The best gravel rides in North York Moors National Park

There are over 50 dedicated gravel bike trails in North York Moors National Park, offering a wide range of experiences across its diverse landscapes.

The North York Moors offers a varied terrain for gravel biking, including vast expanses of heather moorland, extensive forest tracks, and quiet roads. You'll encounter deep wooded dales and valleys, with some segments featuring singletrack and significant elevation changes, particularly along the dramatic coastline.

The best time for gravel biking in the North York Moors is generally from late spring to early autumn. August is particularly stunning when the heather blooms across the moorland in vibrant purple hues, offering a unique scenic experience.

While many routes in the North York Moors can be challenging, the Cinder Track, a 21-mile traffic-free route along the coast from Scarborough to Whitby, provides an excellent and generally easier gravel riding opportunity with sea views, making it suitable for families.

You can encounter a variety of natural features and historical landmarks. Highlights include the iconic Roseberry Topping Summit, the stunning Mallyan Spout Waterfall, and the tranquil Gormire Lake. Many routes also pass through vast heather moorland and ancient woodlands.

Yes, many routes are designed as circular loops. For example, the Moorland Meander – Gravel Explorer 25 km is a popular circular trail leading across the moorland plateau. Another option is the Hutton-le-Hole village – Blakey Bank Summit loop.

Routes starting from or passing through Sutton Bank are renowned for their panoramic views, often described as 'the Finest View in England.' The Hambleton Horizon – Gravel Explorer 50 km traverses open moorland and forest tracks, offering expansive vistas.

Absolutely. The Rievaulx Raider – Gravel Explorer 38 km route, for instance, traces the River Rye to the historic Rievaulx Abbey, blending natural scenery with significant historical landmarks.

The North York Moors National Park is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, from vast heather moorland to dense woodlands, and the blend of challenging rides with stunning natural beauty and historical points of interest.

Yes, areas like Dalby Forest are well-known for their smooth gravel tracks and dedicated cycling trails within dense woodlands. The View of Dalby Forest Edge – Dalby Forest loop is a great option to explore this environment.

Many routes in the North York Moors include significant elevation changes. The Grosmont Gravel Loop, for example, is known for its steep climbs characteristic of the Yorkshire region. Routes like the Hambleton Horizon – Gravel Explorer 50 km and Rievaulx Raider – Gravel Explorer 38 km are both rated as difficult, indicating challenging sections.

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway, a heritage steam railway, offers a unique way to travel through 24 miles of the park's scenery. While it provides a nostalgic journey, it's advisable to check their specific policies regarding transporting bikes for access to trails.