Bank Holiday touring May 2026
This is for all makes and models of bikes of any year
Suggested arrival day either Friday 22nd or Saturday 23rd
Based in the beautiful Lancashire market town of Garstang we will have easy access to Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and the wonderful Forest of Bowland.
Garstang has an abundance of pubs, restaurants and cafes. This picturesque town sits on The River Wyre and also has the Lancaster canal running right through its centre.
There will be one base so on our tour days there is no need to pack up your motorcycle. That also means it can be flexible, allowing for a 2, 3 or a 4 night stay.
The area offers lots of accommodation options. More choice can be added but initially the recomendation is for the following places.
Accommodation
1) Premier Inn Preston North. Twin or doubles, flexible booking. This is in a fantastic location in the village of Bilsborrow. To book click here Premier Inn Preston North Premier Inn operate "dynamic pricing" Should it not look like good value there are lots of options. I will keep adding below so keep checking the page.
2) Neighbouring the Premier Inn is a lovely canal side bed and breakfast Old Duncombe House. follow link to book. https://www.oldeduncombehouse.co.uk/
3) Garstang Country Club - An excellent golf resort hotel, walking distance to Garstang close to buses
4) Picket Post House, Canal side Bed and Breakfast Garstang
5) Right by the market cross in Garstang Royal Oak Tel 01995 603318 this may be fully booked with Fest Riders
6) Treat yourself? Stay at The Priory a boutique hotel in the delightful village of Scorton, It is not as pricey as you might think and the food is said to be superb.
7) Eagle and Child Garstang 5 star location just a few metres from The Royal Oak in Garstang. Budget hotel.
8) Be my neighbour for the weekend. Lea Grean Farm a superb rural holiday let 10 mins from Garstang
9) Around 5 miles from Garstang Lancaster Univerity offers afforsable rooms on booking,com
10) Travel lodge on Forton Services around £60 per night for a double room. The service area has access to Gasrtang without the use of the M6. Garstang is no more than 15 mins
Click to open a map of places to stay, eat and fill up
Rideouts
Saturday 10:00
Departing from Flower Bowl, Garstang Road, Bilsborrow PR3 0BT
We'll be riding through the Forest of Bowland to Jubilee Tower where the view of Morecambe Bay/Lake fells is amazing. Through The Trough of Bowland to my favourite cafe The Riverside Tearooms in Slaidburn.
We'll go to visit "The Ayers Rock" of Lancashire and across The Dales to Arncliffe where we'll dtop for refreshments at The Falcon Inn, Arncliffe, the original pub in Emmerdale Farm.
On our way back we'll stop in Clitheroe and visit the premises of Bowland Brewery.
Total riding approx 120 miles
To open the map click here....
Download the route as a GPX (currently untested on my bike)
Sunday 10:00
Our ride today will be led be David Sykes from Teesside. Meeting once more at The Flowerbowl by 10:00. After a short hop on the M6 we'll be heading towards the south Lakes and continue up the stunning A591. A break at Keswick then it is on through Borrowdale and the breathtaking Honister Pass. There is more sensational riding to come after a break in Cockermouth as we return via Ullswater, The Kirkstone Pass and back into Ambleside via The Struggle.
Total ride approximately 175 miles
To open the map click here....
Download the route as a GPX (currently untested on my bike)
Monday 25th
Meet Garstang, Booth's car park, Park Hill Road, Garstang PR3 1EF by 10:00
This ride will take in much that is best in the north of the Yorkshire Dales. It includes refreshment stops at Devil's Bridge and Dent with lunch in Hawes before we head north over The Buttertubs pass. Scenic route back via Horsehouses and Kettlewell where we will stop for a brief break.
Total riding approximately 120 miles
To open the map click here....
Download the route as a GPX file