The best cycling routes around Selby

The terrain around Selby is largely flat, making it ideal for leisurely touring cycling and accessible to cyclists of all skill levels. You'll find peaceful rides along the Selby Canal towpath, scenic paths along the River Ouse, and an extensive network of rural roads winding through quaint villages and open landscapes.

There are over 230 touring cycling routes available around Selby, offering a wide variety of options for different preferences and skill levels.

Yes, Selby is very suitable for families and beginners. Over 130 of the touring cycling routes are rated as easy, featuring minimal incline and traffic-free sections like parts of the Selby Canal towpath and the unique John Smith's Brewery loop from Tadcaster.

You can expect to enjoy tranquil waterways, including the Selby Canal and River Ouse, offering views of locks and barges. Many routes also pass through lush Yorkshire countryside, rural roads, and woodlands such as Brayton Barff Woods and Bishop Wood.

Selby offers several historical points of interest. You can admire the magnificent Selby Abbey, a prominent mid-11th century Benedictine Abbey. Some routes also pass by the beautiful gatehouse of Bishopthorpe Palace, and you can see the Ferrybridge Old Bridge.

Yes, a truly unique attraction is the Solar System Cycle Route, a 10.4 km scale model of the solar system along an old railway line between Riccall and Bishopthorpe. This traffic-free path, part of Sustrans Route 65, offers an educational and engaging cycling experience.

Many routes in Selby are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the popular Naburn Railway Bridge – Millennium Bridge York loop from Barlby with Osgodby, which connects to landmarks in York, or the Birkin Tea Room – Birkin Fisheries Tea Room loop from Selby.

The touring cycling routes in Selby are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 130 reviews. Cyclists often praise the flat terrain, peaceful canal towpaths, and the charming rural roads that allow for relaxed exploration of the area's natural and historical sites.

Parking is generally available in Selby town center and in many of the surrounding villages that serve as starting points for routes. Specific parking information for individual trailheads can often be found on the respective route pages on komoot.

Selby is well-connected by public transport, including train services, which can be used to access the area. Many cycling routes are accessible from the town center or nearby villages, making it convenient to combine cycling with public transport. For more detailed information on public transport options, you may consult local transport authority websites.

Yes, many routes pass through or near quaint villages and towns where you can find cafes and pubs. For instance, the Birkin Tea Room – Birkin Fisheries Tea Room loop from Selby specifically highlights a tea room. The Selby area is dotted with establishments perfect for a refreshment stop.

Cyclists can enjoy stunning river views along the River Ouse and picturesque canal scenes along the Selby Canal. Routes that extend towards York, such as the Naburn Railway Bridge – Millennium Bridge York loop from Tadcaster, offer views of the distinctive York Millennium Bridge and the surrounding lush greenery.