4.4
(73)
3,211
riders
310
rides
Road cycling routes around Borrowby traverse the varied topography of North Yorkshire's Vale of Mowbray. This region features gentle agricultural plains that gradually ascend towards the moors, providing diverse terrain for cyclists. Situated between the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales, the area offers both relatively flat sections and more challenging climbs. The landscape is characterized by open fields, woodlands, and views towards the national parks.
Last updated: May 13, 2026
4.0
(1)
44
riders
45.9km
02:19
330m
330m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
38
riders
49.6km
02:30
380m
380m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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5.0
(1)
23
riders
61.0km
02:46
200m
200m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.0
(2)
19
riders
32.9km
01:27
190m
180m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
14
riders
25.0km
01:37
290m
290m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Castle Lodge is quite an impressive building to look at. Built on the sides of a daunting hill, on slightly open land in front, the views from the castle must be impressive
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Close to this bridge I was able to park the car, away from the town centre car parking that you have to pay for, which is £1.40 per hour as of April 2024. There are plenty spaces besides the houses. This bridge has small single tracks running parallel to the river
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Pallet Hill 186.61m P27.7 (612ft) County of Yorkshire Definitive List Summit
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Situated on the main square, opposite some decent cycle parking this is a decent place to get breakfast. I had poached eggs on toast - very well cooked. There is some cycle themed memorabilia in the café which adds a nice touch.
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Pub, restaurant and accommodation with car parking space for campervans. The Old Oak serves locally sourced food and drinks with an extensive menu. Food is served Mon to Sat from 11:30 - 14:00 & 17:00 - 21:00. On Sunday food is served from 11:30 - 20:30.
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The market place here in Thirsk is its vibrant centre full of cafes and an open air market on Mondays and Saturdays. It is famous for its racecourse and the former home of James Herriot, vet and author of the books which inspired 'All Creatures Great and Small', the hit BBC series. His house and vet surgery are now a museum, 'The World of James Herriot'.
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Take a ride into the Shire and take a look at Bilbo and Frodo's house. A good replica of Bag End (private house)
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There are over 300 road cycling routes around Borrowby, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. You'll find routes ranging from easy to difficult, with the majority falling into the moderate category.
The terrain around Borrowby is quite varied. You can expect gentle agricultural plains in the Vale of Mowbray, which are mostly well-paved and easy to ride. As you head towards the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales, the land begins to ascend, offering more challenging climbs and rewarding views. Routes can include both paved surfaces and some unpaved segments, especially on more demanding rides.
Yes, Borrowby offers a good selection of easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners or those seeking a more relaxed ride. For example, the route South Otterington Church – Bishop Rufus Palace loop from Knayton with Brawith is an easy 20.9-mile (33.6 km) option with moderate elevation gain. Another easy choice is the Howe Hill – Castle Lodge loop from Cowesby, which is 15.3 miles (24.7 km) long.
For cyclists seeking a challenge, Borrowby's proximity to the North York Moors provides access to routes with substantial ascent and demanding terrain. While specific challenging routes are not detailed here, you can find 37 difficult routes in the area on komoot, which often feature significant elevation gains and require good to very good fitness. These routes often lead into the higher elevations towards the national parks.
Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Borrowby are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Popular circular routes include Decorated Post Box – Yorks of Thirsk Café loop from Landmoth-cum-Catto, a 28.6-mile (46.1 km) moderate loop, and the longer White Horse Café – Decorated Post Box loop from Crosby, which is 30.8 miles (49.6 km).
While road cycling around Borrowby, you can enjoy views towards the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales. Notable natural features nearby include Gormire Lake, surrounded by lush woodland, and Cod Beck Reservoir. You might also encounter landmarks like Thirsk Castle, which is part of the Thirsk Castle – Decorated Post Box loop from Crosby route.
Yes, the varied topography of Borrowby, with its gentle plains ascending to moors, offers several scenic viewpoints. You can find stunning vistas, particularly as you gain elevation towards the national parks. A notable viewpoint is the View from Beacon Hill Summit, offering panoramic sights of the surrounding landscape.
The best time to go road cycling in Borrowby is generally from spring through autumn when the weather is milder and more predictable. Summer offers longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures, while spring and autumn provide beautiful scenery with fewer crowds. Winter cycling is possible but requires appropriate gear for colder temperatures and potentially wet or icy conditions.
Yes, the gentler sections of the Vale of Mowbray offer family-friendly road cycling options. Look for routes categorized as 'easy' on komoot, which typically have less elevation gain and are on well-paved surfaces, making them suitable for families with varying fitness levels. These routes often pass through picturesque villages and farmlands.
Yes, many road cycling routes in the Borrowby area pass through or near villages where you can find cafes and pubs. For instance, the Decorated Post Box – Yorks of Thirsk Café loop from Landmoth-cum-Catto specifically mentions a café, indicating opportunities for refreshment stops along your ride. It's always a good idea to check opening times in advance.
The road cycling experience in Borrowby is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 70 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, from gentle plains to challenging climbs, and the scenic views towards the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales. Many appreciate the well-maintained surfaces and the diverse options available for all fitness levels.
Yes, parking is generally available in and around Borrowby, particularly in the villages or designated parking areas that serve as starting points for many routes. It's advisable to check specific route descriptions on komoot for details on recommended parking spots near the trailhead or starting point of your chosen ride.
Road cycling routes around Borrowby vary significantly in length. You can find shorter routes, such as the 15.3-mile (24.7 km) Howe Hill – Castle Lodge loop from Cowesby, up to longer excursions like the 37.9-mile (60.9 km) Thirsk Castle – Decorated Post Box loop from Crosby. The average route length is around 20-30 miles, offering a good balance for most cyclists.


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