Family Cycling routes in North Yorkshire

Dedicated family cycling routes and country parks throughout North Yorkshire. Looking for safe, traffic-free paths and parks throughout North Yorkshire? As a family, we are spending our weekends exploring these routes. Check below for some of our latest discoveries including Dolby Forest, The Nidderdale Greenway and much more.

Knaresborough Leisure & Well Being Hub

Knaresborough Leisure and Wellbeing Hub Play Area Review

We’ve visited Knaresborough a lot over the last couple of years and we’ve eagerly watched the development of the new leisure centre. Upon a previous visit on the way home, we noticed the leisure centre had indeed opened and included a play area for the kids. We knew we had to check this out! We … Read more
Brimham Rocks For Families

Brimham Rocks National Trust Review

Place at a glance Visit length2–4 hours AccessibilityUneven terrain around rocks; some easier waymarked paths CostMembers free; charges for non-members/parking Dog friendlyDogs on leads welcome Facilities Café kiosk · Toilets Picnic spots · Visitor info Top things to do Scramble unique rock formations Panoramic viewpoints Waymarked trails & family activities Brimham Rocks is located in … Read more
Beningbrough Hall National Trust Review

Beningbrough Hall National Trust Review

Place at a glance Visit length2–4 hours AccessibilityAccessible garden paths; historic house has limited step-free areas CostMembers free; day tickets for non-members Dog friendlyDogs on leads in parkland; check garden/house rules Facilities Restaurant/tea room · Toilets & baby changing Shop · Wilderness play area Top things to do Walled garden & seasonal trails Art/portrait exhibits … Read more

Ormesby Hall National Trust Review

Ormesby Hall is located in the picturesque village of Ormesby just outside the bustling city of Middlesbrough in northeast England, is a charming destination our family always enjoys visiting. The perfect balance of history and nature, Ormesby Hall offers us a unique escape, and it has become a favourite for creating cherished family memories. As … Read more
Sutton Bank Cycling For Families

Sutton Bank Cycling for families

Introduction: Sutton Bank, located in the beautiful North York Moors National Park, offers a variety of cycling routes suitable for families of all ages and abilities. With stunning views, well-maintained trails, and easy access, it’s no wonder that Sutton Bank has become a popular destination for family cycling adventures. In this blog post, we’ll explore … Read more

Dalby Forest Cycling for families

Route at a glance Total distanceEllerburn 1.7–2.8 miles · Adderstone 8 or 12 miles DifficultyEasy (Ellerburn) → Moderate (Adderstone) Top things to see Family-friendly skills area & waymarked trails Riverside Ellerburn Beck section Play park & big visitor hub Deep forest scenery, traffic-free once parked Dalby Forest, in the heart of the North York Moors … Read more

Knaresborough to Ripley (Nidderdale Greenway) Cycle Route For Families

Route at a glance Total distance~10 miles / 16 km out & back (from Knaresborough) DifficultyBeginner–Intermediate · steady climb leaving Knaresborough, then gentle rail-path Top things to see Beryl Burton Cycleway & big viaduct views Ripley Castle green, play park & ice cream stop Knaresborough riverside & castle at start/finish Where does the ride take … Read more

Ripley – Hampsthwaite Cycle Route For Families

Route at a glance Total distance≈5–6 miles / 8–10 km out & back DifficultyIntermediate for kids · steep return climb from Hampsthwaite; otherwise quiet lanes/paths Top things to see Spring bluebells through the woods Sophie’s Café on the village square Ripley Castle village & play park for picnics Since we bought a bike rack we … Read more

Spofforth – Wetherby Railway Path Cycling for Families

Route at a glance Total distance~3 miles / 4.8 km each way (≈6 miles / 9.6 km out & back) DifficultyEasy · flat disused railway path · mostly traffic-free Top things to see Spofforth Castle ruins & nearby play/nature area Quiet tree-lined rail path with farmland views Plenty of food options in Wetherby for a … Read more

More on safe cycling in North Yorkshire

One of the key attractions of cycling in North Yorkshire is the breathtaking scenery. The area is home to some of England’s most picturesque landscapes, including the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales, the stunning coastline of the North York Moors, and the charming villages of the Wolds. These areas provide families with the perfect backdrop for a leisurely cycle, with plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the views.

Another great reason to choose North Yorkshire for family cycling is its excellent network of bike paths and trails. The region offers a range of traffic-free routes, making it easy for families to cycle together safely. Many of these routes are also suitable for families with young children, as they are mostly flat and easy to navigate.

Join us as we continue to explore parks, traffic-free cycle routes and locations throughout North Yorkshire to cycle for fun.