The best gravel rides around Rievaulx

The Rievaulx area, situated within the North York Moors National Park, offers a diverse mix of terrain for gravel biking. You'll encounter singletrack, forest trails, moorland gravel, and pastureland, providing varied off-road cycling experiences. Routes often traverse the secluded River Rye Valley, ascend through Boltby Forest, and follow parts of the dramatic Cleveland Way escarpment.

While many routes in Rievaulx are rated as difficult, there are options that cater to an easier experience. The Moorland Meander – Gravel Explorer 25 km is an easier option, allowing riders to explore the moorland environment. It's a 23.9 km trail that can typically be completed in about 2 hours 11 minutes.

For those seeking a challenge, Rievaulx offers several difficult routes. The Hambleton Horizon – Gravel Explorer 50 km is a demanding 48.4 km path that follows the former Drovers' Road and the Cleveland Way escarpment. Another challenging option is the Rievaulx Raider – Gravel Explorer 38 km, which explores the River Rye watershed and includes significant climbs through Nettle Dale.

Yes, many of the gravel routes around Rievaulx are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Howardian Hills loop from Yearsley offers a 55.4 km circular ride with over 650 meters of ascent. Another option is the Rievaulx Abbey – Helmsley Castle loop from Wombleton, which is a 36.2 km circular route.

Rievaulx is rich in history and natural beauty. You can explore the magnificent ruins of Rievaulx Abbey, a 12th-century Cistercian monastery. The Kilburn White Horse, a famous turf-cut figure, is a notable landmark offering picturesque views. You might also encounter tranquil spots like Gormire Lake, surrounded by lush woodland, or the ruins of Byland Abbey.

Absolutely. The routes often traverse the dramatic Cleveland Way escarpment and the Hambleton Hills, offering expansive views across the North York Moors. The Rievaulx Terrace, an 18th-century Georgian landscape garden, provides stunning, carefully framed views down over Rievaulx Abbey. You can also find scenic spots like the Nettle Dale ponds.

The gravel biking experience in Rievaulx is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 17 reviews. Many of the 200+ visitors praise the diverse landscape, which includes a mix of singletrack, forest trails, moorland gravel, and pastureland. The combination of challenging routes, historical attractions, and stunning natural features like the River Rye Valley and Boltby Forest makes it a compelling destination.

Given the varied off-road terrain, bikes suitable for mixed surfaces are recommended. Gravel bikes are ideal, but mountain bikes or sturdy hybrid bikes would also be well-suited for exploring the trails around Rievaulx.

The routes are designed for an 'explorer' experience, and while they often utilize existing cycle paths, navigation with a GPS device or a detailed map is recommended to ensure you stay on track and make the most of your ride.

Many routes in the area, such as the Hambleton Horizon – Gravel Explorer 50 km, start from locations like the Sutton Bank National Park Centre, which typically offers parking facilities. It's advisable to check specific starting points for parking availability before your ride.

Rievaulx offers great gravel biking opportunities throughout the year, but the best time often depends on your preference. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with changing foliage. Summer is also popular, though trails can be busier. Winter rides are possible, but be prepared for potentially muddy conditions and colder weather, especially on moorland sections.