Explore the Route
Discover the Adventure: Embark on an exhilarating cycling journey through the charming city of York. With routes varying in length from 1 to 20 miles, there is something to suit every level of fitness and experience. Whether you have just an hour to spare or a full day to explore, York offers a range of options for all.
After a day filled with adventure, consider a restful retreat at the hedley house hotel york, where comfort and relaxation await to prepare you for your next day’s journey.
Start Your Expedition: Begin your cycling adventure in the heart of York, where the city's vibrant energy and rich history create the perfect backdrop for your ride. Pedal along the well-maintained route to experience diverse landscapes and captivating landmarks.
Thrilling Finish Points: Choose from multiple finish points, including the scenic Beningborough Hall, the challenging terrain of Ripon, the leisurely route of Knavesmire, or simply return to the dynamic city center of York. Each finish point offers its own unique charm and rewards.
Route Classification: Prepare yourself for a moderate challenge at Beningborough Hall, tackle the difficult course at Ripon, enjoy an easy ride through Knavesmire, and experience a moderate level of intensity in York. No matter which route you choose, memorable cycling moments await.
Map Your Expedition: Make use of the comprehensive OS map of York and Selby to navigate your way through the captivating landscapes and discover hidden gems along the route. Adventure awaits just a pedal away!
Cycling Revival in York
In York, a cycling revolution is silently sweeping through the city streets. The sound of bicycle gears and chains fills the air, signifying a growing passion for two-wheeled exploration. Beyond the city's bike-friendly infrastructure, exciting developments are underway.
York is home to the new university campus, offering a state-of-the-art outdoor bike track. Cyclists of all abilities can enjoy the 1km all-weather facility, with pay-and-play sessions available year-round. Additionally, an indoor velodrome is currently under construction, promising even more opportunities for cycling enthusiasts.
The city also boasts a vibrant cycling community, with local bike shops deeply connected to the neighborhoods they serve. From York Cycleworks to Fulford Cycles and Cycle Heaven, these establishments provide essential support and foster a sense of camaraderie among cyclists.
Furthermore, traditional craftsmanship has found its home in York as artisans like Rickie Feather, Richard Baldwin, and Dylan Thomas handbuild frames and bikes in their workshops, reviving long-lost traditions once outsourced to foreign factories.
Exploring York on Two Wheels
Experience the thrill of cycling adventures in York, a city that welcomes cyclists with open arms. With the upcoming Tour de France's arrival on 6 July, York is abuzz with a plethora of exciting activities to celebrate this iconic event. From rides, competitions, and exhibitions to cinema events and displays, the city is fully immersed in the spirit of cycling. These events not only showcase the bicycle's significance but also reflect the unique blend of Yorkshire and French cultures that the Tour has brought about.
One remarkable Tour legacy is the bike bank initiative, which allows children between the ages of 5 and 12 to borrow bicycles for free from the YorkSport Village. This fantastic program encourages young riders to embrace the joy of cycling and explore the city's scenic paths.
During the Tour, cyclists will be treated to an exceptional route devised by the organizers. The path will take riders past majestic landmarks like Clifford's Tower before venturing into the city's enchanting narrow streets, adding an element of thrilling cobbled mayhem to the journey. Furthermore, participants will catch a glimpse of the magnificent Minster, an architectural marvel that has graced the city skyline for over seven centuries.
The festivities during the Tour de France are just the beginning of York's enduring love affair with cycling. The city boasts excellent cycling routes both within its limits and in the surrounding countryside. Plans are underway to introduce a three-day professional race that will explore the picturesque landscapes overlooked by the Tour. However, the ultimate challenge lies in bolstering the cycling infrastructure, ensuring that cyclists can enjoy safe and accessible routes for years to come.
Don't miss the opportunity to revel in the cycling-mad atmosphere of York and embark on unforgettable biking escapades that showcase the city's vibrant culture and natural beauty.
Natural attractions
Glance at a map of York and one feature dominates: the river Ouse, a powerful bruiser of a waterway whose banks form a natural cycling route. Head out from the city centre and you'll have fine rides ahead of you. Northwards, you sneak down the east side of Lendal bridge and take the towpath upriver past the old Engine House, recently converted into the Star in the City restaurant. You pass under the Scarborough railway bridge, then a further road bridge, to emerge in riverside meadows. Now the marked route keeps on northwards for six miles until Beningborough Hall, an outpost of the National Portrait Gallery with a cafe and superb gardens. For serious cyclists this will just be the start of the day: you could push on, crossing the Ouse at Aldwark and visiting Ripon with its fine cathedral. If the wind is in the west, however, you could weave through the countryside to Castle Howard and catch the train back from Malton.
In the heart of York city centre, a cycling adventure awaits. Start your journey by the riverside, where the scenic route begins next to the renowned King's Arms pub. Catch a glimpse of passing boats as you bike south along the picturesque east bank, passing under the iconic Skeldergate bridge.
Continue on the delightful tree-lined cycle path that hugs the river, leading you to the impressive Millennium footbridge. Cross the river here and venture towards the racecourse, which serves as the starting point for stage two of the exciting Tour.
If you're in the mood for a unique cycling experience, why not give York's solar cycle a try? This imaginative route is a favorite among kids and offers a fascinating perspective on our solar system. Each 100 meters you cover is equivalent to an astounding 57 million kilometers, allowing you to pedal through the solar system at an exhilarating pace.
As you explore, you'll encounter scale models of the planets along the way. From Mercury to Venus, Mars to Jupiter, immerse yourself in the vastness of space. Reach the farthest reaches of our planetary system and even behold Pluto, which lies just 6.4 miles beyond. Beyond Pluto, the landscape transitions into the desolate expanse of outer space, mirroring the journey towards Selby.
Key Details
Lodging Selections
For cyclist-friendly accommodations, consider YHA York (Contact: 0845 371 9051, Room availability starts at £15), a youth hostel conveniently positioned for northern cycling trails and the river route. The Naburn Station (Booking Number: 01904 636531, Double Rooms start from £150 including breakfast) offers a picturesque setting on the "planets" bike trail. For a homely feel, Holgate Bridge(Reservation Line: 01904 635971, Prices start from £25, breakfast included) is a family-owned guesthouse that provides secure bicycle storage. You can also opt forChurch View (Located in Stockton on the Forest, Contact: 01904 400403, Double Rooms beginning at £60, breakfast included) a few miles north of York, with the added perk of available bike rentals. You can find additional options at visityork.org/cycling.
Foodie Favourite Spots
While in York, treat your taste buds at the Star in the City (Contact: 01904 619208) or sample some Italian cuisine at Il Paradiso del Cibo (Contact: 01969 667337). For a selection of pastries, check out Pig and Pastry (Contact Info: 01904 675115, no website).
Traveling to York
An array of direct train services from London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh are available via eastcoast.co.uk.