Leisure and Road Cycling

Yorkshire is a great place to learn how to cycle and offers quieter routes for children so they can cycle in safety whilst being surrounded by birds and trees. These out of the way routes range from forest trails, to disused railways and canal towpaths.

The Cinder Track is a popular route with all cyclists, all year around. One of the most spectacular trails in the north, it runs alongside the North Yorkshire Heritage Coast. Following a disused railway line from Whitby to Scarborough, this traffic-free route has a number of climbs and descents, just to keep things interesting. With good cinder tracks throughout, it's ideal for the more adventurous families. The route is 21.5 miles (34km) one way and is also part of National Route 1 of the National Cycle Network and the Moor to Sea Cycle Route.

The Moor to Sea Cycle network links more than 100 miles of waymarked cycling through the spectacular scenery of the North York Moors National Park, from wide sweeps of open heather moorland to the breathtaking Heritage Coast. Combine a choice of linear routes to make circuits of varying lengths or take a week and cycle the entire length, which links the historic towns of Scarborough, Pickering, Whitby and Great Ayton. You'll get fabulous views of heather moorland, ancient forests, rolling farmland and the spectacular coast along the way from forest tracks, lanes and the former coastal railway.

Try the newest leg - using forest tracks and part of the old Rosedale railway line, it links Easby on the western fringes with Dalby Forest. Along its 34 miles, there's one tough climb up to the moor top, rewarded with a stunning view. The rest is fairly easy, with villages including Rosedale Abbey and Levisham providing welcome refreshment stops and it can be split into smaller sections for those looking for a more leisurely pedal.

Close by to parts of the network are three easy to follow routes based around the famous North Yorkshire Moors steam railway. The Pedal & Puff leaflet describing these routes which use the steam train and your bike to explore the Park, can be purchased for 50p from the North York Moors National Park Authority online shop, as can the pack for the Moor to Sea Cycle network (for £3.50).

Download our leaflet showing some of the cycling routes in the North Yorkshire Coast and North York Moors area.

On a fine day nothing is more relaxing than the York to Selby Cycle Route. This gentle 15 mile ride along one of the first traffic-free cycle paths takes you from the walled city of York south to the historic abbey town of Selby. NCN route 65 initially runs alongside the River Ouse, and passes local landmarks such as the famous Millennium Bridge and 'the planets', a scale-model of the solar system; this is an ideal ride for all abilities.  The route can be done as a return trip or you can use the fact that it connects two railway stations to make the return journey.

You can also head north from York following NCN Route 65 to the impressive Beningbrough Hall, on a delightful 9 mile ride.  Discover more details on this ride and others in Yorkshire, including free cycle maps.

The Yorkshire Wolds also offers some inspired and rewarding routes. Don't miss Big Skies Bike Rides that take in the rolling chalk hills, long views and of course, big skies.

Or how about the Calder Valley Cycleway in West Yorkshire? This picturesque 14 mile route between Sowerby Bridge and Warland is fun for everyone. The well constructed paths, quiet roads, sections of canal towpath and collections of public art en route all make for a great ride.

Another pleasant easy route featuring a collection of artworks, including a flock of Swaledale sheep constructed from recycled industrial scrap, is the Spen Valley Greenway. This 8 mile surfaced off-road cycling route follows a disused railway track between Cleckheaton, Dewsbury and Heckmondwike, eventually linking to Bradford.

The Wetherby Railway Path also follows a disused railway track, passing through farmland and woods and the market town of Wetherby. Being short and flat, this is a particularly suitable route for young children.

Much of the towpath of the historic Leeds-Liverpool canal has been upgraded to allow cycle use. The journey out from cosmopolitan Leeds takes you along a wonderful green corridor, giving easy cycling, and linking some great attractions. There are interesting sights in Leeds itself, Kirkstall Abbey, the Saltaire World Heritage Site, plus the lovely East Riddlesden Hall run by the National Trust. Leeds is a place for shopping, dining out and experiencing the bustling scene many of Yorkshire's cities boast. The distance out to Riddlesden (near Keighley) is 19 miles (30km) on the Aire Valley Towpath Route, with the railway providing one way options with easy access to the stations at Saltaire, Bingley and Crossflats.

More route ideas can be found here.

Cycling touring is a great way to discover the county - travelling larger distances and absorbing more of the landscapes and surroundings. Whether you live close by or are on a visit to sample the famous great Yorkshire outdoors, getting on a bike is a safe and swift way of exploring.  After such exertion you can be fully justified in stopping for a slab of cake or a pint of locally brewed beer at any one of the many fine cafés or village pubs. If you're planning to cycle a long distance route and prefer to organise your own accommodation, find out how here.

Yorkshire is lucky enough to be home to many established and new road routes. 

Moor to Sea Cycle Trail
For long distance riders and an ideal first cycle tour, the Moor to Sea Cycle trail offers more than 100 miles of way marked cycling through the spectacular scenery of the North York Moors, from wild and dramatic moorland to the breathtaking Heritage Coast, with views of the gothic Abbey on Whitby's clifftops and the stone ruins of Scarborough's castle. The Network comprises of more than ten linear routes which you can combine to make circuits of varying lengths or take a few days and cycle the entire length, linking the historic towns of Scarborough, Pickering, Whitby and Great Ayton. You'll get fabulous views of heather moorland, ancient forests, rolling farmland and the spectacular coast along the way from forest tracks, lanes and the former coastal railway. This route is signed with way markers and information boards.

