RoutesBike touring routes & trailsUnited KingdomEnglandYorkshire And The HumberNorth YorkshireRyedalePickering
North York Moors Cycleway (overall figure of eight) — North York Moors National Park
RoutesBike touring routes & trailsUnited KingdomEnglandYorkshire And The HumberNorth YorkshireRyedalePickering
North York Moors Cycleway (overall figure of eight) — North York Moors National Park
Hard
North York Moors Cycleway (overall figure of eight) — North York Moors National Park
18:33
279km
3,960m
Cycling
This long 279 km route will ensure you have seen as much of the Moors as you possibly can. Starting and finishing in Pickering, you will see the beautiful Dalby Forest, the dramatic coast between Scarborough and Whitby, the spectacular heathery Danby High Moor, the historic village of Rosedale Abbey and Nunnington Hall, the famous Kilburn White Horse and cycle past the stunning Hambleton Hills.
This route makes maximum use of an incredibly rich network of quiet roads and bike trails, weaving through stunning, massively varied scenery and historical landscapes, creating a unique experience, every day of your tour. It is your ultimate North York Moors cycling experience.
by North York Moors National Park
Last updated: June 12, 2024
Tips
Includes a movable bridge
Check opening times.
After 63.4 km for 54 m
Waypoints
A
Start point
Get Directions
1
5.38 km
Thornton-le-Dale — Village Highlights
Highlight • Settlement
Great is the call of the village of Thornton-le-Dale, often considered one of the prettiest villages in Yorkshire.
The thatched cottage, called Beck Isle, next to Thornton Beck, is a Grade-II listed building. There's also the beautiful All Saints' church on the eastern end of the village. Thornton Beck runs alongside the main road, a pretty spectacle in itself, and the pond in the middle of the village is a pretty sight as well.
There are places to eat and drink here, so you won't go hungry, either. Make sure you stop at this beautiful place. It's worth it!
The thatched cottage, called Beck Isle, next to Thornton Beck, is a Grade-II listed building. There's also the beautiful All Saints' church on the eastern end of the village. Thornton Beck runs alongside the main road, a pretty spectacle in itself, and the pond in the middle of the village is a pretty sight as well.
There are places to eat and drink here, so you won't go hungry, either. Make sure you stop at this beautiful place. It's worth it!
Tip by
2
11.1 km
Dalby Forest Visitor Centre
Highlight • Viewpoint
This is the usual place where people go when they choose to do their Dalby Forest adventures! There is a car park here, a café, tourist information, trail maps, a bike hire place and much more. This area is a dark skies area, and so there are two observatories here hosting stargazing events from time to time!
An obvious place to make a stop on your tour, particularly if you need some good coffee and much-desired flapjack.
An obvious place to make a stop on your tour, particularly if you need some good coffee and much-desired flapjack.
Tip by
3
18.9 km
Dalby Forest Drive
Highlight (Segment) • Forest
A very comfortable tarmac stretch for a few kilometres on Dalby Forest Drive between Red Dike and Bickley Gate. An opportunity for smooth, fun and joyous pedalling in between the trees with relatively little traffic in the summer to barely any in the autumn and winter months.
Tip by
4
45.3 km
Beacon Windmill
Highlight • Monument
This striking structure, next to Cobb Farm and Wellfield Farm, was built in 1858 for William Hammond, who was a landlord of the Raven Hill Estate. The mill was in use until 1902 after which time it became derelict. More recently, in 2013, the present owners morphed it into a holiday let.
It's a private property, then, but it sure is amazing to look at!
It's a private property, then, but it sure is amazing to look at!
Tip by
5
48.7 km
View of Robin Hood's Bay from the Cinder Track
Highlight • Viewpoint
The Cinder Track extends from Robin Hood's Bay to Scarborough along the coastline, almost completely traffic-free for 21.5 miles (34.6 km).
