Whether your cycling ability runs to a Sunday morning saunter or an epic 260-mile weekender, a new collection of guided routes has you and your cycle covered.
New Route YC cycling routes will range from a nimble nine to a challenging 260 miles in length and have been specially designed to help visitors of all abilities explore the Yorkshire coast and countryside on gravel, touring and road bikes.
Adventure cyclists Mark Beaumont and Markus Stitz have just completed the final design and planning stages for the new routes. They were assisted by Jenny Graham in the final testing stage.
They know their stuff: Mark is a Guinness World Record holder for fastest circumnavigation of the world by bike (men), broadcaster and author.
Jenny is a Guinness World Record holder for fastest circumnavigation of the world by bike (women), adventurer, presenter, public speaker and author.
And Markus is the first person to cycle the world on a single-speed bike, cycle route designer, filmmaker, photographer and writer. He was commissioned by Route YC to design the cycling itineraries.
Kerry Carruthers is the CEO of Route YC and says the cycle routes aim to encourage people to saddle up and enjoy the area’s coast and countryside, as well as supporting local businesses.
‘These handy new itineraries have been carefully designed by cyclists for cyclists to create their own cycling adventure around the Yorkshire coast and countryside.
‘As part of our new cycling campaign for 2024, we’ll be encouraging visitors to think about more sustainable and eco-friendly ways to travel; immerse themselves and local experiences and experiences; as well as enjoy the best local food and drink along the way.’
Jenny Graham adds, ‘Route YC offers some of the most inspirational coastal and countryside scenery in the UK, as well as a huge variety of terrain to suit all kinds of cyclists, from gravel, touring and road bikes.
‘Over the last six months, I’ve had the pleasure of working with fellow adventure cyclists Mark Beaumont and Markus Stitz to test the new routes. ‘People can now look forward to a new range of on and off-road cycle routes that will allow them to get off the beaten track and discover what the region has to offer. The itineraries will not only offer an easy guide to exploring the region by bike, but we’ll be offering our top tips on bike-friendly accommodation, facilities and public transport links.’
Route YC is already working with over 250 tourism leisure and hospitality business members, local community groups and industry partners across the region to help extend the season and bring visitors to the area to boost the local economy. The initiative is geared towards promoting reasons to visit the area from October to March, showcasing areas that can accommodate visitors in the quieter season, as well as highlighting the opportunities for wellness getaways off-season.
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Grosmont Gravel Loop
This gravel tour takes you through the North York Moors National Park, with stunning views along the way. Starting at the railway station in Grosmont, which is serviced by two different railways, Northern and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, the ride features some of the steep climbs that are characteristic for this part of Yorkshire.
Highlights along the route include the Beggar’s Bridge in Glaisdale, an historic packhorse bridge built in 1619 by Thomas Ferris, and the Danby Beacon, an early warning radar station built by the Royal Air Force immediately prior to the Second World War.
The Ride
Distance: 33 km (21 miles)
Start/Finish: Grosmont railway station
Terrain: Singletrack, gravel paths and quiet roads
Recommend bike: Gravel bike
Best time to ride: Apr - November
Where to fuel?
Grosmont Station Tea Room, Grosmont
Filey Gravel Loop
A fun cycling loop, which gives you a great flavour of the riding on the Yorkshire Coast. This route starts in Filey and takes you along cycle paths, roads and gravel tracks through Filey’s rural backyard, with the Yorkshire Wolds rising in close proximity. If you are new to gravel riding, this is the perfect loop to get a taste of the experience.
The Ride
Distance: 15km (9 miles)
Start/Finish: Filey Railway Station
Terrain: Quiet and busier roads, gravel and cycle paths
Recommend bike: Gravel bike
Best time to ride: Apr – November
Where to fuel?
Thirty Coffee Shop & Eatery, Filey
Whitby Touring Loop
Starting in Whitby, this is a great introduction to riding in the North York Moors National Park. Starting from the Cinder Track Terminus you get to experience nice rolling hills and stunning views, but without the steep climbs that feature on the longer road loop from Whitby.
