BRIAN BEADLE completes the fourth and final part of his 100-mile mountain bike challenge: Bloworth Crossing to Helmsley

The final part of the 100-mile challenge route this month takes us from Bloworth Crossing, high up on Rudland Rigg, back to civilisation at Helmsley market place, the official finish.

From Bloworth Crossing where we finished last time, take the track to the right then in a few hundred yards turn left along a narrow track through the heather on the left.

This soon joins a wide track climbing over Cockayne Ridge which you will easily identify in front of you.

Follow this wide track which climbs steadily over the moor and you will soon see an old triangulation pillar on your right. Take the next left turn along a wide track passing a large stone cairn on your right.

Downhill all the way now until you see the shooting butts on your right. At the last one (number nine), follow the track round to the left.

Be careful NOT to go straight on at this point.

The track takes you along the escarpment for some way, eventually reaching more shooting butts.

You aren't going to believe this but it's butt number nine again!

Turn right here! In a quarter of a mile at a junction of tracks go left.

You soon arrive at a severe downhill section which is not only steep but has hairpin bends on the way down! At the bottom, cross the stream and slog your way up more hairpin bends.

It is the survival of the fittest as this hill seems to go on for ever. But, like all good things (good things?) it comes to an end and the track levels and, after passing two odd huts, eventually joins another wider track in 1 miles.

Bear right here to pass Stump Cross, or what's left of it, on your right and continue along to eventually meet the road.

Go right here for a long downhill bash to the end of the ride at Helmsley. Well there you are, exhausted, mud up to the eyeballs, aching limbs and a sore posterior.

But I'll bet any money, because you are an enthusiastic mountain biker dedicated to your sport, you're still smiling! If the route is to be ridden in more than one day, accommodation will be required.

There are lots of camp sites, bed and breakfast hotels and some youth hostels in the National Park.

The best place to inquire is at the many Tourist Information Centres in the park, I have listed the telephone numbers here: Danby Moors Centre, Danby 01287 660308 Helmsley, Market Place 01439 770173 Pickering, Eastgate Car Park 01751 473791 Scarborough, Valley Bridge Road 01723 373333

This is the last mountain biking feature with Brian Beadle.

Fact File

Distance - 16 miles (25km) approx.

Grading - Tough

Off road - 50 per cent Start/Grid Ref -Bloworth Crossing

GR. 615015

Map - OS Landranger OS Outdoor Leisure North York Moors Nos 27 and 28. Alternative Landranger 93, 94 and 100.

Refreshments - Helmsley

Reference Book - Beadle's Bash - 100-mile challenge route for mountain bikers by J Brian Beadle published by Trailblazer at £1.80 available from book shops, cafes, cycle shops, Dalby Forest Visitor Centre and Tourist Information Centres.

PICTURE: Map