The best cycling routes around Whitby

Whitby offers a wide variety of touring cycling routes, with over 40 options available on komoot. These routes cater to different preferences, ranging from easy coastal paths to more challenging inland trails through the North York Moors.

Yes, Whitby has several easy and family-friendly options. The Robin Hood's Bay on the cinder track loop from Whitby is a popular choice, utilizing the traffic-free Cinder Track. This former railway line offers mostly flat terrain and stunning sea views, making it ideal for a relaxed ride.

Whitby's touring cycling routes feature diverse terrain. You'll find breathtaking coastal paths with sea views, quiet country lanes, ancient woodlands, and expansive heather moorlands within the North York Moors National Park. The Esk Valley also offers picturesque routes along the river. Some routes, especially those inland, may include elevation gains and unpaved segments.

Yes, many routes around Whitby are designed as loops. For example, the Robin Hood's Bay on the cinder track loop from Whitby offers a scenic circular journey. Another option is the challenging Staithes & the River Esk loop from Whitby, which takes you through the picturesque Esk Valley.

Cyclists can explore many attractions. Along the coast, you might pass Whitby Harbour or the dramatic clifftop views near the Cleveland Way. Inland, the routes can take you past charming villages like Goathland, home to Goathland railway station, or natural features like Boggle Hole.

Yes, the Whitby area is home to several beautiful waterfalls. You can find Mallyan Spout Waterfall and Thomason Foss, which are often incorporated into routes exploring the Esk Valley and the North York Moors. These natural monuments offer a refreshing stop during your ride.

The touring cycling routes in Whitby are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.7 stars from over 50 reviews. Cyclists often praise the stunning coastal views, the variety of landscapes from moorland to river valleys, and the well-maintained sections like the Cinder Track. Over 800 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore this diverse region.

Whitby is well-connected, and many routes are accessible via public transport. The Cinder Track, for instance, is part of National Route 1 of the National Cycle Network, which often has good public transport links. For routes extending into the North York Moors, local bus services or the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (seasonal) might offer connections to villages along the way, though specific bike carriage policies should be checked in advance.

Absolutely. For those seeking a challenge, routes like the Staithes & the River Esk loop from Whitby offer significant elevation gains and cover nearly 47 km. Other difficult routes, such as Moor to Sea Cycle Network: 7a Whitby to Danby, delve deeper into the moorlands, providing a demanding yet rewarding experience.

The Moor to Sea Cycle Network is an extensive system of waymarked cycling paths covering over 100 miles through the North York Moors National Park. Whitby serves as a key hub within this network, with sections like Moor to Sea: 2a Whitby to Ravenscar (the ‘Cinder Track’) and Moor to Sea Cycle Network: 9b Whitby to Langdale End starting directly from the town. These routes allow cyclists to experience wide sweeps of open heather moorland and the dramatic Heritage Coast.

Yes, bike hire is readily available in and around Whitby. You can find options for various types of bikes, including electric and mountain bikes, to suit your touring cycling adventure. Some local providers also offer guided tours.

The best season for touring cycling in Whitby is generally spring through autumn. During these months, the weather is milder, and the landscapes are vibrant. Spring brings blooming heather to the moorlands, while autumn offers beautiful foliage. Summer is also popular, but routes can be busier, especially coastal sections.