The best gravel rides in North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire offers a vast network for gravel biking, with over 190 routes available on komoot. These range from easy rides to very challenging expeditions across diverse landscapes.

You'll encounter a rich variety of terrain, from the expansive, heather-covered moorlands of the North York Moors National Park to the lush valleys and rugged gritstone areas of the Yorkshire Dales. Many routes utilize ancient drovers' roads, forest tracks, and former railway lines like the Cinder Track, offering a mix of smooth gravel and more challenging, rocky sections.

Yes, North Yorkshire has options for all skill levels. While many routes are challenging, there are easier forest tracks and former railway lines that provide a gentler introduction to gravel biking. For example, routes within Dalby Forest offer well-maintained trails suitable for beginners and families.

For those seeking a challenge, North Yorkshire delivers with numerous demanding routes. Consider the Hambleton Horizon – Gravel Explorer 50 km, which features expansive views and significant climbs. Another option is the East Bolton Moor loop from Fremington in the Yorkshire Dales, known for its rugged moorland terrain.

Many of the gravel routes in North Yorkshire are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. A popular example is the Howardian Hills loop from Yearsley, which navigates rolling landscapes and offers varied surfaces.

Absolutely. North Yorkshire is home to several longer gravel routes that are perfect for extended rides. The View from Common Cliff – Robin Hood's Bay Village loop from Whitby is a substantial coastal route, offering a challenging distance with stunning sea views.

North Yorkshire is renowned for its breathtaking scenery. Many routes offer spectacular viewpoints, especially across the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales. Areas like Sutton Bank provide wide views across the moorland plateau, and coastal routes near Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay offer dramatic clifftop vistas.

Yes, families can enjoy gravel biking in North Yorkshire, particularly on routes that are traffic-free and relatively flat. The Cinder Track, an old railway line along the coast, is a great option, as are some of the well-maintained trails within Dalby Forest, which offer shaded paths and diverse habitats.

North Yorkshire's gravel routes often pass by impressive natural monuments. In the Yorkshire Dales, you might encounter iconic peaks like Pen-y-Ghent or the dramatic limestone formation of Malham Cove. The North York Moors offer vast heather moorlands and ancient woodlands, with routes sometimes leading to coastal views or through areas like Dalby Forest, a designated Dark Sky Discovery Site.

Many gravel routes in North Yorkshire allow you to combine your ride with cultural exploration. You might pass by significant historical sites such as Rievaulx Abbey or Duncombe Park. The region also features charming villages and traditional stone barns, particularly within the Yorkshire Dales, adding to the rich cultural experience.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 100 reviews. Riders frequently praise the diverse terrain, from the peaceful forest tracks to the challenging moorland climbs, and the stunning, ever-changing landscapes that make every ride an adventure.

Spring and autumn are often considered ideal, offering pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, especially when the heather blooms on the moors in late summer. While summer is also popular, be prepared for more visitors. Winter can be challenging due to colder temperatures and potentially muddy or icy conditions, particularly on higher moorland routes.