Yorkshire
Visit the best cycle trails in Yorkshire! 14 routes listed below!
Visit the best cycle trails in Yorkshire! 14 routes listed below!
Wharncliffe Woods by Roger May under license CC BY-SA 4.0
If you're looking for a cycling destination that offers everything from challenging hill climbs to relaxing cycle paths, then look no further than the county of Yorkshire. With its stunning scenery and variety of routes, Yorkshire is a cyclist's paradise. And with good weather for half of the year, there's no excuse not to get out and enjoy the fantastic trails this region has to offer.
You can spend a day at the Leeds Urban Bike Park, take in the views of the Yorkshire countryside at Spen Valley Greenway or finish at the Old Moor RSPB Reserve after a bike ride from Barnsley! If you don't have your own bike with you, we've listed some of the bike hire companies (at the bottom of the page) in the area that you can easily take out a short or longer rent for your trip.
Once you've read up on the cycle trails you must try on your visit to the Yorkshire, why not have a look at our blog posts for the activities that are available to do in this area. You can find them on the following buttons below:
The Ultimate Guide To Cycling In Yorkshire
The table above lists all the best cycling routes in Yorkshire. Click on each name to be taken straight to the part of the blog post for that route. Due to the size of area Yorkshire covers, we've created a second post on the many cycle routes available here. You can find it via the button below:
Yorkshire is famous for its love of cycling and with the routes available, you can see why! Have a look below at the cycle routes listed on the interactive map and click on the buttons below the map for each route, for further information before you travel.
Malham Tarn
The Malham Tarn cycling route is an easy and rewarding ride through the stunning Yorkshire Dales. The route takes you around the Malham Tarn National Nature Reserve, and offers incredible views of the local limescale scenery which is regarded as some of the United Kingdom's finest. The 4.5 mile route is mainly made up of gravel paths and grassy terrain making the route a family friendly option to experience the countryside!
The Trans Penine Trail, Wombwell by Steve Fareham under license CC BY-SA 4.0
Barnsley to Old Moor RSPB Reserve
The journey to the RSPB Old Moor Nature Reserve is a pleasant bike ride. The 6 mile route begins at Barnsley train station before following the National Cycle Route 67 (start at the this point to have a complete traffic free cycle). You'll pass the Wombwell Recreation Ground on The Trans Penine Trail, before ending up at your final destination of the RSPB's award winning nature reserve where you can spot kingfishers, lapwings and tree sparrows among other birds!
Sutton Bank
With its fantastic trails, Sutton Bank is one of the top destinations for family-friendly cycling. The natural and man-made paths provide a variety that will satisfy any taste while offering stunning views from up high on top of this escarpment location! Bike hire available on site at Sutton Bank Bikes.
Nidderdale Greenway - Harrogate to Ripley
On its 4-mile length, the gorgeous scenery will make you stop and take in the country views. From wildflower meadows to golden wheat fields and lofty tree lines as well as the stunning Nidd Gorge Viaduct; there is no shortage in this scenic journey! The trail follows Route 67 on the National Cycle Network and is nearly completely on traffic free paths.
Penistone to Dunford Bridge
The Trans Pennine Trail is a scenic, traffic-free path that takes you from the bustling market town of Penistone into the rolling moors of the Peak District. The surfaced route follows an old railway line that offers stunning views across the valley as it winds its way through Yorkshire! The 5.7 mile long trail is part of the Number 62 National Cycle Route.
Sheffield to Rotherham (via Meadowhall)
If you're looking for a mostly traffic-free way between two major destinations in South Yorkshire, take this route which is roughly 7.5 miles long. The route also forms part of the Trans Pennine Trail and will surprise you with how green the route is with most of the journey running alongside the trees that line the canal and River Don Valley. A stop off at Meadowhall for something to eat (and get your energy back) is a welcome addition to this route!
Leeds to Saltaire
The scenic canal path is a popular ride for those looking to get away from the city for a bit. The route begins in Leeds and winds its way out of the city along this traffic-free path, full with historic interest as well as some lovely country views! The route is 13.3 miles long and passes through some picturesque nature reserves along the way!
Artistic seat, Spen Valley Greenway, Liversedge by Humphrey Bolton under license CC BY-SA 4.0
Spen Valley Greenway
This cycle is perfect for beginners and provides stunning views of the Yorkshire countryside. Home to some amazing artwork, this greenway leads you out into nature's beauty with its gentle make-up that makes cycling an enjoyable experience no matter your level or fitness! The route is around 7 miles long and nearly all traffic free.
York to Naburn
The Trans Pennine Trail is a fantastic way to explore the north of England. This stunning ride takes you along iconic River Ouse and down an old railway path, passing historic parks with sculptures that are perfect for families to stop and explore! The 4.3 mile long path starts next to York train station in the city centre.
MTB: Hawes - Circuit of Dodd Fell
This a great mountain biking route in the Yorkshire Dales if you're feeling adventurous and love rocky tracks! The rocky climb up Wether Fell will make sure that both legs get some good exercise and with a technical descent down into Hawes, this route will ensure you're challenged.
MTB: Tour of Nidderdale
The trip high above the valley to see the breathtaking views is worth every minute. Starting at head of Nidderdale, this classic Yorkshire Dales route drops down a rubble slope and into Bouthwaite. A section through farmland before being back on track to descend towards the reservoir once past Middlesmoor on this 24km route!
MTB: Dalby Forest
Dalby Forest is a big place with plenty of trails for everyone. There is a bike park area, green family-friendly trails and more advanced routes for the experienced riders! The 34 km long Red Trail is quite an undertaking but with cut off points to take you back quicker, this is a track you may want to spend a day taking on!
MTB: Wharncliffe Woods
Wharncliffe Woods is a haven for mountain bikers looking to test their skills. The trails are challenging with steep terrain and rocky surfaces that make it more suited towards advanced riders, but there’s no shortage of fun obstacles!
MTB: Leeds Urban Bike Park
Leeds Urban Bike Park is a haven for mountain bikers of all ages and abilities. Whether you're looking to take it easy on the blue trails or get your adrenaline pumping on the red trails, there's something here that will suit every level! There's also a café on site and you can hire bikes and equipment here too.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have shared some of the best bike trails in Yorkshire. We hope you manage to experience the beauty of this county whilst on two wheels! To find out more about things to do in this area, click on the button below:
Please note...
All outdoor activities including cycling involve a degree of risk. The routes are recommended due to the well known features of each route but this may change over time and further research is required before undertaking any activity. The weather can also impact the surface and general conditions of each route so please keep yourself updated with the weather forecast before setting off to enjoy your cycle!
Crown Copyright, courtesy Forestry Commission (16/08/22) licensed under the Open Government License.