The best traffic-free bike rides around Thornton Watlass
4.8
(167)
826
riders
8
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes around Thornton Watlass are set within the scenic Ure Valley, offering access to the wider Yorkshire Dales National Park. The region features diverse landscapes, including quiet country roads, expansive dales views, and areas like Hackfall Wood with its waterfalls and woodlands. Cyclists can expect varied terrain, from gentle stretches along river valleys to routes with significant elevation gains, providing a range of experiences.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes around Thornton Watlass
- The most popular…
Last updated: May 10, 2026
4.8
(11)
12
riders
32.1km
02:02
270m
270m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
riders
49.2km
03:25
690m
690m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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7
riders
13.9km
00:50
120m
120m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
riders
39.4km
02:33
500m
490m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
44.9km
03:02
380m
380m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Thornton Watlass
Tips from the Community
Lovely Yorkshire town with an excellent marketplace, masham bakery and 2 breweries. We visited the black sheep brewery briefly and were rewarded with Holy Grail Ale, delicious
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The church dates to the late 12th or early 13th century, but very little remains of that early medieval building. The church was comprehensively rebuilt in the 15th century and restored in 1859.
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Masham Bridge crosses the River Ure just north of the small town on the A6108. It is an arch bridge and was opened in 1754 on The Avenue, Masham.
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Masham is a small market town that is built around a large square. It has held a market charter since 1250 and thrived due to the easy access of the flocks of sheep from nearby Fountains and Jervaulx Abbeys. There is still a sheep fair every September where huge numbers of sheep are bought and sold.
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Masham Market Place is one of the largest in England. It has elegant Georgian houses that stand around its periphery and an ancient cross with cobbled area at its centre.
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A very impressive building. This is actually a hotel and very dearly priced, I am sure! The estate is a 20,000-acre one and one of the largest privately owned estates in England (which is quite possibly saying something...) The hotel itself benefits from 200 acres of gardens. You're probably not going in... but it's nonetheless a fabulous building to look at: it has been owned by the Cunliffe-Lister family since the 1880s.
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A mill was recorded here in Little Crakehall in the Domesday Survey of 1086AD. The current mill dates mainly from the 17th century and is an excellent example of a country corn mill. It was once owned by the famed Neville family of Middleham Castle but became Crown Property in the 15th century and was sold by James I in 1624.
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On a bike - Best to approach from Church St & The Bull Inn as steps at end of small path from North.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available around Thornton Watlass?
There are 8 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Thornton Watlass listed on komoot. These routes offer a variety of distances and difficulties, ensuring a peaceful ride away from busy roads.
What kind of terrain can I expect on no-traffic cycling routes near Thornton Watlass?
The terrain around Thornton Watlass is diverse, offering a mix of quiet country roads and some unpaved segments, particularly within the Ure Valley and near the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Routes feature varying elevation gains, from gentle climbs of around 125m to more challenging ascents of nearly 700m, providing options for different fitness levels. Many routes are mostly paved, suitable for touring bikes.
Are there any easy, no-traffic touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, there is one easy no-traffic touring cycling route available. The Masham Market Square – Masham Bridge loop from Thornton Watlass is 13.9 km long with an elevation gain of 125m, making it a great option for a more relaxed ride.
What are some of the natural attractions I can see along these no-traffic cycling routes?
The region boasts beautiful natural features. You can explore areas like Hackfall Wood, known for its waterfalls and dense woodland trails. Other highlights include the serene Hackfall Fountain Pond and views of Leighton Reservoir. The Harmby Waterfall is another picturesque spot that can be incorporated into a ride.
Are there any historical landmarks or points of interest on the no-traffic touring cycling routes?
Absolutely. You can cycle past or visit intriguing historical sites. The 19th-century folly, The Druid's Temple, is a unique landmark. While not directly on a listed route, Middleham Castle, the childhood home of Richard III, is also nearby and offers a fascinating historical stop. The charming Thornton Watlass Village Green with its 15th-century church and the Buck Inn also adds to the local character.
What is the longest no-traffic touring cycling route available from Thornton Watlass?
The longest no-traffic touring cycling route is the Church of St Mary – Masham loop from Thornton Watlass, covering 49.2 km with a significant elevation gain of 688m, making it a challenging ride for experienced cyclists.
Are there any moderate difficulty no-traffic touring cycling routes?
Yes, there are three moderate routes. The Cover Bridge Inn – Danby Hall loop from Thornton Watlass is 32.1 km with 274m elevation, and the Bridleway with Good Surface – Church of St Mary loop from Thornton Watlass is 43.6 km with 371m elevation. These offer a good balance of distance and challenge.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about the no-traffic routes in Thornton Watlass?
The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience in Thornton Watlass, with an average score of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 154 ratings. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, quiet country roads, the stunning views of the Ure Valley and Yorkshire Dales, and the variety of routes that cater to different abilities.
Are there any circular no-traffic touring cycling routes around Thornton Watlass?
Yes, all the listed no-traffic touring cycling routes around Thornton Watlass are circular loops. This allows you to start and finish at the same point, making logistics easier for your ride.
Is there parking available for cyclists in Thornton Watlass?
Thornton Watlass is a village centered around a green, and while specific dedicated cycling parking isn't detailed, visitors typically find parking within the village, often near the village green or local amenities like the Buck Inn. It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival.
Can I find food and drink options along or near the no-traffic cycling routes?
Yes, the village of Thornton Watlass itself has the Buck Inn, a public house overlooking the village green, which is a good spot for refreshments. Many routes also pass through or near other villages and market towns like Masham and Bedale, where you can find cafes, pubs, and other amenities.
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