ENGLAND 1943. The still morning air is disturbed by the sound of an approaching aircraft.

A large four-engined aircraft is lumbering across the sky, a Halifax bomber.

It skims the roof-tops as the pilot eases it down towards the runway.

Another is close behind, then another, and soon the countryside dances to the music of their synchronised engines.

The sky is alive with aircraft, the airfield is Wombleton and the Canadians are here!

During the Second World War Wombleton was used as a Canadian pilot training station, first with Halifax bombers then Lancasters.

Despite numerous accidents morale was high. Some crew had engine or icing problems and never returned alive.

It is recorded that one aircraft and its crew disappeared on a training exercise and was never seen again.

Life wasn't all bad as on their days off they would go to Betty's Bar in York to meet up with crews from other Yorkshire airfields.

There is an eerie memorial in Betty's.

A mirror etched with the signatures of pilots and their squadrons which I believe is still there in the oak room downstairs.

Many of these crewmen lost their lives fighting for England, but their names live on in the eerie memorial.

Wombleton airfield is now used for social flying with Microlights and light aircraft prominent, small machines compared to the mighty bombers of the Second World War!

So let us ride with the ghosts of the bomber aircrews as we circumnavigate Wombleton airfield on our bikes.

Your Route

Start from the market square in Helmsley and take the main road towards Kirkbymoorside, Pickering and Scarborough.

In one and a half miles take the small road on the left signed to Pockley.

The road climbs gently and in about one mile you reach the village.

Admire the quaint thatched houses as you cycle through the village, then turn right at the sign for Beadlam Rigg and Beadlam.

Downhill now and after a couple of bends climb to soon reach a junction. Turn right here signed to Beadlam.

At the T junction go right again signed to Beadlam to ride downhill for some way, then as the road flattens enjoy the views across Ryedale.

Soon you reach Beadlam where there are a couple more thatched houses before you reach the main road.

At the junction carefully turn left onto the main road and in a couple of hundred yards, turn right along a country lane signed to Ryedale School.

A flat ride now for some time before bearing left towards Wombleton.

On the way you pass the entrance to Wombleton Airfield and caravan park.

As you enter Wombleton village, turn right signed to Nunnington and Hovingham.

In about a mile you will see the runways of Wombleton Airfield.

The old control tower still stands as do other old buildings connected with flying.

Imagine the activity in 1943 when the Canadians were there, flying huge bombers and taking off from the runways which you can still see today.

Cycle along past the airfield, then at the crossroads turn right signed to Harome and Helmsley.

In about one and a half miles go left signed to Harome and Helmsley.

Cycle through the wide main street of Harome passing more thatched cottages, then bear right at the church.

If you require refreshment The Star Inn is a little further along.

The shop associated with the Inn is on the right where all sorts of mouth-watering food is on offer.

At the shop bear left and in a couple of miles you reach the main road.

Go left here onto the busy road to return to Helmsley.

The facts:

Distance: 16 miles (26km)

Grading: Easy

Terrain: Quite flat

Best Maps: OS Outdoor Leisure 26

Start/Grid Ref: Helmsley, grid ref 615838

Refreshments: Lots in Helmsley, pubs along the way

Guide Book: Exploring Ryedale, Moor and Wold by bicycle by J Brian Beadle.

It is published by Trailblazer at £1.95 contains routes in the same area.

Available from book shops, Dalby Forest Visitor Centre and Tourist Information Centres.

Updated: 12:18 Tuesday, March 08, 2005