Cycling Around York
Taken to cycling for a form of exercise during lockdown but not sure where to go? There are an abundance of great cycle routes in York and its beautiful surrounding countryside to keep your daily dose of exercise exciting. Here are five suggestions for you to try out!
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Riverside and Bridges of York Cycle
If you want an interesting cycle with lots to see, this route is ideal. Along your route, you will take a tour of the Bridges of York including Scarborough Bridge, Lendal Bridge, Skeldergate Bridge, Blue Bridge and finally Millenium Bridge. In addition, you will also pass some other famous sites such as the Abbey Ruins, Judi Dench Walk and Rowntree Park. This five mile cycle is an hour in total but you could take a rest after half an hour and have a little picnic on Millenium Bridge. This is probably not one for the family though as you do, at points, have to pass through city centre traffic.
York to Selby
This cycle route will take you all the way from the City of York all the way to Selby. It’s a mainly traffic free route to make for a relaxing ride and is mainly flat landscape through the Vale of York. 14.2 miles (22.8km) long, averaging at an hour and 11 minute cycle, travels along the old East Coast Mainline railway which you can read about on boards along your way. Riding along the riverside path, you will also get to see the 10.4km scale model of the solar system called the ‘Cycle the Solar System’ which was commissioned by Sustrans. This is definitely a fun one!
Foss Islands Cycle Track
Foss Islands Cycle Track leads to Osbaldwick via the old Derwent Valley Light Railway track. This railway track from 1913 right up until 1980 transported sugar beet to Rowntree’s factory from the countryside. If you follow this route, you will pass by St Nicholas Field - a nature reserve - and some pretty holiday cottages. This route ends at Murton Park home to the Yorkshire Museum of Farming with its Viking village and a Roman fort.
While you can’t visit the museum at the moment, this cycle route is still very pleasant and it gives you a chance to have a peek before you plan your visit after lockdown ends!
This 7 mile cycle route does have traffic after Osbaldwick but is still quiet, along country lanes and takes about an hour and ten minutes.
Millenium Bridge to Heslington Common
Start this ride at Millenium Bridge and cycle for an hour and 15 minutes through the golf course and University campus to Heslington Common. This route is approximately 6.5 miles and is predominantly off-road and takes you through Walmgate Stray. Spot the cows! You will cycle past the allotments and behind the York Cemetery before cycling through the University campus. Remember to follow the signs and stick to the University grounds specific cycle paths. This route then carries on to Heslington Hall along the south side of the lake. Enjoy!
York to Beningbrough
Following the National Route 65, this cycle route takes you to the 18th century mansion Beningbrough Hall. Along this route, you can view many sculptures such as a miniature Forth Bridge and a yellow milepost, marking the 2014 Tour de France in Yorkshire. You will also pass Rawcliffe Country Park; if you feel like making a detour, this is a beautiful place to visit. The paths are flat and traffic free and the whole route takes only 51 minutes. This 10.2 mile (16.4 km) cycle ends at Beningbrough Hall with it’s gorgeous park and gardens, so is definitely worth the ride.
