A new cycle route has been launched in Beverley and the surrounding area as part of a cultural trail similar to a currently to one that also exists in Europe.
Beverley is a member of the Hanseatic League, the largest group of towns and cities in the world.
The Hanseatic League started as a network of long-distance merchants around 400 years ago and now sees the towns and cities reconnect with their past through their shared cultural heritage.
Every year, there is an international gathering of members and people travel from Beverley to the host town or city.
Hansa England’s Cultural Cycle Route starts in the Essex town of Harwich and now travels as far as Beverley after a launch event was held in September.
Starting in Hull, the cycle route, which is backed Visit Hull & East Yorkshire and East Riding of Yorkshire Council, heads out to Cottingham before finishing on Beverley Beck near Crane Wharf.
Thirty-five riders who are members of the Beverley Knights and Velo Beverley cycling clubs set off on launch day from the Black Mill on Hessle Foreshore and made their way to Crane Wharf, where members of Beverley Hansa, and the cyclists, enjoyed a picnic.
“We hope the route will be similar to the German/Dutch Hanse Radweg which connects German and Dutch Hansa towns, with the idea of increasing tourism,” said Hamish Stewart, of Beverley Hansa.
“These days, there is 70,000 people on the route travelling by bicycle every year, so it is huge.
“Our route is the same length, and we hope ultimately it will be as successful. Our route can also be done by train, car, coach and motorbike as well as bicycles.”
“Hansa England”-Route
The route starts from the ferry port of Harwich and connects the English Hanseatic cities. Although primarily designed for cyclists, the route can also be traveled by train or car. Along the way, the Hanseatic towns of Ipswich, Great Yarmouth, King’s Lynn, Boston, Hull and Beverley invite you to stay.
