Old Byland And Scawton
Old Byland And Scawton
4.9
(49)
783
riders
67
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes around Old Byland And Scawton traverse a landscape characterized by expansive moorland, sheltered valleys, and undulating terrain. The region, nestled near the North York Moors National Park, offers a mix of quiet country roads and woodland tracks. Cyclists encounter varied elevations, from gentle ascents to more challenging climbs, providing diverse experiences across its natural features.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
6
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
3
riders
71.8km
05:47
1,030m
1,030m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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Popular around Old Byland And Scawton
The A170 is a busy road so if cycling try to minimise the distance you have to ride along it
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Colonel Sir Joshua Crompton, 19th century owner of the Kepwick Estate built a railway line in the early 1820s which carried limestone from the quarry on Kepwick Moor, spoil from which can be seen in the very lumpy landscape in this area, down to the lime kilns and stone yard to the west. Fuel for the kilns could be easily brought in and the final product taken away on the Thirsk to Yarm turnpike road (now the A19). With a very steep incline up to the quarry the railway used gravity; as the full wagons were sent down slope they pulled the empty ones up towards the quarry, whilst horses pulled the wagons along the flat plain to the west. The gap in the line seen in the photo once had a wooden bridge to allow the railway to cross the road.
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"Each of these crosses can tell its own story and what motivated people to erect "their" cross at this spot. (...) These wayside crosses were erected as visible signs and attract the attention of many people. The cross is a symbol of life. It stands as a sign of our Christian hope and aims to direct our gaze to Jesus Christ, who has overcome death (...). The cross is a part of our lives, just as it was a part of the life of Jesus. So I hope that many people... will seek out the wayside crosses, whether as places of silence and respite before God, or as places of community gathering, prayer, and praise." (Source: Dean Rainald M. Ollig in: "Wayside Crosses... Small Sacred Monuments as Signs of Popular Piety")
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Photographer @Jessica Mather had the misfortune of not being able to enjoy the view offered by the ANA CROSS site during her run here due to the weather conditions. However, more than two dozen photos of the small sacred monument and the panorama offered by the prominent location can be seen on the hiking highlight of the same name =>> https://www.komoot.com/de-de/highlight/2252418
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Highest cross on the moors, great views across Spaunton Moor when the weather allows.
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Note that the Abbey itself is English Heritage and has both cafe and toilets available accessible without paying admission/requiring membership. The only downside is that to get there from Rievaulx Terrace it is down a steep hill.
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Helmsley is a market town and civil parish in North Yorkshire, England. Historically part of the North Riding of Yorkshire.
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Nice stop on an arduous Boltby loop, Ted the dog is the best host!
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There are over 75 dedicated no traffic touring cycling routes around Old Byland And Scawton listed on komoot. These routes range from easy to difficult, offering a variety of options for different fitness levels.
The routes feature a diverse landscape, from quiet country roads winding through picturesque valleys to more open moorland tracks. You can expect undulating rides with a mix of climbs and descents, providing both physical challenge and rewarding views. Some routes may include unpaved segments, adding to the touring experience.
Yes, there are 8 easy no traffic touring cycling routes available, perfect for beginners or families looking for a relaxed ride. These routes typically stick to quieter country lanes and offer gentler gradients. While specific family-friendly routes are not highlighted, the easy options provide a good starting point for a pleasant outing.
The region is rich in history. Many routes pass by or near significant landmarks such as the impressive ruins of Byland Abbey and Rievaulx Abbey. You might also encounter charming villages with historic churches, like St. Oswald's Church in Oswaldkirk, offering picturesque stops and views over Ryedale.
Absolutely. The North York Moors National Park and Howardian Hills AONB offer stunning views and big horizons. You can find several scenic viewpoints, such as View of the Northern Side of Hawnby Hill or Rievaulx Moor Trig Point. The routes also often pass by beautiful natural features like Gormire Lake, nestled at the foot of the Hambleton Hills.
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in the area are designed as scenic loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. This makes planning your ride convenient and ensures you experience a variety of landscapes and attractions without retracing your steps.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.85 stars from 44 ratings. Reviewers often praise the peacefulness of the quiet country roads, the stunning moorland and valley views, and the opportunity to explore historical sites like the abbeys away from busy traffic.
Yes, many routes pass through or near charming villages like Ampleforth, Harome, and Helmsley. These villages often provide opportunities for refreshments at local cafes or pubs, and some may offer accommodation options, making them ideal stopping points during your tour.
Spring and summer generally offer the most pleasant conditions with warmer weather and longer daylight hours, ideal for enjoying the expansive moorland and valley views. Autumn also provides beautiful scenery with changing foliage. While winter cycling is possible, be prepared for colder temperatures and potentially more challenging conditions on some unpaved sections.
Yes, for experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, there are 37 difficult no traffic touring cycling routes. These often feature significant elevation gains and longer distances. An example is the challenging View of Rievaulx Abbey – Helmsley — Market Town loop from Rievaulx, which covers over 70 km with substantial climbing.
While specific parking areas for every route are not detailed, the region is well-served by towns like Helmsley, which is a key hub for accessing North York Moors cycling routes. Many routes also start from locations like Sneck Yate Plantation, which typically offer parking facilities suitable for cyclists.
Yes, while this guide focuses on local routes, the region is home to longer networks like the 171-mile North York Moors Cycleway and the 150-mile Moor to Sea Cycle Network. These utilize quiet roads and tracks, offering extensive no traffic touring opportunities that can be tackled in sections or as multi-day adventures.


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