8 of the best places to go cycling on the Yorkshire Coast
A great way to exercise and see our beautiful coast and 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. Scarborough is the only town to feature as a stage start or finish in every edition of the Tour de Yorkshire.
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 countryside routes near Whitby and Bridlington and longer rides out across the Wolds and Moors.
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.
The Cinder Track
Ideal for a leisure cycle, the Cinder Track is the 21-mile route of the long-disused Scarborough to Whitby railway. As a result, the path is traffic free and largely flat with slight inclines near Ravenscar and Hawsker.
Littlebeck to Hawsker
Starting in the charming village of Littlebeck to the south of Whitby, this 12-mile route through woodland and country lanes links you up with the Cinder Track at Hawsker. It’s hilly in places, but there are a few pubs en route and there’s always homemade ice cream at Beacon Farm in Sneaton.
The Esk Valley
Starting at Whitby and heading inland, this 15-mile route takes you along peaceful back roads and country lanes through the glorious Esk Valley countryside. It ends with a climb to Danby Beacon for panoramic views across the Moors to the sea.
Across the North York Moors
An 18-mile forest to sea route taking you from Langdale End near Scarborough to the coast at Whitby. This one’s got a bit of all sorts – secluded forest sections and open moorland, gentle cinder track and tougher climbs.
Driffield to Bridlington
A gentle, rolling 19-mile route from Driffield to Bridlington taking in the Yorkshire Wolds views that inspired artist David Hockney. You’ll pass Elizabethan stately home Burton Agnes Hall. Be aware there’s a couple of busy roads and a level crossing to negotiate too.
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 coast and countryside - and remember your cycle safety.
Take a look at amazing photos of the Yorkshire Coast over the last 120 years
Filey Beach, c1910
A family day out on the beach in Filey use to look very different! This image is thought to date from around 1910.
Butlins Filey, 1954
Work on Filey's Butlins was started just before World War II. It housed military personnel during the conflict before opening as a holiday camp in 1945. It was served by its own railway station. At its peak, it attracted 175,000 guests in a single season. The camp closed in 1983. Primrose Valley and The Bay Holiday Village now occupy the site.
Sandsend, 1931
The view of cottages alongside Sandsend Beck at the foot of Lythe Bank, taken in spring 1931.
Staithes & Runswick Bay Lifeboat, 1954
The Staithes & Runswick Bay Lifeboat going to sea in Staithes in 1954.
Whitby West Cliff Beach, 1924
The West Cliff beach was just as busy on a warm summer's day 100 years ago as it is today! This is August 1924.
Whitby's 199 Steps, 1931
The first record of 199 steps up to the Abbey is from 1340. Originally made from wood, they were replaced by stone in 1774. They famously feature in Bram Stoker's 1897 novel "Dracula" when the Count, in the form of a large dog-like creature, comes ashore at Whitby and runs up the 199 steps to the graveyard of St Mary's Church.
Whitby arcades, 1969
Seafront arcades remain a tourist draw to this day. Prize Bingo was only 6d per card in August 1969!
Scarborough's Alexandra Gardens & Floral Hall, c1900
The Floral Hall – effectively a huge conservatory – was a concert and theatrical space on the North side of Scarborough. The Alexandra Gardens offered outdoor recreation like tennis and bowls. The Hall closed in 1987 and was demolished in 1989. The site is now home to Scarborough Bowls Centre.
Scarborough Spa, c1900
A familiar view of the Scarborough Spa in the South Bay. This image was taken around the turn of the century – about 20 years after The Spa was built.
Peasholm Park, Scarborough, 1922
Another familiar site where little appears to have changed in 100 years! This is Peasholm Park in 1922.
Scarborough's South Bay, 1935
Scarborough's Foreshore not long before the start of the second World War. Venues like The Futurist Theatre were already operating.
North Bay Bathing Pool, Scarborough, 1938
This is Scarborough's newly opened "North Bay Bathing Pool" in the summer of 1938. The site was redeveloped and renamed through the 80s and 90s - known over the years as "Waterscene", "Water Splash World" and "Atlantis".
Scarborough Open Air Theatre, 1957
The Lord Mayor of London opened The Open Air Theatre in Northstead Manor Gardens in 1932. The redeveloped site was opened by HM The Queen in 2010.
Bridlington Promenade, 1926
This is what a summer's day in Brid looked like 100 years ago! This view of the Promenade was taken in August 1926.
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