The best gravel rides around Harrogate

Yes, Harrogate offers several easy gravel bike trails. A great option for beginners and families is the Knaresborough Viaduct – View of Knaresborough Viaduct loop from Knaresborough. This 12-mile (19.3 km) route is rated easy and provides scenic views of the historic viaduct.

For those seeking a more challenging ride, routes like the Bilton Greenway – Ripley Castle Waterfall loop from Bishop Thornton offer a significant distance of nearly 50 km with over 500 meters of elevation gain. Another demanding option is the Gouthwaite Reservoir – Scar House Reservoir and Dam loop from Dacre, which covers over 55 km and nearly 900 meters of climbing.

Many of the gravel bike routes around Harrogate are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Studley Royal Deer Park – Avenue at Studley Royal Deer Park loop from Ripon and the Masham Climb – Trapping Hill loop from Masham.

The terrain around Harrogate is diverse, featuring a mix of rolling hills, picturesque river valleys, and open moorland. You'll encounter quiet country lanes, forest tracks, and bridleways, providing varied surfaces for gravel cycling. The landscape is predominantly rural, with occasional historical landmarks.

Yes, some routes incorporate natural water features. For instance, the Bilton Greenway – Ripley Castle Waterfall loop from Bishop Thornton passes by a waterfall. Additionally, the region features highlights like Hackfall Wood, which includes a waterfall, and routes near reservoirs such as Gouthwaite and Scar House.

For scenic rides, consider routes that explore the region's natural beauty. The Studley Royal Deer Park loop from Ripon offers beautiful parkland and woodland sections. Routes around reservoirs like the Gouthwaite Reservoir loop also provide stunning views of the water and surrounding landscapes.

Absolutely. Many routes offer glimpses of historical and natural landmarks. You can ride past the historic Knaresborough Viaduct on the Knaresborough Viaduct loop. Other notable attractions in the wider area include the unique rock formations at Brimham Rocks and the ancient stone circle of The Druid's Temple.

The gravel biking routes around Harrogate are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 30 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, the mix of quiet lanes and off-road tracks, and the beautiful rural scenery.

While popular routes can see more traffic, many of Harrogate's gravel trails traverse quieter country lanes and bridleways, especially those venturing into the more remote moorland and river valleys. Exploring routes further from the immediate town center, such as the Barden Moor Estate Track loop from Addingham, can offer a more secluded experience.

Many routes in the Harrogate area pass through or near charming villages and towns where you can find pubs and cafes. While specific refreshment stops aren't listed for every route, planning your ride to pass through places like Masham or Ripon, as seen in the Masham Climb loop or the Studley Royal Deer Park loop from Ripon, will provide opportunities for a break.

Spring, summer, and early autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking in Harrogate, with milder weather and drier trails. However, the varied terrain means that routes can be enjoyed year-round, with appropriate gear for winter conditions.

Yes, some routes are designed to start directly from Harrogate. For example, the View of Kirby Lane – Spofforth Castle Ruins loop from Harrogate and the Descent to the River – Spofforth Castle Ruins loop from Harrogate both begin in the town, offering convenient access to the trails.