The best gravel rides around Scarborough

Scarborough offers a good mix of gravel biking routes. You'll find 17 moderate routes and 10 more challenging options. There is also 1 easier route available, ensuring there's something for various skill levels.

Yes, for those new to gravel biking or looking for a more relaxed ride, the area offers some gentler options. A good starting point is The Cinder Track loop from Robin Hood's Bay, which is 14.0 km long and follows a historic disused railway line, making it relatively flat and accessible.

Experienced gravel bikers can tackle routes with significant elevation gain and longer distances. Consider the challenging View from Common Cliff – Robin Hood's Bay Village loop from Whitby, which spans 70.6 km with substantial climbs. Another demanding option is the View of the Hole of Horcum – Levisham Railway Station loop from Goathland, covering 39.0 km through varied terrain.

Gravel bike trails in Scarborough vary significantly in length. You can find shorter routes like The Cinder Track loop from Robin Hood's Bay at 14.0 km, up to longer excursions such as the 70.6 km View from Common Cliff – Robin Hood's Bay Village loop from Whitby. The average length of a moderate route is around 25-30 km.

Many of the gravel bike routes in Scarborough are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the Larpool Viaduct – View from Larpool Viaduct loop from Whitby and the Mill Lane, East Ayton loop from East Ayton, both offering convenient circular journeys.

Scarborough's gravel routes offer a diverse range of scenic views, from rugged coastlines to the expansive North York Moors. You can expect stunning coastal vistas, especially around Robin Hood's Bay. Inland, routes often feature viewpoints like Simon Howe Bronze Age Cairn or Roger Trod Viewpoint, providing panoramic landscapes of the moors and valleys.

Yes, the region around Scarborough is home to several beautiful natural features. Some routes may pass near or offer detours to sights like Mallyan Spout Waterfall or Waterfall Near Beck Hole. These natural monuments add an extra element of exploration to your ride.

The spring and autumn months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking in Scarborough, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can also be excellent, though coastal areas may be busier. Winter riding is possible but requires appropriate gear for potentially colder, wetter, and windier conditions, especially on exposed moorland sections.

The gravel biking community highly rates the trails around Scarborough, with an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 20 reviews. Riders frequently praise the varied terrain, the mix of coastal and inland scenery, and the well-maintained sections of paths like the Cinder Track.

Absolutely. Many routes in the area provide spectacular views of Robin Hood's Bay. For instance, the moderate View from Common Cliff – Robin Hood's Bay Village loop from Scarborough includes sections with excellent coastal vistas overlooking the bay. Another option is the View from Common Cliff – View of Robin Hood's Bay loop from Newby and Scalby.

Parking availability varies by trailhead. Many popular starting points, especially in towns like Whitby, Robin Hood's Bay, or Scarborough itself, offer public car parks. For routes venturing into the North York Moors, smaller village car parks or designated lay-bys might be available. It's advisable to check specific route details for recommended parking locations.

Yes, many routes pass through or near villages and towns where you can find cafes, pubs, and shops for refreshments. The Cinder Track, for example, connects several communities. The Ravenscar Tearooms – View from Common Cliff loop from Ravenscar even highlights a specific tearoom, indicating opportunities for a break.