York
Ride the best traffic free cycle routes Yorkshire has to offer! 12 trails listed below!
Ride the best traffic free cycle routes Yorkshire has to offer! 12 trails listed below!
York Solar System model - Earth signpost by Peter Church under license CC BY-SA 4.0
In this post we highlight some of the best traffic free cycle routes Yorkshire has to offer, including well maintained cycle paths and mountain bike trails!
Cycling in Yorkshire is something you need to do! The county is filled with historic landmarks and a vibrant culture that is waiting to be explored. What’s more, cycling is a great way to get around the county and see everything it has to offer.
There are plenty of cycle routes to take, whether you want to stick to the city centre of York or venture out into the countryside. And, with so much to see and do in Yorkshire, you’ll never be short of things to do while you’re on your bike. So, what are you waiting for? Get on your bike and explore York!
You can join the Trans Pennine Trail whilst cycling from York to Naburn, learn about our neighbouring planets whilst on your bike on the York Solar System trail or take on the famous mountain biking trails at Dalby Forest! 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 routes to try on your visit to Yorkshire, why not have a look at our blog posts for the activities that are available to do here. You can find them on the following buttons below:
Cycle Routes around Yorkshire - 12 Amazing Rides!
The table above lists all the best cycling routes around Yorkshire. Click on each name to be taken straight to the part of the blog post for that route. Due to the size of the Yorkshire area, we've created a second post on the many cycle trails available here. You can find it via the button below:
How better to see the historic city of York and the beautiful countryside than on a bike? 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.
York to Naburn
The Trans Pennine Trail is a stunning ride for families and those new to cycling. The route takes you south from York, along the River Ouse and down a traffic-free converted railway path that will provide a scenic ride with a park or two to stop at along the way!
Foss Islands to Murton Park
Combine a ride on the Foss Islands cycle track with an afternoon at Murton Park. The Foss Islands cycle track takes you from Osbaldwick along the old Derwent Valley Light Railway route stretching for around 7 miles. Perfect route for a family bike ride!
Millennium Bridge to Ashkam Bog
The off-road cycle paths through Askham Bog Nature Reserve make this a great way to explore Yorkshire's natural beauty. This scenic route takes about 30 minutes each way and provides the perfect opportunity for a picnic stop by your favorite spot in this natural wonderland!
York to Selby
A 14-mile ride through the flat, arable landscape of York's Vale will take you on a scenic path with little traffic to worry about. This route is perfect for novice cyclists who want an easygoing experience that isn't too challenging but still grabs their interest. The ride should take just over an hour to complete. Click the button for more information.
York Solar System
Cycle the York Solar System model for an experience on your bike you'll not get anywhere else! Along 6 miles of old East Coast main line railway, you can find scale models of all planets in our solar system as well as information on two missions that were launched by NASA nearly 40 years ago-the Cassini and Voyager spacecraft missions! An enjoyable and educational ride that might spark an interest in the Universe out there!
The Swale Trail
Imagine a valley bottom route 12 miles long, 30% of which is on tracks that are not only smooth but also scenic. The rest of the trail is unsurfaced but a joy to ride on! The Swale Trail runs between Reeth and Keld in Swaledale where you can stop for food or drinks at cafes along the way before ending up back home after your ride!
Beverley to Market Weighton Rail Trail
This 10-mile long trail is a fantastic route along the old railway line connecting Beverley with Market Weighton. The trail consists of stone path at each end but is mostly of grass fields or stone surfaces that take you through beautiful rolling countryside!
Cinder Track at Bay Ness, Robin Hood's Bay by Mat Fascione under license CC BY-SA 4.0
The Cinder Track
The Cinder Track is a must try coastal route from Whitby to Scarborough that is one of the most popular rides in North Yorkshire. It boasts fantastic views, secluded coves and access for visitors who want an adventure on their trip! You can't beat taking on this 21-mile cycle along rugged coastline experiencing the gorgeous scenery Yorkshire has to offer.
MTB: Dalby Forest
The Dalby Forest is a fantastic place to explore on two wheels. You'll find purpose-built mountain bike trails that are waiting for you, no matter your skill level or how much experience there may be in this sport! England's largest trail center and home of the UCI Mountain Bike Cross Country World Cup will offer visitors amazing opportunities with their bikes as they take off into the forest testing their skills with their friends and families!
The Cleveland Way in Guisborough Woods by Anthony Foster under license CC BY-SA 4.0
MTB: Guisborough Forest
Mountain bikers will experience some challenging terrain on the trail here. There are 4 miles worth on this route with an elevation gain throughout the course, which makes for a tough ride! The forest offers a chance to test your fitness levels on a well maintained trail.
MTB: Otley Chevin Forest Park
With its diverse landscape, Chevin Forest Park can be a great family route trailing through interesting natural scenery. Starting from the car park adjacent to the Tea Rooms, the route heads out on an asphalt path that leads you into 180 hectares of woodlands with moorland and heathland in between rocky crags, all set against the clear blue skies above! It's also home for many unique wildlife species like Green Hairstreaks butterflies who'll join you on your cycle past their natural habitat!
MTB: Stainburn Forest
Visit this forest to experience the West Yorkshire's beautiful natural landscape at its most raw. The coniferous canopy provides a perfect setting for your outdoor adventure, whether you are looking to try the 3 mountain bike trails or just want some peace and quiet in which explore nature up close!
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have shared some of the best cycle routes in Yorkshire. To find out more about things to do in this area, click on the buttons 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.