The new 170-mile Way of the Roses cycle route from Morecambe to Bridlington is to open to users on 11 September, the launch date tying in with the 15th anniversary of the National Cycle Network (NCN).

The latest of seven UK 'coast to coast' routes on the Sustrans-developed NCN, it travels via Lancaster, the Forest of Bowland, the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Nidderdale, Ripon, York and the Yorkshire Wolds. Andy Ryland, transport and visitor management officer for the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA), said: "This has been a great collaboration between local authorities in Yorkshire and Lancashire, who have worked really well together.

"The YDNPA, Lancashire County Council, The Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and North Yorkshire County Council and other partners from both sides of the county have all contributed to bringing the Way of the Roses cycle route into being. "We believe the route will bring more people into the National Park in a sustainable way to understand and enjoy its special qualities - and help the local economy at the same time. "

Image: courtesy of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority