10 of the best places to go cycling in York & North Yorkshire
A great way to exercise and see our beautiful countryside!
Last updated 4th Aug 2021
Ever since the Tour de France chose Yorkshire to host its first two stages back in 2014, the region has become a major cycling destination. Every edition of the Tour de Yorkshire has raced through our county with York, Tadcaster and Selby all featuring as start or finish points.
Whether you are looking for long-distance road routes or off-road paths round local countryside - we've brought together the best of them here. Read on for routes around York and Selby and countless countryside rides in the Moors, Dales, Wolds and Vale of Pickering.
York
A short 2.5-mile road route that takes in the sights of the northern part of the city. Starting at Scarborough Bridge near the railway station, you’ll pass the Minster and cross the Foss on the way to Tang Hall. In parts it’s traffic free.
York to Selby
A mainly flat, traffic free 14-mile route south from the city through farmland to Selby. The route uses the trackbed of the old East Coast Mainline railway. You can read about the history on interpretation boards along the route. You’ll also see the ‘Cycle the Solar System’ artwork. A 10.4 km long scale model of the solar system between Bishopthorpe and Riccall. The models of the planets are the correct proportional distance from the Sun and each other.
Dalby Forest
Found to the north of the A170, just outside Pickering, Dalby Forest is already a favourite with cyclists, offering many routes of varying length and difficulty. If you’re a beginner, there’s also a bike hire centre.
Howardian Hills
A rolling 23-mile route through woodland, parkland and charming villages that starts and ends at Castle Howard. There are plenty of opportunities for a rest at attractive spots like Nunnington Hall, Hovingham and Terrington.
The Vale of Pickering
Starting in Malton, this gently undulating 28-mile route offers views of the River Rye, North York Moors, Yorkshire Wolds and Howardian Hills.
Across the Yorkshire Wolds
A 36-mile route along peaceful country roads that starts in Kirkham village and winds its way to Hunmanby via Norton-on-Derwent and Sledmere. There are riverside views along the way and the sight of Filey and the coast at the end.
Sutton Bank
A challenging 18-mile road route from Coxwold through the North York Moors via the steep Sutton Bank to Hawnby. It ends near Osmotherley. Worth it for the views.
Spaunton Moor
This one’s a peaceful nine-mile loop through quiet country lanes. The honeypot village of Hutton-le-Hole is the start and end point. Lastingham, Spaunton and Appleton le Moors all feature. It’s uphill to begin, but you roll down Spaunton Bank on the way back!
The Yorkshire Wolds Cycle Route
For the hardiest of cyclists, the full Yorkshire Wolds Cycle Route is a 147-mile loop. Beverley or Pocklington are recommended as the start/end points. A largely gentle, rolling route, there is a total of just over 2000m of climbing. Landmarks along the way include Kirkham Priory, Sledmere House and Sewerby Hall.
The North York Moors Cycleway
Another long distance route. This time it’s 171 miles around the North York Moors National Park, starting and ending at Pickering. Country lanes, forest roads, coastal paths and a full 4000m of climbing. Castle Howard, Helmsley Castle, Whitby Abbey and Sutton Bank are all on the route.
Enjoy the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside - but remember your cycle safety.
Take a look at amazing photos of York & North Yorkshire over the last 150 years
York Railway Station, 1858
The first York railway station opened in 1839. It was a temporary building on Queen Street outside the walls of the city. It was replaced in 1841 by a permanent construction at the junction of Toft Green, Tanner Row and Station Rise inside the city walls. That in turn was replaced with the present York railway station – back outside the walls - in 1877.
York’s Ouse Bridge, 1880
The view from King's Staith towards the Ouse bridge.
York City Walls, 1890
There have been walls of some sort round the city since Roman times. Much of what we see today was built in medieval times. The walls were restored in the Victorian period after falling into disrepair. Parts were widened to allow more space for wall-walkers like the ones pictured here.
Shambles, York, 1900
One of York's most famous streets back at the turn of the century. Some of the buildings date back to the fourteenth century. Thought by some to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter novels, JK Rowling says she has never been.
The top of York Minster, 1931
The building of The Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter in York – to give it its proper name – took 250 years! Completed in 1472, there has of course been much preservation work over the years, like this in 1931.
St Leonard’s Place, York, 1958
This view of the junction of St Leonard's Place, Museum Street, Duncombe Place and Blake Street hasn't really changed much in 60 years!
Parliament Street, York, 1958
Another city centre view from 1958. The market in Parliament Street.
Stonegate, York, 1959
Stonegate before pedestrianisation. Ye Olde Starre Inne sign has spanned the street since 1733.
Thirsk Market Place, 1933
There's been a weekly market in Thirsk since 1145. The Clock Tower was erected in the Market Place in 1896 to mark the marriage of the Duke of York and Princess Mary of Teck - later King George V and Queen Mary.
Malton Market Square, c1942
A wartime market in the town centre.
Selby, 1912
The Abbey was first founded in 1069. A fire did significant damage in 1906, just a few years before this photograph was taken.
Selby Abbey, 1935
The Abbey has of course gone through much restoration work during its long history. In 1935, the height of the towers at the front were raised.
Selby Toll Bridge 1935
Until 1991, you had to pay a toll to head over the Ouse on the Barlby Road near the Abbey!
Now Read:
Find the best places for a picnic in York & North Yorkshire
Learn fascinating facts about York & North Yorkshire
Admire the best views in York & North Yorkshire