4.4
(13)
687
riders
24
rides
Touring cycling routes around Danby traverse the expansive moorland and rolling hills of the North York Moors National Park. The region is characterized by scenic rides through tranquil countryside and the peaceful back lanes of the Esk Valley. Cyclists can explore varied terrain, from gentle riverside paths to routes that climb towards prominent landmarks like Danby Beacon. The landscape offers a mix of open moorland vistas and sheltered valley roads.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
4.0
(4)
13
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(1)
515
riders
38.0km
02:38
680m
680m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(2)
22
riders
31.8km
02:40
610m
610m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.0
(2)
13
riders
27.2km
01:51
430m
430m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Epic gravel track with fantastic moorland views. If you're coming west to east then you're starting on a pretty steep climb, but the views are worth the effort. Coming from east to west, prepare for a steep descent at the end of the track.
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Whitby Harbour is a historic and bustling port at the mouth of the River Esk in North Yorkshire, offering a various attractions, shops, and dining places.
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Danby Beacon is one of the highest points on the North York Moors, a historic signal station and landmark with sweeping views over the Esk Valley and surrounding moorland. It has been used for centuries as a warning beacon, a radar site in WWII. Plenty of off-road parking available, although it is quite rutted and very bumpy.
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Head on out to either of the 2 main piers and experience an epic sunrise or sunset!
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Nice spot to fuel up with a view. Cakes simple sandwiches and drinks. Friendly staff
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Had a delicious meal where fresh herbs were used, such as in the Hake fillet
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This section is only suitable for gravel bikes
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I tend to hike/trail run early (sometimes starting around 5am), but I passed through Danby mid-morning on a Saturday and the smell coming from the bakery was heavenly. All the excuse you need for adding Danby to your route!
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There are over 20 touring cycling routes available around Danby, offering a variety of experiences within the North York Moors National Park. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 10 reviews.
Touring cycling in Danby offers diverse terrain, from expansive moorland vistas and rolling hills to the tranquil, peaceful back lanes of the Esk Valley. You'll find a mix of open moorland and sheltered valley roads, with some routes featuring gentle riverside paths and others including more challenging climbs towards prominent landmarks like Danby Beacon.
Yes, Danby offers several easier touring cycling options. The Esk Valley, for instance, provides a gentler cycling experience along the River Esk, utilizing peaceful back lanes and country roads. While most routes are moderate to difficult, there are at least 2 routes classified as easy, and 8 as moderate, providing options for various fitness levels.
Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Danby and the surrounding North York Moors offer routes with significant climbs and longer distances. There are 14 routes classified as difficult, such as the Abbey Tea Rooms – Castleton Village loop from Castleton Moor, which covers 23.6 miles (38.0 km) with over 670 meters of elevation gain.
Touring cycling routes near Danby offer access to stunning natural features and historical landmarks. You can experience panoramic views from Danby Beacon, explore the picturesque Esk Valley, or visit the impressive Mallyan Spout Waterfall, the tallest in the North York Moors. Other points of interest include the ruins of Danby Castle and St Hilda's Church.
Yes, the impressive Mallyan Spout Waterfall, the tallest in the North York Moors, is a captivating natural sight that can be incorporated into a cycling tour. Additionally, you might discover other smaller waterfalls like the Waterfall Near Beck Hole.
Danby is renowned for its scenic viewpoints. The route to Danby Beacon, for example, rewards cyclists with breathtaking panoramic views across the moor, and on clear days, extends to the North East coast and the sea. Expansive moorland vistas are a common feature, especially when the heather is in bloom during August.
Yes, the Yorkshire Cycle Hub in Fryup, near Danby, is an excellent resource for touring cyclists. It offers bike hire, a cafe, a bike shop for repairs, a bike wash, a drying room, and even accommodation options like camping pods and bunkhouses, making it a comprehensive stop for all your cycling needs.
Parking is generally available at key starting points for routes around Danby. The Danby Lodge National Park Centre can serve as a good starting point and often has visitor parking. For specific routes, checking local information or komoot route details for designated parking areas is recommended.
Yes, there are several circular touring cycling routes available. An example is the Abbey Tea Rooms – Castleton Village loop from Castleton Moor, which takes you through the Esk Valley and surrounding villages. Circular routes allow you to start and finish at the same point, making logistics easier.
The best time for touring cycling in Danby is generally from spring through autumn. August is particularly stunning when the heather blooms across the moorland, painting the landscape in vibrant purple. While cycling is possible year-round, be prepared for varied weather conditions, especially in winter, and check forecasts before heading out.
While many routes in Danby involve moderate to difficult terrain, the gentler sections along the Esk Valley on peaceful back lanes can be more suitable for families. Always check the route difficulty and elevation profiles on komoot to ensure it matches your family's ability.
Absolutely! The Danby area and surrounding villages offer charming pubs and cafes perfect for a mid-ride break. The Yorkshire Cycle Hub also has a cafe. Routes like the Yorkshire Cycle Hub – Danby Bakery and Tea Shop loop from Castleton Moor are designed to pass by such establishments, allowing you to enjoy local hospitality.


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