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 several family-friendly cycle routes at Sutton Bank, detailing their age suitability, difficulty levels, and access points to help you plan the perfect day out.

Sutton Bank Family Trail (Cliff Edge and Fort)

• Age suitability: All ages
• Difficulty: Easy
• Location: Sutton Bank Visitor Centre
• Access: Sutton Bank Visitor Centre car park

The Sutton Bank Family Trail is a 4.5-mile circular route that offers a gentle introduction to cycling for families. This easy, well-signposted trail begins at the Sutton Bank Visitor Centre and takes you on a journey along the breathtaking cliff edge with views over the Vale of Mowbray. The route also passes by the historic Iron Age hillfort, where children can learn about the area’s rich history.

This is the route we took when visiting Sutton Bank as it was most suitable for our children

White Horse Trail

• Age suitability: 8 and above
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Location: Kilburn White Horse
• Access: Kilburn White Horse car park

The White Horse Trail is a 7.5-mile loop that takes you on a journey through the beautiful woodland and moorland surrounding the famous Kilburn White Horse. This moderate route is suitable for children aged 8 and above, who are comfortable with cycling on slightly more challenging terrain. The trail offers stunning views and a variety of wildlife, making it a fantastic choice for families looking to explore the great outdoors.

The Paradise Trail

• Age suitability: 10 and above
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Location: Boltby Forest
• Access: Boltby Forest car park

The Paradise Trail is a 6-mile circular route that meanders through the picturesque Boltby Forest. Suitable for children aged 10 and above, this moderate trail features gentle hills, varied terrain, and beautiful woodland scenery. The route provides an excellent opportunity for families to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy a peaceful cycling adventure together.

The Hambleton Explorer

• Age suitability: 12 and above
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Location: Osmotherley
• Access: Osmotherley car park

The Hambleton Explorer is a 24-mile route designed for more experienced cyclists and older children, aged 12 and above. This challenging route starts in the charming village of Osmotherley and takes riders through the picturesque Hambleton Hills, offering panoramic views over the North York Moors. With a mixture of off-road tracks and quiet country lanes, this route is perfect for families seeking a more adventurous cycling experience.

Pump Track

Sutton Bank is also home to a pump track which is perfect for children to test their skills on. At the time of visiting (2021) our daughter was able to ride on the route successfully. I am led to believe there are actually two but the one we utilised was close to the start of the family route and suitable for children of all ages.

Conclusion:

Sutton Bank offers a variety of family-friendly cycling routes that cater to all ages and abilities. With stunning scenery, rich history, and easy access, it’s the ideal destination for a memorable day out. We will definitely be going back to Sutton Bank as there are more challenging routes we can tackle as our children develop their cycling skills. It’s a beautiful place to visit and best of all an incredibly inexpensive family day out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cafe?:

Yes. The visitor centre (near the main car park) has a fantastic cafe serving a range of hot/cold foods and ice cream.

Are there any hills?:

It really depends on what route you take and your cycling proficiency. The options above highlight all the available route. We took the family-friendly one which was suitable for our 5-year-old at the time.

What is your favourite part?:

Our favourite part was the views when you reached the cliff edge. Absolutely spectacular.

Is it suitable for Dog walkers?

Yes. Sutton Bank is welcoming to Dog Walkers and there are many trails you can take.

How much is it to park?

Parking is charged via pay and display and you pay for how long you spend at Sutton Bank. It’s available on a first come first serve basis.

Pros & Cons

Cycle enjoyment rating

Last Updated on May 22, 2023 by Ryan