Running along the path that used to be home to the Whitby to Scarborough railway line until 1965, this now is a cracking place to explore for cyclists, runners and hikers alike.
Take extra care when busiest at the weekends at high season for families and dogs.
More at scarborough.gov.uk/home/sport-and-leisure/parks-play-areas-and-gardens/cinder-track
Running along the path that used to be home to the Whitby to Scarborough railway line until 1965, this now is a cracking place to explore for cyclists, runners and hikers alike.
Take extra care when busiest at the weekends at high season for families and dogs.
More at scarborough.gov.uk/home/sport-and-leisure/parks-play-areas-and-gardens/cinder-track
Tip by
6
53.2 km
Robin Hood's Bay Village
Highlight • Historical Site
The village, which consists of a maze of tiny streets, has a tradition of smuggling. Robin Hood’s Bay is reputed to have a network of subterranean passageways linking the houses. It was a hub during the late 18th century, as smuggling was rife on the Yorkshire coast.
Today, it's a busy tourist hub in summer and start of the coast-to-coast walking path. The origin of the village’s name is uncertain, but it is doubtful that Robin Hood was ever in the vicinity of the village.
When taking a detour into the village, be aware that you will have to negotiate a 31% incline on the way back.
Today, it's a busy tourist hub in summer and start of the coast-to-coast walking path. The origin of the village’s name is uncertain, but it is doubtful that Robin Hood was ever in the vicinity of the village.
When taking a detour into the village, be aware that you will have to negotiate a 31% incline on the way back.
Tip by
7
53.4 km
Cinder Track: Whitby to Robin Hood's Bay
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
This is the bit of the Cinder Track with the best views. This shared-use path used to be the Scarborough to Whitby railway between 1885 to 1965, but now it's a popular semi-off-road, traffic-free route. Having a bell on your bike is advisable!
Tip by
8
63.5 km
Whitby Harbour
Highlight • Historical Site
Whitby is a traditional seaside town that is dearly loved by young and old alike. With a glorious golden beach, quirky cobbled streets that wind enticingly through old taverns and pubs — frequented by sailors and smugglers in times gone by — and a bustling harbour overlooked by the striking Gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey, it is an intriguing and beautiful place. With connections to Captain Cook and Dracula, too, Whitby truly is a place unlike any other.
Tip by
9
65.2 km
Whitby North Promenade and Beach Huts
Highlight • Viewpoint
This is a great road to take either into or out of Whitby. From high up you can appreciate the vastness of the North Sea and people watch those promenading along the seafront.
To the east you can see to Whitby and to the north-west across to the cliffs of Sandsend Ness.
To the east you can see to Whitby and to the north-west across to the cliffs of Sandsend Ness.
Tip by
10
77.2 km
Egton Village Green and John Foster Monument
Highlight • Settlement
This is one lovely village to make a stop at. The views from the High Street (particularly towards the south) are fantastic. There is a wonderful green, with a few seats and an interesting monument in memory of John Foster (although at first sight it looks like a war monument). There are pubs and inns, too, to have some food if you'd like.
The village is quieter than Egton Bridge (not that the Bridge one is Oxford Street precisely!) and makes a perfect place to stop for a bit and re-energise.
The village is quieter than Egton Bridge (not that the Bridge one is Oxford Street precisely!) and makes a perfect place to stop for a bit and re-energise.
Tip by
11
84.8 km
Oakley Walls
Highlight (Segment) • Climb
Oakley Walls is a lane linking Danby and Lealholmside. Note: if you're coming from the Danby side, you have quite some climbing to do! Once on top, it's relatively flat, but it's about getting up there!
The views here - pretty much all the way - of Lealholm Moor and Esk Dale are really stunning.. Enjoy!
The views here - pretty much all the way - of Lealholm Moor and Esk Dale are really stunning.. Enjoy!
Tip by
12
96.7 km
Danby High Moor
Highlight (Segment) • Natural
A minor road through the delightfully desolate, heathery and lonely Danby High Moor with distant views to Roseberry Topping to the west.
