Having cycled 202 miles Coast to Coast, it came as a pleasant surprise to arrive in the seaside town of Whitby.Our team of 8 adventurers were bowled over by the traditional beauty and the cosmopolitan modernity dwelling side by side in this, the Jewel of Yorkshire. Passing through Lakes, Dales and Moors we encountered scenes of dramatic natural beauty, taking in three National Parks along the way we saw some truly breathtaking vistas.
All of this culminated in a long winding road race into Whitby on the third day of our North Yorkshire expedition. By the time we reached our destination - the Whitby coast - we were more than ready for some refreshment. And where better to seek some fine ale than the harbour side watering hole the Shambles.
Just as promised on the grueling days ride we found some of the finest real ales in Yorkshire, a fine selection of India Pale Ale, stout and moonshine, a truly impressive and inviting prospect. We wasted no time in order in a round of the local brew and before long the beer was flowing and the tales growing taller, good times and banter aplenty.
Needless to say that after of what some would call an intoxicating session of beers it was time to sample a bite to eat. Whitby being a famous sea port for many hundreds of years was clearly a place of tradition and nostalgia, offering up some of the best fish and chips available in the United Kingdom.
Yet the casual cool of the modern European eateries lining the streets throughout the town had there appeal, it would have been rude not to have indulged in this classic British dish. Feast we did on the piles of golden chips and delicately battered and lightly fried cod as many a drunken sailor and indeed tourist had done before us.
There is something very special about Whitby. A quaintly old fashioned appearance gives a deceptive cover to the contemporary dining and café culture that has swept through the historic streets. Step out for an evening in Whitby and you could just as easily be strolling though the streets of any of Europe's best known capital cities.
Whitby is a hidden gem that has managed to preserve its charm and heritage in a traditional way with cobbled streets and the Swing Bridge really adding to the character of a place that has remained unspoilt by tourism and the passing of time.
Whitby in a remarkable feat has managed to combine the old with the new seamlessly to keep the old guard happy in familiar surroundings whilst attracting a new generation of visitors for the future. And with a calendar of events strong enough to compete with any major tourist destination Whitby can entice the intrepid and intrigued explorer alike.
We were moved by the way that Whitby delivered a quintessentially English seaside experience in a modern and youthful way. A real must visit destination that we will certainly return to. Even if just to sample the fantastic fish and chips once again! And so we were away. After one brief but brilliant night in Whitby we were on our travels again heading for the delights of Robin Hoods bay and the contemplation of the journey home.
Click here for more information on Whitby
Thomas Paylor
http://www.thewhitbyguide.co.uk
By Thomas Paylor
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