4.6
(69)
2,797
riders
134
rides
Road cycling around Nunnington offers a diverse landscape within the Howardian Hills National Landscape, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The region is characterized by rolling wooded hills, scenic river valleys, and historic estates, providing a varied backdrop for cycling. Routes often traverse quiet country lanes, extending into the contrasting flat terrain of the Vale of Pickering. This area provides a network of no traffic road cycling routes, featuring both gentle undulations and some short, challenging ascents.
Last updated: September 26, 2026
19
riders
38.0km
01:38
220m
210m
Embark on an easy road cycling journey through the picturesque landscapes of the Howardian Hills and Vale of Pickering. This 23.6-mile (38.0 km) loop, with a gentle 707 feet (216…
5.0
(1)
33
riders
70.7km
03:26
800m
800m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

19
riders
47.8km
02:15
590m
590m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
14
riders
28.6km
01:22
350m
350m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Byland Abbey is a ruined 12th-century monastery located in the North York Moors National Park in North Yorkshire, England, managed today by English Heritage. Once a powerhouse of the Cistercian order, it stands as one of the finest examples of early Gothic architecture in the country and famously inspired the design of the iconic Rose Window at York Minster.
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I dont know much about this place but I know it makes a great picture opportunity
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Byland Abbey is a stunning ruin dating back to the 1100s. It was once one of the grandest medieval monasteries but was dissolved by Henry VIII in the 1530s. Today it offers a scenic picnic spot and a glimpse into history. It's free to visit and features a tearoom open from March to November, serving cakes and coffee
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Low Town Bank Road climbs up from about 296 feet (90 m) in Kilburn, through some steep hairpin bends to 952 feet (290 m) at the Yorkshire Gliding Club. Known locally as White Horse Bank due to the white horse hill figure near the top.
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Interesting for their sheer size alone, the old remains of the abbey also have an air of transience about them. Only the sometimes horrendous entrance fees prevent people from taking a closer look at the remains of the walls. It would certainly have been interesting.
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Pretty village with an informative website if local history is your thing. Recorded under the name of Cucvalt in the Domesday Book, and the local church is where George Orby Wombwell, the last surviving officer of the Charge of the Light Brigade, is buried.
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A beautiful abbey ruin, easily accessible on a walk from Helmsley.
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Komoot features 5 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Nunnington. These routes are carefully selected to offer peaceful rides away from busy roads, allowing you to enjoy the scenic Howardian Hills and surrounding areas.
The terrain around Nunnington, particularly within the Howardian Hills National Landscape, is characterized by gently undulating hills. While long, sustained climbs are uncommon, you'll encounter plenty of short, challenging ascents. Our selection includes one easy route, the Nunnington Hall loop to the Vale of Pickering and the Howardian Hills, and four moderate routes, offering a good mix for various fitness levels.
Yes, for families looking for a gentler ride, the Nunnington Hall loop to the Vale of Pickering and the Howardian Hills is classified as easy. This route offers a manageable distance and elevation, making it suitable for a family outing on quiet country roads.
Many routes pass by significant historical sites and offer stunning views. You can explore the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey and Byland Abbey Ruins on routes like the Byland Abbey Ruins – Rievaulx Abbey loop from Nunnington. The routes also offer views across the Vale of Pickering to the North York Moors National Park and traverse the picturesque Howardian Hills.
Nunnington village itself offers parking options, often near Nunnington Hall or in designated village car parks. It's advisable to check local signage for specific parking regulations and availability before your ride.
While Nunnington is a rural village, it can be accessed by public transport, though services might be less frequent than in larger towns. It's recommended to check local bus schedules in advance, especially if you plan to bring your bike, as space may be limited.
Yes, Nunnington Hall, a popular calling point for cyclists, features a tea-room perfect for refreshments. Many routes also pass through or near other villages in the Howardian Hills where you can find local pubs and cafes to refuel during your ride.
The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant weather for road cycling in North Yorkshire, with longer daylight hours and milder temperatures. Autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage, though days are shorter. Always check the local weather forecast before heading out.
No, you do not need any special permits for road cycling on public roads within the Howardian Hills National Landscape. The area welcomes cyclists to explore its network of quiet lanes and bridleways.
The komoot community highly rates the cycling experience around Nunnington, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers frequently praise the quiet country lanes, the stunning views across the Howardian Hills and Vale of Pickering, and the opportunity to visit historical sites like Nunnington Hall and the abbeys along the way.
While the Castle Howard & Nunnington Hall Cycle Route is a popular option, it includes sections that can be winding and hilly, and its traffic volume can vary. For strictly no-traffic routes, we recommend sticking to the komoot-curated routes in this guide, which prioritize quieter roads.
Yes, for those seeking a longer challenge, the Byland Abbey – Byland Abbey Ruins loop from Nunnington covers over 70 km with significant elevation gain, offering a rewarding ride through the scenic landscape on quiet roads.


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