4.8
(27)
715
riders
95
rides
Touring cycling routes around Thornbrough, located in North Yorkshire, traverse a landscape characterized by serene waterscapes, dramatic rock formations, and historical sites. The region features natural water bodies such as Leighton Reservoir and Eavestone Lake, offering peaceful routes. Cyclists can also encounter unique geological structures like Brimham Rocks and explore areas with woodlands and green spaces. The wider North Yorkshire area provides rolling hills and country lanes suitable for diverse cycling experiences.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
48
riders
106km
06:30
810m
810m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
27
riders
71.2km
04:33
750m
750m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(1)
39
riders
58.7km
03:26
260m
260m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(8)
27
riders
43.1km
02:34
170m
170m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
27
riders
60.9km
03:47
580m
580m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Byland Abbey is a ruined 12th-century monastery located in the North York Moors National Park in North Yorkshire, England, managed today by English Heritage. Once a powerhouse of the Cistercian order, it stands as one of the finest examples of early Gothic architecture in the country and famously inspired the design of the iconic Rose Window at York Minster.
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The A170 is a busy road so if cycling try to minimise the distance you have to ride along it
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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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Close to this bridge I was able to park the car, away from the town centre car parking that you have to pay for, which is £1.40 per hour as of April 2024. There are plenty spaces besides the houses. This bridge has small single tracks running parallel to the river
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A quaint market town with interesting monuments and great shops and places to eat.
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The charming town of Helmsley is nestled in the heart of the picturesque North Yorkshire Moors. Helmsley offers plenty to do and see. You could visit the imposing Helmsley Castle, a magnificent medieval fortress that offers a glimpse into the town's past, wander through the vibrant Helmsley Walled Garden, or take a leisurely stroll through the bustling streets.
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The very impressive Newburgh Priory is the home of the Wombwell family. It was founded in 1145, and was an Augustinian priory before becoming the House that it is today. You can visit the House and Gardens, but only between April and June at a fee that doesn't seem too high. The place is quite stunning. Oh, and there is a tearoom!
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There are over 110 touring cycling routes available around Thornbrough, offering a wide variety of options for different preferences and skill levels.
The routes around Thornbrough cater to various abilities. You'll find approximately 16 easy routes, 52 moderate routes, and 43 difficult routes, ensuring there's a suitable challenge for every touring cyclist.
Thornbrough's touring cycling routes traverse a diverse landscape. You can expect serene waterscapes around natural water bodies like Leighton Reservoir and Eavestone Lake, dramatic geological formations such as Brimham Rocks, and peaceful rides through woodlands and green spaces like Thornborough Community Woodland. The wider North Yorkshire region also offers rolling hills and quiet country lanes.
Yes, many routes incorporate the region's serene waterscapes. You can cycle around natural water bodies such as Leighton Reservoir and Eavestone Lake, which offer peaceful escapes with stunning views. Pebble Beach in Hutton Conyers also provides a tranquil setting for rides.
Absolutely. The area is home to Brimham Rocks, known for its dramatic sandstone rock formations. While not directly on every route, these unique geological structures can be an interesting backdrop or a worthwhile detour for cyclists exploring the vicinity.
Yes, Thornbrough offers a rich historical dimension. You can explore ancient earthworks like the Thornborough Henges, sometimes referred to as the "Stonehenge of the North." For more information on the Henges, you can visit English Heritage. Other routes might lead you past sites like the ancient Byland Abbey Ruins or Snape Castle.
Beyond the routes themselves, you can find several attractions. These include the Kilburn White Horse, Gormire Lake, and the Sutton Bank National Park Centre. Other notable sites in the wider area include Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Newby Hall Adventure Garden, Mother Shipton's Cave, and Thorp Perrow Arboretum.
Yes, with 16 easy routes available, Thornbrough offers options suitable for families. These routes typically feature gentler terrain and shorter distances, allowing for a more relaxed cycling experience for all ages. Look for routes with lower elevation gain and shorter durations.
Many of the touring cycling routes around Thornbrough are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Leyburn Town Centre – Coverdale Valley loop from Thirsk and the St Michael's Church, Coxwold – The Vale of York loop from Thirsk are popular circular options.
The touring cycling routes around Thornbrough are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 30 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, from serene waterside paths to historical landmarks, and the well-maintained network of routes.
Yes, for experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, Thornbrough offers approximately 43 difficult routes. These routes often feature significant elevation gains and longer distances. An example is the View from Blakey Junction – The Vale of York loop from Thirsk, which covers a substantial distance with considerable climbing.
While specific cafes and pubs are not detailed for every route, the North Yorkshire region is known for its charming villages and market towns. Many routes, especially those passing through areas like Helmsley, will offer opportunities for refreshment stops. Planning your route with komoot allows you to identify potential stops along the way.


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