.30am to 3.30pm)

The pub Carpenters Arms, Fangfoss YO41 5QG Tel. 01759 369745 www.carpentersarmsfangfoss.co.uk (closed Monday lunchtimes)

The bike 2003 Cannondale Bad Boy. Running on 1.5” slicks.

Distance 22.8 miles.

Car parking Station Road, Pocklington YO42 2SQ (Free) Follow the brown tourist signs for Burnby Hall Gardens, and car parks are opposite