By Sam Wakefield
If you’re thinking of booking a cycling holiday, there’s no better place than North Yorkshire. Given it’s the UK’s largest county by area, it’s no surprise that there are some incredible cycle routes just waiting to be explored. Travelling with a bike is also very easy. If you have enough space in the boot of your car, you won’t have to find a suitable transportation rack. If you do need one, just make sure to follow the general driving laws. Alternatively, you can travel by train. Most operators allow bikes in designated areas, so ensure you reserve a space in advance. Whether you’re looking for a trip down quiet country roads, a tour through historical cities, or a visit to seaside resorts, we’ve got you covered. In no particular order, here are our favourite cycle routes in North Yorkshire.
Nidderdale Greenway, Harrogate
The picturesque spa town of Harrogate isn’t just perfect for afternoon tea, it also has plenty of great cycle routes to mix things up during your stay. The Nidderdale Greenway is one of the most popular routes, connecting Harrogate to Ripley via a 4-mile-long path.
While the route is fairly short, it is suitable for cyclists of all abilities and provides the perfect combination of woodlands, hills, and wheat fields. No matter the time of year, the landscape is stunning and full of colour, from the vibrant flowers of spring to the autumnal glow in the fall.
You’ll also be treated to some of the area’s finest views along the route, including the Nidd Gorge Viaduct and the River Nidd.
York to Selby
One of Yorkshire’s most historic and charming cities, York is the perfect location for cyclists. The route from York to Selby, in particular, is well suited to all levels. Developed by Sustrans, it was one of the first traffic-free cycle routes and utilises the former track of the East Coast Mainline railway station.
The 14-mile route begins on the riverside path close to Rowntree Park, passing through Knavesmire Wood and the York Racecourse. Eventually, you’ll join the old railway path to Riccall, where it’s then mostly back roads along the A19 until you eventually reach Selby.
York is one of the easiest locations to travel to for a cycling holiday, with a large number of the trains to York offering the convenient option of bringing your bike along at no extra cost. All you need to do is book a space at least 24 hours in advance and arrive at your platform in good time.
Ravenscar to Scarborough
The former railway line that connects Ravenscar to Scarborough, now known as the ‘Cinder Track’, is another well-known cycle route in the UK. The 10-mile cycle will take you through the very heart of the North York Moors National Park.
The route requires basic cycling skills and is suitable for family cycling; however, note that it does cut through remote countryside and so offers limited shelter and facilities. The route is fairly easy to navigate and is well-signposted. Along the way, you’ll be met with stunning sea views, rolling farmlands, and Robin Hood’s Bay.
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Categories: Cycling
“Most operators allow bikes in designated areas, so ensure you reserve a space in advance.”
Going to be difficult without manned ticket offices as there doesn’t appear to be any way of doing it online.
I have always used Twitter to book train spaces for my bike. It works well. One good thing about Twitter. (There are many negatives…)