The best traffic-free bike rides around Redcar and Cleveland

There are 14 carefully curated no-traffic gravel bike trails in Redcar and Cleveland featured in this guide. These routes offer a mix of moderate and difficult options, ensuring there's something for various skill levels.

The terrain in Redcar and Cleveland is wonderfully diverse for gravel biking. You'll encounter a mix of forest roads and tracks, country lanes, and moorland paths, especially within the North York Moors National Park and Guisborough Forest. Expect steady climbs and gentle descents, with some routes featuring more challenging sections like armored trails with rock gardens for experienced riders.

While many routes in this guide are rated moderate to difficult, the region does offer sections suitable for families, particularly within areas like Guisborough Forest which has dedicated cycling trails. For a moderate option, consider the Below Highcliffe Nab – BW Cafe loop from Guisborough, which is around 20 km and offers a good introduction to the area's gravel paths.

Spring and autumn are often ideal for gravel biking in Redcar and Cleveland, offering pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, especially when the heather is in bloom on the moors. Summer can also be excellent, but be prepared for potentially warmer weather. Winter riding is possible, but trails can be muddy or icy, so check conditions and dress appropriately.

Redcar and Cleveland's gravel trails offer stunning natural beauty and historical landmarks. You might pass by the iconic Roseberry Topping Summit, enjoy views from Pinchinthorpe Moor, or discover coastal gems like Staithes Fishing Village and Saltburn Pier. Many routes traverse the North York Moors, offering panoramic vistas.

Yes, many of the no-traffic gravel routes in Redcar and Cleveland are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. An example is the Victoria Bridge (River Tees) – Hurworth Burn Reservoir loop from Thornaby, which is a longer, moderate option.

The no-traffic gravel bike trails in Redcar and Cleveland range from moderate to difficult. This guide features 7 moderate and 7 difficult routes. Moderate trails are generally suitable for riders with some experience, while difficult routes, such as the Blakey Bank Summit – Rosedale Chimney Bank Climb loop from Marton, require very good fitness and technical ability due to significant elevation changes and varied surfaces.

Many trailheads and starting points for gravel routes in Redcar and Cleveland, especially those bordering the North York Moors National Park or within Guisborough Forest, offer designated parking areas. It's always advisable to check the specific route details on komoot for parking information near your chosen starting point.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 15 ratings. Reviewers often praise the stunning and varied landscapes, the quiet, traffic-free nature of the trails, and the rewarding climbs that lead to breathtaking views across the Tees Valley and the North York Moors.

Absolutely. The region is known for its dramatic scenery and excellent viewpoints. Routes that venture into the North York Moors, such as the Ingleby Greenhow – View from Clay Bank loop from Great and Little Broughton, often provide panoramic vistas. You can also find incredible views from highlights like Warsett Hill Trig Point Viewpoint.

While some towns like Guisborough, Redcar, and Saltburn are accessible by public transport, reaching specific trailheads for the more remote gravel routes might require a combination of public transport and a short ride or taxi. Planning your route in advance and checking local bus or train schedules is recommended.

Yes, for those looking for a longer adventure, Redcar and Cleveland offers routes that can be combined or are substantial in length themselves. For example, the Victoria Bridge (River Tees) – Hurworth Burn Reservoir loop from Thornaby covers nearly 80 km, providing a full day's ride through varied landscapes.