The best gravel rides around Fylingdales

There are over a dozen gravel bike trails around Fylingdales, offering a mix of moderate and difficult routes. The region is known for its diverse terrain within the North York Moors National Park.

While many routes in Fylingdales are moderate to difficult, the area does offer paths suitable for a more relaxed ride. The View from Larpool Viaduct – Cinder Track Gateway loop from Whitby is a moderate 21.3 km route that utilizes the Cinder Track, a former railway line, which is generally flatter and offers a mix of surfaces and scenic views, making it a good option for families or those seeking a less strenuous ride.

Fylingdales offers a varied gravel biking experience. You'll encounter expansive heather moorland, rugged coastlines, and ancient moorland tracks. Routes often traverse rocky landscapes and wild, remote moorland, with some segments being unpaved and challenging. The versatility of gravel bikes allows riders to transition seamlessly between tarmac, tracks, and trails, including sections of the popular Cinder Track.

Yes, Fylingdales is well-suited for challenging and longer gravel rides. Routes like the View from Common Cliff – Robin Hood's Bay Village loop from Whitby, at 70.2 km, and the View from Larpool Viaduct – Robin Hood's Bay Village loop from Whitby, at 66.0 km, are classified as difficult and offer significant elevation gain, connecting coastal viewpoints with charming villages and moorland paths.

The North York Moors, including Fylingdales, are beautiful year-round. Spring and summer offer vibrant heather moorland and generally milder weather. Autumn provides stunning colours. While winter riding is possible, be prepared for potentially challenging conditions on unpaved sections due to mud, ice, or snow, especially on the exposed moorland tracks. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

Many of the gravel bike trails in Fylingdales are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the View from Common Cliff – Robin Hood's Bay Village loop from Whitby and the View of the Hole of Horcum – Levisham Station loop from Goathland, which offer diverse scenery and terrain.

The Fylingdales area is rich in natural beauty and points of interest. You can expect breathtaking vistas of expansive heather moorland and rugged coastlines. Highlights include the iconic RAF Fylingdales radar station, visible from various points, and the dramatic coastline near Robin Hood's Bay. For specific attractions, consider visiting Whitby Harbour, the stunning Mallyan Spout Waterfall, or the historic Goathland railway station.

Yes, the charming villages and towns in and around Fylingdales offer opportunities for refreshments. Robin Hood's Bay and Fylingthorpe are located within the parish, and nearby Whitby is a traditional seaside town with numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants. Many routes pass through or near these settlements, providing convenient stops.

The Fylingdales area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, from coastal paths to remote moorland, and the stunning natural beauty of the North York Moors National Park. The mix of challenging climbs and scenic descents, along with the unique experience of navigating varied surfaces, are frequently highlighted.

Absolutely. The Cinder Track, a popular former railway line, is a prominent feature in many gravel biking routes around Fylingdales. The View from Larpool Viaduct – Cinder Track Gateway loop from Whitby is a great example, offering a relatively moderate ride along this scenic path. Another option is the View from Beacon Howes – The Cinder Track loop from Ravenscar.

The elevation gain varies significantly depending on the route's length and difficulty. For instance, a moderate route like the View from Larpool Viaduct – Cinder Track Gateway loop from Whitby has around 220 meters of elevation gain. More difficult and longer routes, such as the View of the Hole of Horcum – Levisham Station loop from Goathland, can feature over 600 meters of ascent, offering a good challenge for experienced riders.