Exploring the North York Moors: Off-Road, On-Road & Moor to Sea Cycling Routes
In our previous post, we introduced you to Low Costa Mill as the ideal cycling-friendly base for exploring the North York Moors. Now, let’s dive into the exciting part: the routes themselves! The North York Moors offers unparalleled cycling diversity for every type of rider. You’ll find everything from challenging mountain bike trails to serene road rides and extensive network routes. Get ready to discover the incredible options that await you.
Off the Beaten Track: Explore North Yorkshire’s Best Off-Road Routes
For those who prefer to leave the tarmac behind, the North York Moors offers some of Britain’s best off-road cycling.
Dalby Forest stands out as one of the UK’s largest mountain biking centres, boasting over 45 miles of cycling tracks across an amazing 8,000 acres. This forest truly has something for every level. You’ll find perfect routes for beginners and families, alongside the renowned World Cup MTB Trail. At just 6.4km, this shorter route delivers an extremely challenging experience for the most experienced mountain bikers, with technical terrain, steep climbs, and hair-raising descents. Dalby Forest is also home to a fantastic bike skills park.
Another excellent destination is Sutton Bank, featuring two purpose-built all-weather cycling tracks. The pump track offers the thrill of riding a loop of banked turns and rollers. Meanwhile, there are four cycle trails, ranging from “Cliff,” a 3-mile family-friendly circular, to “Paradise,” a 17.5-mile red route for experienced riders. The family cycle trail, a 2.5km figure-of-eight, provides a longer and wider start to the existing Cliff Trail enabling families to ride side-by-side through woodland, as well as providing better access for those using adapted cycles such as handcycles. This trail also doubles as a cyclocross track for competitive events during autumn and winter. Like Dalby Forest, Sutton Bank also provides a dedicated bike skills area and bike wash facilities.
On the Road: Scenic Cycling for Every Rider
If you prefer the open road, the North York Moors region won’t disappoint. You’ll find a vast network of quiet country lanes and picturesque routes perfect for road cycling and enjoying the stunning scenery.
Ryedale is fast becoming a favourite for those seeking a challenge. It boasts a vast network of cycle-friendly roads, including the infamous Rosedale Chimney with its punishing 1:3 gradient. This area also has a prestigious cycling heritage; the Women’s Tour of Britain raced through Pickering earlier this year. And the Tour de Yorkshire passed through in 2015. It’s easy to pick up their official routes if you fancy giving them a go!
For a gentler pace, explore the winding lanes of Ryedale’s valleys and the Howardian Hills. Cycle alongside riversides, through ancient villages, and past the parkland paradise of country estates like Duncombe Park, Castle Howard, and Nunnington Hall. With the countryside barely rising above 200m, these routes are perfect for a relaxed ride.
For those who love moorland roads, the 171-mile North York Moors Cycleway guides road cyclists through a figure-of-eight loop on quieter routes. Starting and ending in Pickering, this iconic route passes through heather landscapes, around hidden valleys, and meanders through deep forests. You’ll also experience stunning views along our rugged coastline, truly highlighting the region’s natural beauty. You can find more information and download routes at the North York Moors National Park website.
The Moor to Sea Cycle Network: Connecting Coast to Country
Beyond specific trails and roads, the Moor to Sea Cycle Network offers an incredible way to explore the vast landscapes of the North York Moors. This impressive network totals around 150 miles of interlinked routes, strategically connecting key destinations such as Scarborough, Whitby, Dalby Forest, Great Ayton, and of course, Pickering.
The network is brilliantly designed, offering a diverse cycling experience. You’ll find a mix of quiet country roads, scenic woodland tracks, challenging bridleways, and the wonderfully traffic-free Cinder Track (a former railway line). While each network section is a linear ride, they can be cleverly joined together to create longer, rewarding loop routes. Conveniently for our guests, two distinct routes directly start from Pickering, making it incredibly easy to begin your journey on this comprehensive network.
Ready to Roll?
The North York Moors truly is a cyclist’s paradise, offering an unparalleled variety of routes for every preference. We hope this guide inspires you to get out there and explore this stunning region on two wheels. Create unforgettable memories with every pedal stroke.
Remember, our cottages at Low Costa Mill provide the perfect base for these adventures, with all the facilities you need for a comfortable and convenient cycling holiday. So, choose your route, and get ready to ride, and we look forward to welcoming you!