A highlight on the loop is Larpool Viaduct, also known as the Esk Valley Viaduct, is a 13 arch brick viaduct built to carry the Scarborough & Whitby Railway over the River Esk, now the route of the Cinder Track. The gentle cycle along the River Esk back to Whitby makes this the perfect afternoon ride after enjoying the buzzling streets of historic Whitby.
The Ride
Distance: 18km (11 miles)
Start/Finish: Cinder Track Terminus, Whitby
Terrain: Quiet roads and cycle paths
Recommend bike: Touring or Gravel bike
Best time to ride: All year
Where to fuel?
Mr Cooper’s Coffee House, Whitby
Magpie Café, Whitby
Whitby Brewery, Whitby
Stay
YHA, Whitby
Lobster Hall, Whitby
Scarborough Touring Loop
Try this loop for a day on the bike to sample some of the best riding the Yorkshire Coast has on offer. From the great vibe of the biggest town on the coast, Scarborough, to stunning cliffs and beaches and the tranquillity of the North York Moors National Park, there is something for all tastes included. And after an afternoon tea at the Ravenscar Tea Rooms you can end a great day on the bike by cruising along a former railway line, now the Cinder Track, back to the coast.
The Ride
Distance: 56km (35 miles)
Start/Finish: Scarborough railway station
Terrain: Quiet and busier roads and cycle paths
Recommend bike: Touring or Gravel bike
Best time to ride: All year
Where to fuel?
Russtic Tearooms, Cayton
Bareca at Bike & Boot, Scarborough
Ravenscar Tearooms, Ravenscar
Stay
YHA, Scarborough
Bike & Boot, Scarborough
Hornsea Touring Loop
Starting in Hornsea, a seaside town dating back to the early medieval period and known for its pottery, this mainly flat route takes you past the pastoral landscapes of the East Riding of Yorkshire. Passing the Hornsea Mere, the largest freshwater lake in Yorkshire, the route follows mostly quiet roads close to the coast through the countryside to Skipsea. You will enjoy the views towards the Yorkshire Wolds, but miss out on the hills on this ride. Savour the opportunity to enjoy the stunning views before following the Trans Pennine Trail back to the sea.
The Ride
Distance: 52km (33 miles)
Start/Finish: Hornsea TPT Terminus
Terrain: Quiet and busier roads and cycle paths
Recommend bike: Touring or Gravel bike
Best time to ride: All year
Where to fuel?
The Green Owl, Hornsea
Bridlington Road Loop
This loop combines the rolling hills in the north and flatter pastoral country in the south of the East Yorkshire coast. Starting in Bridlington, the ‘lobster capital of Europe’, the route is best ridden clockwise. Highlights along the route include the RAF Memorial at Lisset, Rudston Monolith, the tallest megalith in the United Kingdom, and the rugged white cliffs and lighthouses at Flamborough Head, an outdoor lover’s paradise and perfect base for bird watching.
The Ride
Distance: 59km (37 miles)
Start/Finish: Bridlington railway Station
Bike-friendly public transport: Bridlington railway station
Terrain: Quiet and busier roads, short sections on cycle paths (tarmac)
Recommend bike: Road bike
Best time to ride: All year
Stay
Manor Court Hotel, Carnaby
Withernsea Road Loop
The flattest of all Route YC routes can be ridden in both directions. Make it a weekend adventure by staying overnight at Spurn Point or add in a coffee and lunch stop at Patrington and Withernsea if you ride the route in one day.
You pass the Prime Meridian as you travel through Holderness, an area of rich agricultural land, which has more in common with the Netherlands than with other parts of Yorkshire. As you visit Spurn, experience the big skies and ever-changing wildlife which make this one of the most iconic nature reserves on the Yorkshire Coast.
The Ride
Distance: 81km (50 miles)
Start/Finish: Hedon Cycle Path
Bike-friendly public transport: Hull Paragon railway station
Terrain: Quiet and busier roads
Recommend bike: Road bike
Best time to ride: All year
Where to fuel?
Castle Cafe, Withernsea
Crown & Anchor, Kilnsea
Spurn Visitor Centre, Kilnsea
Cakey Bakey Yum Yum, Patrington
Stay
Spurn Bird Observatory, Kilnsea
