The best cycling routes around Rosedale West Side

There are 13 touring cycling routes available in Rosedale West Side, offering a diverse range of experiences through the North York Moors National Park.

The routes in Rosedale West Side cater to various skill levels. You'll find 3 easy routes, 6 moderate routes, and 4 difficult routes, including those with challenging ascents like Chimney Bank.

Yes, there are 3 easy touring cycling routes in Rosedale West Side. While specific family-friendly routes aren't detailed, routes following the old railway lines, like sections of the Rosedale Railway Ride, generally offer a gentler experience away from the steepest climbs, making them potentially suitable for families.

You can expect dramatic moorland landscapes, particularly extensive heather moorland offering sweeping vistas. The routes also pass through picturesque valleys, alongside the River Seven, and through areas with remnants of the region's rich industrial heritage.

Rosedale West Side is rich in history. You can explore remnants of the old iron ore mine workings and the former railway line, including impressive stone roasting kilns. Notable landmarks include Ana Cross, a historic stone cross, and the village of Rosedale Abbey, built on the site of a former Cistercian Priory. You might also encounter Bronze Age cairns like Simon Howe Bronze Age Cairn.

Absolutely. Rosedale West Side is known for its challenging ascents. The most famous is Chimney Bank, recognized as one of England's steepest public roads with gradients up to 33%. Routes like Rosedale Chimney Bank Climb – Bank Top Iron Kilns loop from The Lion Inn and The Lion Inn, Blakey Ridge – View from Blakey Junction loop from The Lion Inn offer significant elevation gains and are graded as difficult.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Rosedale West Side are designed as loops. For example, the popular Rosedale Chimney Bank Climb – Rosedale East Iron Kilns loop from The Lion Inn and the Rosedale Chimney Bank Climb – Abbey Tea Rooms loop from Rosedale Abbey are excellent circular options, allowing you to start and finish in the same location.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 30 reviews. Cyclists often praise the dramatic moorland views, the unique industrial heritage sites, and the variety of routes that cater to different fitness levels, from the challenging climbs to the more leisurely old railway paths.

Yes, the region offers numerous scenic viewpoints. Blakey Ridge, located to the north-west of Rosedale, provides impressive panoramic views over the moorland. The extensive heather moorland itself offers sweeping vistas, especially from higher elevations like Round Hill Summit or Urra Moor – Highest Point of the North York Moors.

The best time to go touring cycling in Rosedale West Side is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to October). During these months, the weather is typically milder, and the heather on the moors is in bloom, creating a spectacular purple landscape. However, be prepared for changeable weather conditions typical of the North York Moors.

Yes, the village of Rosedale Abbey serves as the main settlement in the valley and offers welcoming stops for visitors, including tea rooms and pubs. The Lion Inn on Blakey Ridge, often a starting point for routes like the Bank Top Iron Kilns – Ana Cross loop from The Lion Inn, is also a popular spot for refreshments.

While Rosedale West Side is nestled within a rural part of the North York Moors, public transport options are limited. It's generally more convenient to access the area by car, with parking available in villages like Rosedale Abbey or at popular starting points like The Lion Inn on Blakey Ridge. Check local bus services for specific routes and schedules, as they may be infrequent.