Tip by
13
107 km
Rosedale Abbey Village Green
Highlight • Settlement
Rosedale Abbey is a must to stop at. It is a village right in the centre of North York Moors National Park: descent into it from just about any direction is always spectacular, whether via Spaunton Moor (south) or Rosedale Moor (north), the views just do not stop giving.
The village is picturesque in itself, particularly the village green. There used to be a Cistercian Priory here, originally established here in 1158. Little remains nowadays, except for a staircase turret, a sundial and a single stone pillar. More recently, in the 19th century, the iron ore industry thrived here, but that came to an end in the 1920s.
If you like super-steep ascents, you would probably like to go up the Rosedale Chimney Bank road, south of the village, but be warned: it is actually notorious for how steep that is!
The village is picturesque in itself, particularly the village green. There used to be a Cistercian Priory here, originally established here in 1158. Little remains nowadays, except for a staircase turret, a sundial and a single stone pillar. More recently, in the 19th century, the iron ore industry thrived here, but that came to an end in the 1920s.
If you like super-steep ascents, you would probably like to go up the Rosedale Chimney Bank road, south of the village, but be warned: it is actually notorious for how steep that is!
Tip by
14
117 km
St. Mary's Church, Lastingham
Highlight • Settlement
A very lovely village with some serious history going back to the 7th century. At the site of the present St Mary's Church here, was founded by St Cedd of Lindisfarne as a Celtic monastery around AD654; the present church goes back to the times of the Normans.
The village is a great place to stop at on your tour. In need of food and drink? The Blacksmiths Arms will keep you well fed!
The village is a great place to stop at on your tour. In need of food and drink? The Blacksmiths Arms will keep you well fed!
Tip by
15
124 km
View of Spaunton Moor from Gillamoor Bank
Highlight • Viewpoint
A slightly shockingly beautiful view from here - surprising (walking the streets of Gilamoor, this view comes pretty much out of nowhere!). There is a bench provided from which you can admire Douthwaite Dale and the moors beyond.
Tip by
16
131 km
Ousegill Bridge
Highlight • Structure
A gorgeous bridge over Ouse Gill, a tributary of Hodge Beck. Set in the stunning Bransdale moorlands. I've seen this beautiful stone bridge described by others as "photogenic". There is just something enchanting about British moorlands that is unmatched by just about any other places in the world.
It'd be easy to make a stop here next to the bridge, to rest, relax and enjoy this place before returning to civilisation.
It'd be easy to make a stop here next to the bridge, to rest, relax and enjoy this place before returning to civilisation.
Tip by
17
145 km
St Mary Magdalene Church, North York Moors
Highlight • Historical Site
This church was built in 1882 by the renowned Victorian church architect Temple Moore (another of his churches is just down the road in Carlton) for people who lived in this area on the moors back then. The church is still well-loved and well-cared for and there are still occasional sermons here.
The red telephone box next to the stone wall surrounding the church is a bit of an oddity!
The red telephone box next to the stone wall surrounding the church is a bit of an oddity!
Tip by
18
160 km
Nunnington Hall
Highlight • Historical Site
This National Trust property is a 17th-century manor house. You will find a sheltered walled garden here outside, and inside an oak-panelled hall, family rooms and even a haunted room!
As this belongs to The National Trust, you will need to pay to get in, but it's well-worth it!
As this belongs to The National Trust, you will need to pay to get in, but it's well-worth it!
Tip by
19
182 km
Kilburn White Horse
Highlight • Historical Site
Kilburn White Horse is one of the most famous landmarks in North Yorkshire. The turf-cut figure, the most northerly of its kind in Britain, is 314 feet (96 m) long and 220 feet (67 m) high and dates from 1857.
When you are above the White Horse it is difficult to get a sense of its enormous scale so it is worth following the steps down to view it from below.
