6 Rosedale Abbey
Pickering, Y018 8RA
North Yorkshire, UK
This 30-mile bike ride around the North York Moors represents all that is best about cycling on the Moors.
I've put an emphasis on linking together some of the most popular moorland villages, the best scenery, and the quietest country lanes.
The route I've chosen to highlight also links together some of our favourite historic Inns; so there are plenty of opportunities for lunch and refreshments.
The Route is Suitable for Road Bikes or Mountain Bikes.
In our own family, we call it the "Rosella Ramble" as it starts and ends at Rosella Cottage in Rosedale Abbey.
The ride can be comfortably achieved in 5-6 hours of moderate riding; but there are one or two steep up and down sections.
If you're not lucky enough to be staying at Rosella, you can start riding from the village green in the centre of the village and immediately ajacent to the Cottage.
There is ample safe parking in the village centre.
Leave the village on Pry Hills Lane in a Southerly direction down the Dale towards the hamlet at Hartoft.
After two-miles of easy going you'll pass the Blacksmith's Arms on the left and then drop down and then uphill into a large Wood.
On leaving the Wood, you'll cycle past four fields on the right before taking the first road to the right.
There is a sign-post showing "Lastingham" and "Kirkbymoorside".
All the Villages along the route are close together.
If you cross the river via the stone bridge you've gone too far!
Cycle along this quiet country lane until you reach a T-junction and then turn left.
Cycle for a little while and bear left at the next junction; and then left again at the following farm road.
You'll arrive at a T-Junction and Appleton-le-Moors is immediately to the left about 100 yards down the main street.
There is a fine Church on the right and The Moors Inn on the left.
This pub is a good place to stop for morning coffee and cakes.
If you go on to the end of the main street and round the corner; you'll come to the Appleton reading room; nowadays its run as a Cinema with special showings every now and again.
Retrace your route from here to head North towards the village of Lastingham.
You'll pass the T-junction where you came into Appleton; just keep straight on.
Enjoy the marvellous view as you ride into the village with the Moors rising up to Aine Howe Cross on the skyline.
Turn left at the church and you'll see the Blacksmith's Arms on the right.
If it's nearing lunch time, this is a good spot for a bite to eat.
It's worth parking up the bike and visiting the historic Church and seeing the Crypt below.
The Church at Lastingham is Well Worth a Visit.
When you leave the village, continue left on the looping road and then turn right at the T-junction and ride along to Hutton-le-Hole.
This road is right on the edge of the Moors and you'll see some lovely black sheep which don't roam far from the road.
Turn left at the next T-junction and you'll be in the heart of Hutton-le-Hole within seconds.
Hutton-le-Hole is One of the Prettiest Moorland Villages.
The Ryedale Folk Museum is on your left in the centre of the village; and well worth a visit.
You'll need to retrace your steps to head-off out of the village in a Northerly direction on the Blakey Road to the Castleton.
Take car crossing the cattle grid and then take the first left at the Y-junction onto Lowna Road.
Drop down all the way to cross the River Dove via the stone bridge and then ride up hill into Gillamore
At the top of the bank, and next to the Church, stop and take a momement to take in the famous "Surprise View".
It is not to be missed in August when the Moors are ablaze with purple heather.
Surprise View from Gillamore Church.
You're now free to explore the main street of Gillamoor.
You'll find the Royal Oak in the centre of the village if you're in need of refreshments.
On leaving, retrace your ride along the road and keep the village church on your right.
Follow the road down hill to the Lowna Car Park on the left.
Take the next road to the left before going all the way downhill to the River Dove.
Follow this tarmac lane all the way into the hamlet of Low Mills at the bottom end of Farndale.
Take the left fork in the hamlet and ride along the daleside road.
You'll pass-by three farms adjacent to the road before arriving at a Y-junction with a lane heading steeply downhill to Church Houses.
Take care on this very steep and narrow lane; and stop off at the Feversham Arms in Church Houses for more refreshments if required.
The next section is a very steep uphill ride to get out of farndale.
Take the Farndale Bank road towards Castelton up the steep climb to Blakey Crossing.
Turn left at the top and follow the Blakey Ridge road.
This will be the busiest road on the whole route so take care with cars.
The Lion Inn pub is worthy of a visit as it is North Yorkshire's remotest pub; and it has a long history.
But mind your head if you're anywhere near average height; it has very low ceilings!
When you leave the Blakey pub, you have two choices.
If you're riding a Mountain bike, you can cross the road and bare left past the building and drop down to the old Rosedale cindertack railway.
Cycling on the Rosedale Cinder Track.
Turn right onto the railway and follow this nice path around Rosedale below you.
On a clear day the views to South are fabulous.
Eventually, you'll pass the giant calcinating kilns at Bank Top.
When you reach the tarmac road, turn left and ride down the famous Chimney Bank to bring you back into Rosedale Abbey.
If you're on a road bike, turn left and continue on the Blakey road until you reach Ralphs Cross.
Ralph's Cross is an Iconic Image for the North York Moors.
Turn left just before the Cross and you're on the road that takes you all the way back to Rosedale Abbey on tarmac.
You'll pass the Millenium Megalith after a mile or so; and then have a long downhill into Rosedale.