2012 will also see the opening of a new leg of the Moor to Sea, a stunning stretch from Dalby to Great Ayton, taking the Network to over 150 miles. Find out more.

White Rose Cycle Route
Distance:123 miles via Selby or 115 miles via Market Weighton
Journey from Hull, along the River Ouse at York and the quiet country roads of the Vale of York, before climbing onto the foothills of the North York Moors.

Yorkshire Wolds Cycle Route
Distance: 146 miles (235km) circular route
Start and finish: Various options - Beverley, Bridlington, Driffield and Malton all have train stations. Follow National Route 66 from York for 18 miles to pick the route up at Pocklington.  
A new signed route, part of the National Cycle Network, around the enchanted rolling hills and coastal cliffs of the Yorkshire Wolds. Discover hidden valleys, wildflowers and wildlife, beautiful beaches and big skies. Pass through picturesque villages, including Hunmanby right on the edge of the Yorkshire Wolds, market towns and historic houses and churches. The route follows quiet roads and country lanes with some cycle paths and one, mile-long unmade track section. Following the route clockwise is easier. There are tearooms, cafés, pubs and food shops at varying intervals. The NCN Yorkshire Wolds, York & Hull Cycle Routes map is available to purhcase from the Sustrans online shop and local Tourist Information Centres. 

Yorkshire Dales Cycleway
Distance:130 miles (210 km)
Start and finish: Circular starting at Skipton
A great way to see the best of the rolling Yorkshire Dales, it takes you through six of the finest valleys, starting in Wharfedale, and taking in Coverdale, Swaledale, Wensleydale, Dentdale and Kingsdale.  The route can be divided into six day-stages of 20-25 miles each.  The route follows quiet country lanes and includes some challenging climbs through wild areas, swooping descents and stunning quiet dales to explore.

West Yorkshire Cycleway
Why not warm your legs up on this 150 mile signed circular route that roughly follows the West Yorkshire county boundary, a great ride for the serious cyclist.  Primarily for leisure cycling, the route is mainly on-road and is intended for use by all roadworthy bikes.  Plus there are plenty of great places to stay for the not so serious who don't want to do it all in a day.

Get your kicks on Route 66, the long-distance cycle route which follows the young river Calder, or tackle Route 68, the Pennine Cycleway, another national cycle route devised by Sustrans which wends its way through the heart of our Pennine hill passing through Holmfirth, making it a great stop-off point. The full route is 355 miles and takes between 8-14 days - not for the faint hearted!

No cycling tour of Yorkshire would be complete without climbing the famous Cragg Vale Incline (B6138) - the longest unbroken ascent of any road in England. From the village of Mytholmroyd, the road rises 968 feet over a distance of five and a half miles to open moorland. Enough to give your gears and lungs a tough workout.

Another of Britain's most well known ascents is Holme Moss from Holmbridge to the north and the Woodhead Reservoir to the south, the popular known 'Le Col de Moss' rewards every rider with one of the most stunning picnic spots in Yorkshire. With views of up to 50 miles on a clear, just soak in the vista and relax. After all, it's all downhill from here.

More routes and ideas can be found here.

Way of the Roses Cycle Route
There's the newest coast to coast route, Way of the Roses, just waiting to be tried. With its 170 well-signed miles between Morecambe and Bridlington Bays, it rolls through the Forest of Bowland, Yorkshire Dales and Nidderdale, on its way to York and the Yorkshire Wolds, all enjoyed from cycle paths, country lanes and quieter roads. Just follow the distinctive blue signs bearing red and white roses.

You can enjoy beautiful countryside and historic cities on the Way of the Roses with a fully supported five day tour with Cycle Yorkshire, which includes accommodation, baggage transfer and CTC qualified guide. Start and finish in York with free transfers to Morecambe and return from Bridlington.

The Trans Pennine Trail
The Trans Pennine Trail is well worth getting on your bike for.  Unlike most other long-distance cycle routes in the UK, it's mainly off road, but not off the beaten track. The 350 mile route runs from Southport to Hornsea, with links from Leeds to Chesterfield, plus a further route to York. Weaving in and out of our county's major urban centres, and making great use of our post-industrial waterways, giving you a unique perspective of Yorkshire. Mostly following old railway lines and canals, the trail is for walkers, cyclists and horse riders with many sections having easy access for people with limited mobility and being off-road, it's great for all the family.

Walney to Wear & Whitby (W2W)
You can cycle 'coast to coast' from Walney Island in Cumbria to the fishing town of Whitby via Tan Hill, thanks to Regional Route 52 which runs between Barnard Castle and the historic North Yorkshire port. This well signed route is 171 miles (275km) long and is fully mapped. Add to the adventure by cycling an extra 21.5 miles (34km) along The Cinder Track, the coast-hugging ex-railway track to Scarborough.

You can also sign up for one of the many cyclosportive or audax rides in the area.  Cyclosportives often feature a number of different length loops as challenge rides.  They are organised events which follow way-marked routes, and have a number of refreshment stops along the way. You are normally timed although they are not a race, and so you can always come back the next year to try and improve your time. They can be really good social occasions with hundreds of riders out on course.

Audax rides are organised events that start at 50km and work up to 600km.  You need to be more self-contained, organising your own food and often doing some navigation.

The last decade has seen a year on year increase in the number and geographical spread of cyclosportives, and top events like the Etape du Dales book up very quickly. All of these events pitch road riders, ranging from have-a-go types to would-be racers, against the UK's best, most scenic and most challenging routes. The best known events in Yorkshire can be found here.