Cycling the North Yorkshire Moors and Coast

ARRIVAL DAY: York. Your 1st night's accommodation is in the mediaeval city of York, home to England’s largest gothic cathedral and old narrow streets that have hardly changed in centuries. There are many tourist attractions to see here including museums and a wall that can be walked around providing fantastic views of the city and the Minster. Overnight: York, England. It is also possible (and recommended) that you consider adding an optional extra night in York to allow a full day to explore the city.

DAY ONE: York to Driffield distance approx. 40 miles (64 km). After breakfast your bikes will arrive and you will begin the ride through York on a traffic-free cycleway allowing you time to take in the sights as you become familiar with your bicycle. You’ll ride along quiet country roads lined by dry stone walls through lush green farmland interspersed with market towns such as Dunnington and Pocklington where you will find opportunities for refreshments or lunch. There will be some hills on the second half of today’s ride as you cycle on the southern edge of the Yorkshire Moors. Overnight: Driffield, North Yorkshire, England.

DAY TWO: Driffield to Hunmanby distance approx. 40 miles (64 km).  Leaving Driffield, minor country roads lead to the North Sea and the popular seaside town of Bridlington, with many tourist attractions. Your navigation will also include a worthwhile optional add-on to take you to Flamborough lighthouse where you can do a short walk to see the "drinking dinosaur" rock formation The remainder of the cycle to Hunmanby follows mostly quiet country roads. Overnight: Hunmanby, North Yorkshire, England.

DAY THREE: Hunmanby to Whitby distance approx. 32 miles (51 km).  You'll depart Hunmanby heading north on country roads and then out to the coast to the popular seaside town of Scarborough. A favourite holiday destination for the Victorians, it is still a tourist haven today with an impressive seafront. You’ll head out of Scarborough on a disused railway line known as the Cinder Track.  This traffic-free section is one of the many highlights of the tour, with a beautiful coastline on one side and the North York Moors on the other. The route passes pretty villages like Cloughton, Ravenscar and Robin Hood’s Bay, all offering refreshments. Robin Hood’s Bay is a real gem, set in a cove with cliffs on either side where a walk down to the waterfront is worth the effort. In the 18th century Robin Hood's Bay was reported to be the busiest smuggling community on the Yorkshire coast. Continuing along the old coastal rail line you will see the Abbey at Whitby made famous by Bram Stoker's book Dracula.  This busy tourist seaside town provides your next accommodation. It is also the terminus of the North Yorkshire Moors steam train, and a two night stay in this delightful fishing village is highly recommended. Overnight: Whitby, North Yorkshire, England.

DAY FOUR: Day off in Whitby. There are many options for your day off in Whitby. You may want to plan an excursion on the North Yorkshire Moors steam railway, take a walk along the world famous Cleveland Way coastal walk, or ride your bike a short distance up the coast to Sandsend and explore another section of the coastal walk. Or you could simply enjoy a quiet relaxing day exploring the shops and attractions of this quaint seaside town. You also have the option to reduce the tour length by one night by excluding this day off in Whitby.

DAY FIVE: Whitby to Great Ayton distance approx 30 miles (48 km). The route now takes you inland along the river Esk valley on minor country roads through an area of outstanding natural beauty on the northern edge of the North York Moors National Park. There will be some good climbs as you cycle past many quaint Yorkshire towns where the popular television series Heartbeat was filmed including Sleights, Danby, Castleton and Commondale. There are opportunities for extra excursions to towns like Grosmont, Glaisdale and Lealholm dotted along the Eskdale Valley Railway line should you have bounds of energy today. For those less interested in a lot of cycle climbs you'll have the option to spend some extra time in Whitby, taking the very scenic afternoon train through the North York Moors to Great Ayton train station where you will be met with your bicycles and you'll cycle the short distance to your overnight accommodation. Great Ayton is a busy market town with a plenty of cafes, tea shops, traditional pubs and restaurants. Overnight: Great Ayton, North Yorkshire, England.

DAY SIX: Great Ayton to Darlington distance approx 26 miles (42 km). Today is an easier cycling day leaving the hills of yesterday behind and following mainly quiet countryside roads west through the River Tees valley. You’ll follow cycle route 165 also known as the W2W. One village will follow another often on paved single track roads with plenty of opportunities to stop for a break at a village pub or green. You will stay overnight in the city of Darlington where your bikes will be picked up on your arrival. Overnight: Darlington, County Durham, England.

DEPARTURE DAY: Your tour with us will end after breakfast. There are good connections by rail from Darlington for your onward travels.