Features, Spotlight

Route YC aims to be the accessible tourism option

View of the coast at Scarborough

As the Yorkshire coast launches a new tourism offering dubbed Route YC, CaravanTimes caught up with its CEO Kerry Carruthers to get the lowdown.

The aim of Route YC is to put the Yorkshire coast on the map as a top tourist destination, making it as easily accessible as possible. Kerry pointed out that heading to the region for a day trip only lets visitors explore it on a surface level, while a multi-day break in a caravan or motorhome would let them “truly experience it”.

A different route-based adventure

Many of the tourism experiences based around a route have a similar premise, but Kerry says that Route YC has the element of time on its side. While you could take a week off work and enjoy the coast for seven days, it’s also possible to access itineraries and enjoy the area just for a weekend.

She said: “The overall aim is for people to do it all in numerous different ways – from walking and cycling to travelling by caravan – and Route YC will keep evolving.”

Kerry also mentioned she wanted to champion visiting outside of the summer season. She said that it may be “bitingly cold outside in January, February and March, but it’s still beautiful”. With less traffic on the roads, it’s easier to get around and discover the coastline.

Investing in infrastructure

Route YC has liaised with local businesses, many of which are involved in the initiative, and will be working to provide additional infrastructure to the area. Points along the route will benefit from extra electric car charging points and facilities to make bike repairs, as it prepares for an influx of tourists.

App and tailored itineraries

The initiative has already launched its website, but is set to roll out the second phase in June when visitors will be able to make use of a new app and tailored itineraries. Among the features will be specific information for caravanners and motorhomers.

Kerry said they want to make using Route YC as easy and accessible as possible, breaking the area down into bite size chunks and offering behind the scenes information to get the best out of a trip.

Kerry’s favourite itinerary

With so many options on Route YC, we asked Kerry how she would approach planning her own break on the Yorkshire coast.

“Personally, I’d be heading to Spurn Point, which is a wild and wonderful area. It’s Yorkshire’s own Land’s End. Then I’d go to Patrington, a cute village with great food and drink, ending up at Turnstall, with its history and small coves,” she said.

“Between Withernsea and Patrington there’s Fairview Lodges, which is the perfect place to get away from it all while still being close to the coast. There really is the best of both worlds in Yorkshire. We’ve got the countryside and the coast.”

Kerry says this trip, starting at the southern end of Route YC, would take at least three days to complete, but could easily be added to for anyone with more time on their hands. She pointed out the variety on offer, from the chance to go fossil hunting and castles to explore to golfing, beach destinations and seal watching trips for families.

Must-have souvenir

If you take one thing away from your Route YC trip, Kerry says it should be a sunrise or sunset picture. She recommends heading to the beach at Mappleton, which is not far from Hornsea, to create your own magical moments and snap the sun rising or setting as the perfect souvenir to take home with you.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Stephen Ingham