Cycling the Moor to Sea route is just an amazing experience. Passing through some wonderful areas with breathtaking scenery as you pedal your way across to the coast.This has to be one of the most spectacular ways to spend a holiday.
The Moor to Sea cycle route is a long distance cycle trail across the North York Moors National Park that links the towns of Scarborough, Pickering and Whitby. Crossing through pleasant forests, open moorland, and travelling along the spectacular heritage coastline, the route takes in some of the most varied and dramatic scenery in North Yorkshire.
Using over 80 miles of forest tracks, green lanes, minor roads and the dismantled railway – the rail trail – from Whitby to Scarborough, the route is way-marked, with accompanying directions included on this website.
The route has been developed to be suitable for family cycling, although it does pass through remote countryside in places. Riding the whole route will provide 3 or 4 days cycling, exploring the very heart of the North York Moors National Park. For the less adventurous, route directions are provided in stages which can be cycled as and when.
You can start the Moor to Sea route at any point. Cycle hire facilities can be found on route and details of these are provided on this website. Both Scarborough and Whitby are accessible by train, though you will have to check for any restrictions on carrying bicycles on trains.
Here are some of the places of interest en route:
Scarborough
The first ever seaside resort, Scarborough remains a bustling holiday destination and frequent rail...
connections make it an ideal place to start your Moor to Sea cycle route. There's plenty of accommodation available, all the usual high street stores and a number of bike shops in case there's a need for early repairs.
Harwood Dale
The Moor to Sea cycle route goes right through Harwood Dale forest. There are no formal recreation facilities here, but the coniferous pines and spruces make this a pleasant cycle ride.
Ravenscar
"The town that never was", Ravenscar, was originally conceived as a seaside resort to rival Scarborough. It didn't happen, but the impressive Raven Hall Hotel, right on the headland, still dominates. Ravenscar also offers magnificent views across Robin Hood's Bay, views which stay with you as you cycle between the two towns. Seasonal bike hire facilities are available at the Tea Rooms in Ravenscar.
Low Dalby
The tiny village of Low Dalby is the centre for the many recreation opportunities offered in Dalby forest. From the forest visitor centre you can find out what there is to do within this large forest, including details of graded mountain bike trails to suit both beginners and experts. Low Dalby also offers cycle hire facilities.
Thornton le Dale
Thornton le Dale is a particularly picturesque village, with an attractive beck running beside its main street. The beck also fills the village pond, hidden in the wood behind the tiny village green. There are also a number of pubs, cafes and shops in the village.
Pickering
The lively market town of Pickering is regarded by many as the gateway to the North York Moors. A pretty town, Pickering's history is there for all to see - from the castle at the top of the town and the parish church with its medieval wall paintings. The North York Moors steam railway also runs from the centre of the town right through the heart of the National Park to Grosmont. Pickering offers numerous facilities for Moor to Sea visitors, including a bike shop and a wide range of accommodation.
Langdale End
Langdale End is a tiny hamlet, nestling deep within picturesque Troutsdale. Here the two circuits of the Moor to Sea route pass within striking distance of each other, providing the opportunity to vary your route and switch between circuits. The Moorcock Inn at the centre of Langdale End is certainly worth a visit.
Hawsker
The main attraction for those cycling the Moor to Sea route in Hawsker is the Trailways Cycle Hire Centre offering a wide range of bikes to suit all ages and abilities. Trailways is located in the old railway station that once served the local area, confirming the historical connections of this section of the cycle route. As you go through Hawsker, towards May Beck and Langdale Forest look out for the Saxon cross in a private garden on your right in the middle of the village.
Robin Hoods Bay
The Moor to Sea cycle route skirts the top of Robin Hood's Bay, but it is worth a short detour to discover this old town and its shoreline. The town itself hides a myriad of winding alleyways where you can find numerous cafes and shops in which to re-fuel before tackling the steep climb back to the cycle route.
Whitby
A picturesque harbour and an imposing Abbey, perched high up on the east cliffs, dominate this famous seaside town. Whitby also has literary connections with the town providing inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula. There are many pubs and cafes to choose from in Whitby, as well as a wide range of shops (including a bike shop) and plenty of accommodation. The town is also served by the Esk Valley railway which links inland and to the North East.
