Explore the best cycling routes in Ryedale

Discover the stunning landscapes and vibrant communities of Ryedale. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, there's a perfect route waiting for you.

Sutton Bank at Dusk - credit Unsplash

Explore Ryedale Cycle Routes

Whether you regularly cycle and take your bicycle on holiday, or simply like the idea of spending a few hours exploring on two wheels - Ryedale is perfect for all ages and abilities. Cycling though forests, along country lanes, on high open moorland or by rolling fields is all possible in North Yorkshire.

Big Skies Bike Rides


Download Big Skies Bike Rides that take in the rolling chalk hills, long views and, of course, big skies of the Yorkshire Wolds. 

There are three OS-mapped circular day rides on quiet roads and country lanes that pass through Ryedale, many of which are accessible by train from Malton Station.

> Great Wold Valley – 21.1 miles (34km) from Hunmanby

> Sledmere Country – 17.5 miles (28km) from Sledmere

> Thixendale – 21.5 miles (35km) from Malton or Norton on Derwent

Heritage Cycle Trail – Helmsley – Rievaulx – Byland


There are many long and short distance routes to follow within the North York Moors National Park but for any cycle ride it is helpful to have breaks planned into the trip, and goals along the way.  With this in mind, the cycle trail mapped on the English Heritage leaflet starts and end at English Heritage sites.

The ride is designed to allow cyclists the opportunity to take in some of Yorkshire’s rich heritage by exploring the historic properties en route.  You can choose to cycle just one leg of the route or do the whole route in one day.  New cycle racks have been installed at several English Heritage sites to enable cyclists to secure their bikes while they take time out to explore the stunning properties and each sites has refreshment facilities to reinvigorate before the next leg of the trail.

This trail are designed for experiences cyclists; the terrain of North Yorkshire can be very hilly, and some of the tracks are uneven.  However, it is possible to break these trails up into shorter, more manageable sections for a more leisurely ride.

> Helmsley – Rievaulx – Byland 15 miles (24km)

Howardian Hills Bike Rides


Cycle the Howardian Hills National Landscape from Malton in North Yorkshire.

A series of three ‘guided’ routes in the Howardian Hills from Malton are OS-mapped circular day rides on back-roads and country lanes, many of which are accessible by train from Malton Station.

Ride One - Covers a route from Castle Howard and takes in Hovingham and Nunnington Hall. It can also be accessed at Malton, if you would like to arrive by train.

Ride Two - Cross the river that gives its name to the Ryedale district for a leisurely spin around a gently undulating and very pleasant part of the Vale of Pickering. Nice perspectives of the North York Moors, Yorkshire Wolds and Howardian Hills, plus several village pubs to stop at. Flamingo Land theme park is at Kirby Misperton and Eden Camp museum is just off the route near Malton.

Ride Three - Leavening Brow and Kirkham Gorge.

A further publication titled ‘Bike Rides and rambles in the Howardian Hills’ gives you an overview of the walking, cycling and mountain biking opportunities in the Howardian Hills. The guide also provides information about visiting Castle Howard, Nunnington Hall and The Yorkshire Arboretum – all of which have great walker/cyclist friendly cafes and free parking.

> Ride One - Castle Howard and Nunnington Hall.

> Ride Two - Over the River Rye and covers the Rye valley to the north of the AONB.

> Ride Three - Goes out into the Yorkshire Wolds and includes Kirkham Abbey on the south eastern edge of the AONB.


> Howardian Hills National Landscape Link – howardianhills.org.uk/accessible-trails

Bike Rides and Rambles in the Howardian Hills AONB


Mountain bikers also have an opportunity to explore the AONB on a variety of guided routes.

Castle Howard makes the ideal start point for mountain biking - plenty of parking toilets and refreshment facilities for after your ride, including a take-away outlet perfect for a hot chocolate or ice cream depending on the season.

The Castle Howard suggested route is 14.5km long but there are options to shorten the ride using the bridleway network if required.

The 14km Biking the Banks route which starts from Coneysthorpe gives views to the north across the Vale of Pickering to the North York Moors National Park. Refreshments are available at the Cresswell Arms in Appleton-le-Street or at Castle Howard (approximately a mile to the south of the start/end point). Additional parking is also available at Castle Howard.

> Biking the Banks from Coneysthorpe MB Ride

> Biking the Hill from Castle Howard MB Ride

> Ride Castle Howard and Nunnington Hall - Hard Ride

North York Moors National Park - Cycle Routes

Details of routes within the North York Moors National Park location available on their website.

> North York Moors National Park Cycling Page

> Sutton Bank Cycling Centre

> Dalby Forest Cycling Centre

> Yorkshire Cycling Hub

Malton – Pickering Cycle Route

The 12-mile (19km) cycling route connects the historic market towns of Malton – Yorkshire’s Food Capital, and Pickering – home to the world-famous North Yorkshire Moors Railway. The route takes cyclists through beautiful villages, alongside lush farmland and key attractions including Beck Isle Museum, Eden Camp, Flamingo Land, Malton Museum, North Yorkshire Moors Railway and Pickering Castle.

> Malton - Pickering Cycling Route

> Malton - Pickering Cycling Route PDF

Wheelchair Users and Bicycles Adapted for Disability

Accessibility

The Equality Act (2010) requires that spaces be made accessible for disabled people without them having to ask. This includes removing or altering physical features that would exclude disabled people.

Barriers

Inaccessible cycle infrastructure is a major challenge for disabled cyclists. Barriers include narrow lanes, steps, bollards, and anti-motorcycle barriers.

Motor Traffic

Routes free from motor traffic are beneficial for wheelchair users, cyclists, pedestrians, and others. However, some disabled users are concerned about being passed too closely by speeding cyclists.

Wheelchair Tandems

Wheelchair tandems are a part bicycle and part road-going wheelchair that allow the passenger to be in front and share the experience of cycling. The rear-end of the cycle can be detached to allow the passenger to continue their journey using their own wheelchair.

Perceptions

Some people believe that disabled people can't or don't cycle. This belief can reinforce physical barriers and prevent accessible cycles and infrastructure from being funded.

Sustrans

Sustrans works with communities to redesign or remove barriers on the National Cycle Network.

Three wheeled bikes in woods - credit Peter Kindersley
Challenging Cycling

Conquer the hills and valleys of North Yorkshire on this demanding road cycling challenge

Test your endurance on the hills and valleys of North Yorkshire with this demanding road cycling challenge near Kirkbymoorside. Pedal through Hutton-le-Hole, Ana Cross, Egton Bridge, Stape, and Wrelton as you experience the thrill of this exhilarating road route.

Bike race starting - credit Mick Kirkman
Connect Get Ryedale Cycling Forum

Get in Touch

For route inquiries or suggestions, please reach out to us using the contact details below. To add route suggestions, please reach out to us.