WHEN riding across the Yorkshire Wolds to the west of Driffield you will see a magnificent tower dominating the skyline.

This is, of course, Sir Tatton Sykes’ Memorial which stands proud on the top of Garton Hill.

The 120ft high tower was erected in his memory by his friends who loved him and honoured him as a landlord.

In contrast, in Sledmere village is another memorial, this time to remember the brave Waggoners who fought in the First World War. Its squat bulk is no less impressive, just take a look at the story the detailed carvings portray.

Near this Waggoners memorial is another grand work of art, Eleanor’s Cross.

This cross is a replica of one of the Eleanor Crosses erected elsewhere in the country in commemoration of Queen Eleanor of Castile, who, having borne King Edward 16 children was on her way from London to visit him in the north when she was taken ill and tragically died at Harby in Lincolnshire in the year 1290.

King Edward had her embalmed, then buried her innards in Lincoln Cathedral before returning her body to London for burial in Westminster Abbey.

In honour of his much loved Queen, Edward ordered a monument to be built at every place the cortege stopped for the night during their long, sombre walk back to the capital city.

There were 12 crosses erected and some places we know of today still carry the memorial in their name.

Waltham Cross and Charing Cross are names we recognise.

The only three crosses standing today are at Waltham Cross, Geddington off the A43 and Hardingstone in Northamptonshire, although remnants of many others can still be found.

The replica Eleanor Cross at Sledmere was built about 1895 on commission for Sir Tatton Sykes, the 5th Baronet. It is a beautiful copy of one of the original crosses and is thought to have been the village cross at Sledmere for many years before being used as war memorial to the men who died in the First World War.

Your route

LEAVE Driffield on the B1248 towards Scarborough. In about one mile from the roundabout, turn right at the sign for Kilham to cycle along a wide, smooth road with good views all the way to Kilham village.

At the entry to the village, the road bends sharply to the right, leave the road here to bear left signed to Langtoft. At the T-junction go left again still signed to Langtoft. When you reach some large farm buildings on the edge of the village, bear left onto a narrow road following a sign to Cottam.

This is a long, straight Roman road which takes you over the wold top to descend towards the B1248. Go right here with care onto this fast road following the sign for Langtoft, then in a few metres turn left signed to Cottam. This takes you high onto the wolds once again past the old medieval village of Cottam and the Second World War airfield. Not much remains of either establishment today.

Grand views again as you cross the wold top to eventually reach a busy crossroad, go straight across here signed to Weaverthorpe and Helperthorpe.

Downhill now, then uphill through a collonade of trees, watch out for potholes along here, then after another descent and ascent you arrive at a Tjunction.

Go left now signed to Helperthorpe and Malton and continue along through Luttons to Kirbygrindalythe.

Turn left here into the village signed to Sledmere and Driffield. This narrow road goes left, then right before starting to climb again to cross another of these grand rolling hills, once past Squirrel Hall Farm the decent takes you into Sledmere with glimpses of the great house rising in front of you.

At the T-junction, you need to turn left to continue the route but before you do turn right to see the fantastic replica of Eleanor’s Cross, then return to continue your journey through the village of Sledmere and perhaps have a refreshment stop at the café on your right, or the pub a little further along, then continue through the village without deviation on the B1252 for a couple of miles or so until you reach Sir Tatton Sykes’ huge monument. Turn left here onto a narrow road which varies in condition with mud, grass and potholes to test your riding skills but it soon meets another road just past Sledmere Grange at a T-junction.

Turn right here along a narrow road called Garton Bottoms.

Keep on this road at all times ignoring others and follow signs for Driffield. Eventually you cross a bridge over the A163 as the road cosssntinues along into Driffield to the end of the ride for perhaps, some well earned refreshment.

The facts

Distance – 28miles/45km
Terrain – Undulating roads
Best map – OS Landranger 101 & 106
Start/grid ref – Driffield, grid ref: 025580
Refreshments – Pubs along the way, café at Sledmere, lots of choice in Driffield
Public toilets - Driffield

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