North York Moors Cycleway

This beautiful figure-of-eight loop through one of Yorkshire’s three national parks is considered one of the best kept secrets in cycling. You’ll pedal along quiet roads, through rolling heather moorland and little-known valleys, and also visit deep, dense forests and experience stunning views across the spectacular North Sea. Call in at cycle-friendly cafes and pubs whilst soaking up a wealth of history by visiting castles, museums and ruined abbeys along the way.

The market town of Pickering provides an ideal start location and you’ll head into Dalby Forest before descending towards the seaside resort of Scarborough. From there, you’ll follow the dramatic coastline north and visit a seal colony before continuing through Robin Hood’s Bay and along a disused railway track towards Whitby – the home of Whitby Abbey.

You’ll turn inland at Sandsend and head into the heart of the North York Moors through a procession of undulating valleys, visiting Helmsley Castle and Byland Abbey before heading along Sutton Bank, recently voted as the best view in England. Roseberry Topping and Young Ralph Cross also make appearances before you descend back into Pickering to conclude this challenging yet hugely rewarding ride.