The best cycling routes around Appleton-Le-Moors
4.3
(47)
1,710
riders
109
rides
Touring cycling around Appleton-Le-Moors features routes through the North York Moors National Park, characterized by expansive moorland, river valleys, and historical industrial sites. The terrain includes varied elevations, from gentle slopes along former railway lines to more challenging climbs across the moors. This region offers a mix of open landscapes and routes passing through rural villages.
Best touring cycling routes around Appleton-Le-Moors
- The most popular touring cycling route is Rosedale Railway & the River Seph valley loop from Kirkbymoorside —…
Last updated: April 26, 2026
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
riders
34.7km
02:24
640m
640m
This difficult 21.6-mile touring cycling loop from Kirkbymoorside features the Rosedale Chimney Bank and panoramic North York Moors views.
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4.0
(2)
69
riders
39.3km
03:17
500m
500m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
3.0
(1)
20
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
21
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
"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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Apparently regarded by the Victorians as "ill-planned and untidy", but now quite possibly one the most picturesque Moors villages, Hutton-le-Hole is a very popular starting point for hikes. Fairly sizeable car park just on the eastern side of the village off the road to Lastingham. Lots more info available at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hutton-le-Hole, https://www.yorkshire.com/hutton-le-hole/?srsltid=AfmBOoqlQxZoMrKrxFTMhz3S7ZTijB3NKHNKMKO3WYru-vDGGmjNYk2Q, https://www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/places-to-go/hutton-le-hole-lastingham-appleton-le-moors
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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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An ROC Post at the top of Rosedale Chimney Bank. Looks pretty much intact although the entrance as been welded shut.
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Highest cross on the moors, great views across Spaunton Moor when the weather allows.
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Hutton Le Hole is a nice village to pass through, all the stone buildings are good to look at and they all seem to compliment each other. This is a nice tourist area which seems to present a calm atmosphere
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From Landofiron.org.uk: This landscape was utterly transformed during Rosedale’s Victorian ‘iron rush’ when Bank Top was a centre for the processing and transport of ironstone. Mining began in 1856, with ironstone hewn from nearby Hollins Mines and hauled by a steam winding engine up an inclined tramway to Bank Top. Vast quantities of ore – over 300,000 tonnes a year – were then processed in giant kilns, before being carried by moorland railway to blast furnaces in County Durham and Teesside. The Bank Top site also included coal depots, railway workers’ cottages and an engine shed. Production at Hollins peaked quickly and in 1885 the mines were abandoned, having largely exhausted their iron reserves in just 29 years.
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The wayside cross marks a medieval route way across the moor between Lastingham and the site of Rosedale Priory. A deeply incised hollow way skirts the western side of the barrow heading towards the modern village of Rosedale Abbey. The current cross, which at one time was known as Ain or One Howe Cross, but now more generally as Ana Cross, dates to 1949 when the original medieval cross was removed to the crypt of Lastingham Church. It was repaired in the summer of 1998 after its collapse in the winter of 1995. More details at ancientmonuments.co.uk.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Appleton-Le-Moors?
There are over 110 touring cycling routes in the Appleton-Le-Moors area, offering a wide range of options through the North York Moors National Park. These routes explore expansive moorland, river valleys, and historical industrial sites.
What is the general difficulty level for touring cycling in Appleton-Le-Moors?
The touring cycling routes around Appleton-Le-Moors offer varied elevations, from gentle slopes along former railway lines to more challenging climbs across the moors. You'll find a mix of moderate paths and difficult climbs, with approximately 48 moderate and 41 difficult routes available.
Are there any family-friendly or beginner touring cycling routes in Appleton-Le-Moors?
Yes, while many routes feature challenging climbs, there are also easier options suitable for families or beginners. The region includes paths along former railway lines that offer gentler gradients. Approximately 22 easy routes are available for those seeking a less strenuous ride.
What kind of distances can I expect on touring bike trails near Appleton-Le-Moors?
Distances vary significantly, catering to different preferences. For example, the Rosedale Railway & the River Seph valley loop from Kirkbymoorside is a longer, difficult route at 42.1 miles (67.7 km), while the Gillamore & Rosedale Abbey loop from Kirkbymoorside is 21.6 miles (34.7 km).
Are there circular touring cycling routes available in Appleton-Le-Moors?
Many of the touring cycling routes in the area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Ana Cross – Rosedale East Kilns loop from Hutton-le-Hole and the Hutton-le-Hole village – Bank Top Iron Kilns loop from Hutton-le-Hole.
What are some notable viewpoints or scenic spots along the touring cycling routes?
The North York Moors offer numerous scenic vistas. You can find stunning views along routes like the View of the North York Moors – View of Farndale loop from Kirkbymoorside. Specific viewpoints in the wider area include Dundale Griff, Rhumbard Snout, and Caulkley Bank Trig Point.
What historical sites or attractions can I explore while cycling around Appleton-Le-Moors?
The region is rich in history, featuring historical industrial sites and villages. You can cycle past the Bank Top Iron Kilns, visit the charming Hutton-le-Hole Village Green and Stream, or see the ancient Ana Cross. The Ana Cross – Rosedale East Kilns loop from Hutton-le-Hole specifically leads through historical industrial kilns.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Appleton-Le-Moors?
The touring cycling routes in Appleton-Le-Moors are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 40 reviews. Cyclists often praise the expansive moorland landscapes, the quiet river valleys, and the historical elements found along the trails.
When is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Appleton-Le-Moors?
The North York Moors can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and summer offer the most favorable weather conditions for touring cycling, with blooming heather on the moors and generally drier paths. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, though weather can be more unpredictable. Winter cycling is possible but requires appropriate gear for colder temperatures and potentially wet or icy conditions.
Are there any cafes or places to stop for refreshments near the cycling routes?
While specific cafes are not listed in the route data, the routes often pass through rural villages like Kirkbymoorside and Hutton-le-Hole, which typically offer local pubs, cafes, or shops where you can find refreshments and take a break.
What are the characteristics of the terrain for touring cyclists in Appleton-Le-Moors?
The terrain is diverse, featuring expansive moorland, river valleys, and historical railway lines. You'll encounter varied elevations, from relatively flat sections along former railway beds to more demanding climbs across the open moors. The routes often combine open landscapes with passages through charming rural villages.
Most popular routes around Appleton-Le-Moors
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