Mountain biking in the North York Moors
Discover our guide to the best North York Moors cycle routes
North York Moors MTB – where to start
There are three cycle centres in the North York Moors National Park, all with bike hire shops:
- Sutton Bank, YO7 2EH - for families and novice mountain bikers
- Dalby Forest, YO18 7LT- for families and experienced mountain bikers
- Great Fryup Dale, - for experienced mountain bikers and road cyclists
For more information, check out the North York Moors cycling friendly page, with useful information about places to eat, places to stay (including Forest Holidays), cycle hire, repair stations and more.
Take in the views at Sutton Bank in North Yorkshire
Two of our favourite North Yorkshire moors cycling routes
Dalby Forest
35 miles of excellent mountain bike trails along five routes, ranging from family friendly routes, up to the 2010 World Cup cycle trail. Mountain bikes are available to hire and there is a café on site too.
East Coast Moors
Coastline, open skies and harbour villages make this a delight. Choose from technical or family friendly, including the end of the Moor to Sea Cycle Route, which is a challenging 150-mile ride. For a family day out, follow the 22 -mile Cinder Path along the old railway line from Whitby to Scarborough.
Railway lines visible from the East Coast Moor cycling route
Three of the best North York Moors mountain biking experiences:
1. Ravenscar to Whitby (Moor to Sea route) – 18km, easy level.
Cliffside views of the North Sea, on through the village of Ravenscar, past beautiful Robin Hood’s Bay and into Whitby. Reward yourselves with Whitby’s award-winning fish and chips.
2. Sutton Bank Paradise Route – 27km, hard level.
A trail for experienced mountain bikers, through some of the most breath-taking scenery in the National Park. Expect a few technical features and a steep climb or two. Passes through Boltby Forest on the western side of the National Park before some amazing views from the escarpment overlooking the Vale of York.
3. World Cup MTB trail at Dalby Forest – 6.4km, very hard level.
This is a short but extremely challenging route for the most experienced mountain bikers. It’s a technical world class course with steep climbs and hair-raising descents.
Experience the views along Ravenscar to Whitby
North York Moors MTB – a challenge
Dalby Forest Red Route – 37km, Difficult level. One of the more challenging North York Moors MTB trails, this is a well maintained, clearly signposted route through hilly terrain. It’s a fast-flowing single track with technical features, challenging climbs, tricky descents, and views to make you stop in your tracks.
North York moors cycling - family and beginner
Sutton Bank is a great place to start your North York Moors cycling adventure. Take the 4.8km, Easy level trail. A family friendly cycle trail made for beginners with basic skills. The children will love this circular off-road and mostly even track, that includes an exciting stretch along the cliff edge. Also at Sutton Bank, located alongside the cycle shop, there’s a skills centre for practising, suitable for all ages and abilities.
North York Moors mountain biking – where to stay
Our cabin locations at Cropton and Keldy are within the North York Moors National Park and make great bases for your cycling holiday. All the North York Moors cycle trails are within a short cycle or drive and your hot tub cabin awaits at the end of a long cycle, complete with a hot tub to soothe your aching legs. You can hire cycles at both Cropton and Keldy, or from the cycle centres listed above.