Old Byland And Scawton
Old Byland And Scawton
4.9
(42)
856
riders
103
rides
Touring cycling routes around Old Byland And Scawton are set within the North York Moors National Park, characterized by expansive heather-clad moorlands, ancient woodlands, and dramatic valleys. The terrain offers a diverse range of experiences, from the challenging climbs of the Hambleton Hills to more gentle, scenic routes along quiet country roads and forest tracks. This landscape provides varied options for road, hybrid, and mountain biking.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
49
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
20
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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16
riders
48.0km
04:05
800m
800m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
14
riders
64.0km
05:41
990m
990m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
10
riders
82.5km
05:32
1,230m
1,230m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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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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Reopened in 2007 after it was badly damaged when freak weather caused the River Rye to burst its banks on June 19, 2005. Shaken Bridge Weir is downstream, south of the bridge, and the River Rye meanders with a few different channels just upstream to the north.
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Expensive parking but some nice routes
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Had a coffee and one of the best sausage rolls I have had in a long time. Which I had on the picnic benches in the garden across the street. Delightful!
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Brace yourselves for an 11% climb. In places it’s 18%, so prep the small gears and get churning. Great way to finish this loop if you’ve parked in Gillamoor.
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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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There are over 110 touring cycling routes available in the Old Byland and Scawton area, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 50 reviews.
The routes around Old Byland and Scawton cater to various abilities. You'll find approximately 12 easy routes, 46 moderate routes, and 54 difficult routes, ensuring options for beginners looking for a gentle ride as well as experienced cyclists seeking a challenge.
Yes, there are several easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. An example is the Bike loop from Cold Kirby, which is a 6.2-mile (10 km) path offering a shorter ride through pleasant rural landscapes. The region also features family-friendly 'Explorer' routes that follow forest and moorland tracks and country lanes.
For those seeking a challenge, the Hambleton Hills within the North York Moors offer significant climbs and panoramic views. A difficult route to consider is the High Paradise Farm Tearoom – Thimbleby Singletrack Trail loop from Hood Grange, which covers 23.4 miles (37.7 km) and features substantial elevation changes through woodlands and open countryside.
Touring cycling routes in this region traverse expansive heather-clad moorlands, ancient woodlands, and dramatic valleys within the North York Moors National Park. You might encounter tranquil spots like Gormire Lake, surrounded by lush woodland, or enjoy the fresh air and stunning vistas from the Hambleton Hills.
Absolutely. The area is rich in history. You can cycle past the impressive Byland Abbey Ruins, a 12th-century Cistercian abbey, or the majestic Rievaulx Abbey. Another notable landmark is the Kilburn White Horse, a famous turf-cut figure visible from many points in the landscape.
While individual routes vary, the region is part of larger networks suitable for multi-day touring. The North York Moors Cycleway, a 171-mile figure-of-eight loop, utilizes quieter roads and passes many highlights. Additionally, the Moor to Sea Cycle Network offers about 150 miles of combined quiet roads, woodland tracks, and bridleways that can be linked to form longer tours.
Yes, many touring cycling routes in the area are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the popular Sneck Yate Bank loop from Boltby is a moderate 10.7-mile (17.3 km) circular trail that takes you through varied terrain.
Many routes are designed to pass by or near amenities. For instance, the Sneck Yate Car Park – High Paradise Farm Tearoom loop from Hood Grange specifically includes a stop at High Paradise Farm Tearoom. The Sutton Bank National Park Centre also offers facilities and a cafe, making it a good starting or resting point for various routes.
The North York Moors offer beautiful cycling experiences throughout the year, but spring and summer are particularly popular for their vibrant heather blooms and generally milder weather. Autumn provides stunning foliage, while winter can offer crisp, quiet rides, though conditions may be more challenging.
Yes, some routes connect the rural landscapes with charming local settlements. The High Paradise Farm Tearoom – Helmsley — Market Town loop from Hood Grange is an example of a longer, difficult route that takes you towards the market town of Helmsley, offering a blend of natural beauty and village exploration.
Yes, parking is generally available at key starting points for routes. For example, Rievaulx Abbey offers convenient parking, and the Sutton Bank National Park Centre is an excellent starting point with facilities including parking. Many routes also begin from villages or designated car parks.


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