When you are above the White Horse it is difficult to get a sense of its enormous scale so it is worth following the steps down to view it from below.
Tip by
20
192 km
Peak Scar Road Climb
Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint
One of the best views of the North York Moors. A good road surface and some great climbing to get there too.
Tip by
21
205 km
Square Corner Car Park, Thimbleby Moor
Highlight • Parking
Square Corner might just be a car park, but this is a car park to end all car parks! On Thimbleby Moor, with views of the Black Hambleton hill to the south and with beautiful views down the valley to the town of Osmotherley to the west. Life is good again.
Tip by
22
209 km
Osmotherley Village Green and Medieval Cross
Highlight • Monument
Osmotherley is a small village with a café, pub & toilets. The Cross on the green is medieval and has been used as a meeting and preaching place for many years.
The village is a good access point for hill walking, with the Cleveland Way National Trail or Lyke Wake Walk passing through.
The village is a good access point for hill walking, with the Cleveland Way National Trail or Lyke Wake Walk passing through.
Tip by
23
215 km
Holy Cross Church, Swainby
Highlight • Historical Site
A beautiful beck, gorgeous historic bridges, an impressive 19th century church (Holy Cross), ruins of a castle nearby (Whorlton Castle) and slightly ridiculously beautiful views almost right from High Street: welcome to Swainby!
Stop, perhaps eat and drink, relax and enjoy!
Stop, perhaps eat and drink, relax and enjoy!
Tip by
24
233 km
Saint Andrew's Church, Ingleby Greenhow
Highlight • Historical Site
Ingleby Greenhow is a tiny village on the edge of North York Moors (the name derives from old Saxon to mean "Englishman's green hill"). A very pretty and certainly very quiet village.
The highlight here must be Saint Andrew's Church at the southern end of the village. There has been a church here since the 12th century and it was rebuilt in the 17th century. The church has an equally old churchyard to match.
Ingleby Beck with its woodland belonging to Woodland Trust, next to the church, only adds to its charm.
The highlight here must be Saint Andrew's Church at the southern end of the village. There has been a church here since the 12th century and it was rebuilt in the 17th century. The church has an equally old churchyard to match.
Ingleby Beck with its woodland belonging to Woodland Trust, next to the church, only adds to its charm.
Tip by
25
242 km
Kildale Moor Road
Highlight (Segment) • Climb
A fabulous spin through Kildale Moor on this road. Undulating terrain with a good climb to get up here. Plus the views are extraordinary! You'll get a terrific sense of freedom around here.
Tip by
26
252 km
Fat Betty Moorland Cross
Highlight • Monument
This cross is known as Fat Betty, one of several moorland crosses, used in the past as waymarkers.
It's a wonderful place with captivating views over the Rosedale Head moorland, which transforms into a striking carpet of purple in the spring and summer! The steep gradient makes it a challenge to cycle up here from Rosedale Abbey, but it's certainly worth the effort!
It's a wonderful place with captivating views over the Rosedale Head moorland, which transforms into a striking carpet of purple in the spring and summer! The steep gradient makes it a challenge to cycle up here from Rosedale Abbey, but it's certainly worth the effort!
Tip by
B
279 km
End point
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
253 km
8.29 km
6.69 km
5.82 km
5.63 km
< 100 m
Surfaces
208 km
64.7 km
5.01 km
868 m
< 100 m
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.
Highest point (420 m)
Lowest point (10 m)
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Thursday 21 May
24°C
12°C
29 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 23.0 km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
This route was planned by komoot.
Comments
December 30, 2023
This long 279 km route will ensure you have seen as much of the Moors as you possibly can. Starting and finishing in Pickering, you will see the beautiful Dalby Forest, the dramatic coast between Scarborough and Whitby, the spectacular heathery Danby High Moor, the historic village of Rosedale Abbey
Want to know more?
Sign up for a free komoot account to join the conversation.
Sign up for free