The best cycling routes around Rosedale East Side
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Touring cycling around Rosedale East Side, nestled within the North York Moors National Park, offers a diverse landscape for cyclists. The region features expansive moorland, interspersed with woodland and heathland, providing varied scenery. Terrain includes valleys and hills, with notable features like the challenging Rosedale Chimney Bank and the gentler paths of the Old Rosedale Railway. This area provides a mix of gradients, from demanding ascents to more leisurely routes, catering to different fitness levels.
Best touring cycling routes around…
Last updated: May 3, 2026
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Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
600
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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64
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Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
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63
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Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The Lion Inn on remote Blakey Ridge is a 16th Century family owned, Freehouse. Located at the highest point of the North York Moors National Park, it stands at an elevation of 1,325 feet offering breathtaking views over the valleys of Rosedale and Farndale. Steeped in history, open fires burn in the ancient stone fireplaces. The original low beamed ceilings and stone walls add to the friendly, timeless atmosphere of the Inn. Food served daily from 12 - 9pm.
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From Landofiron.org.uk: The Rosedale Iron Kilns are the most northerly set of arched kilns within the valley (hence they are also known as the North Kilns). During the boom years of Rosedale's ironstone mining, in the latter half of the 1800's through to the 1920's, the Iron Kilns were one of three sets where ironstone was calcined (roasted) before being taken to Teesside and further afield for iron and steel production.
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From Landofiron.org.uk: This landscape was utterly transformed during Rosedale’s Victorian ‘iron rush’ when Bank Top was a centre for the processing and transport of ironstone. Mining began in 1856, with ironstone hewn from nearby Hollins Mines and hauled by a steam winding engine up an inclined tramway to Bank Top. Vast quantities of ore – over 300,000 tonnes a year – were then processed in giant kilns, before being carried by moorland railway to blast furnaces in County Durham and Teesside. The Bank Top site also included coal depots, railway workers’ cottages and an engine shed. Production at Hollins peaked quickly and in 1885 the mines were abandoned, having largely exhausted their iron reserves in just 29 years.
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Major junction of Rudland Rigg running broadly north-south and the Lyke Wake Walk running broadly east-west. West takes you past Round Hill to Urra Moor and the car park at Clay Bank, east follows the disused Farndale Railway. Most of the tracks around this location are very wide and easy walking.
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Interesting ruins, great hikes with great views possible. This vastness is crazy
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Wonderful inn for bikepackers. Food, drinks by the fire and a cozy room for an acceptable amount.
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Wonderful inn where you can eat and drink well, but also sleep well after a long day of cycling. Good place for bikepackers.
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Rosedale Abbey is a must to stop at. It is a village right in the centre of North York Moors National Park: descent into it from just about any direction is always spectacular, whether via Spaunton Moor (south) or Rosedale Moor (north), the views just do not stop giving. The village is picturesque in itself, particularly the village green. There used to be a Cistercian Priory here, originally established here in 1158. Little remains nowadays, except for a staircase turret, a sundial and a single stone pillar. More recently, in the 19th century, the iron ore industry thrived here, but that came to an end in the 1920s. If you like super-steep ascents, you would probably like to go up the Rosedale Chimney Bank road, south of the village, but be warned: it is actually notorious for how steep that is!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in Rosedale East Side?
Rosedale East Side offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 80 different options to explore. These routes cater to various skill levels, including 10 easy, 37 moderate, and 37 difficult trails.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in Rosedale East Side?
The terrain in Rosedale East Side is incredibly varied, featuring expansive moorland, dense woodland, and heathland. You'll encounter stunning valleys and impressive hills, with routes offering a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, including gravel and forest tracks. Some segments may require good to very good fitness, and occasionally, you might need to dismount and push your bike.
Are there any challenging touring cycling routes for experienced riders?
Yes, Rosedale East Side is known for its challenging routes, including the iconic Rosedale Chimney Bank, which features demanding ascents. An excellent option for experienced riders is the Rosedale Chimney Bank Climb – Bank Top Iron Kilns loop from The Lion Inn, a difficult 18.5-mile trail that includes significant elevation gain.
Are there easier touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
While some routes are challenging, there are easier options available. The region integrates with the extensive Moor to Sea Cycle Network, which includes gentler paths. The Old Rosedale Railway ride, for instance, follows a disused railway line, providing a more leisurely experience compared to the steep climbs, winding through moorland views.
Can I find circular touring cycling routes in Rosedale East Side?
Yes, there are several circular touring cycling routes available. For example, the Rosedale East Iron Kilns – Rosedale Chimney Bank Climb loop from Rosedale Abbey is a moderate 11.6-mile loop that allows you to start and finish in the same location, offering a convenient way to explore the area.
What are some notable natural features or landmarks I can see while cycling?
Rosedale East Side offers many natural and historical sights. You can visit the impressive Mallyan Spout Waterfall, the tallest waterfall in the North York Moors. For panoramic views, consider routes that pass by Urra Moor – Highest Point of the North York Moors or Burton How Summit.
Are there any historical sites along the touring cycling routes?
Absolutely. The region has a rich industrial past. You can cycle past the crumbling ruins of the Bank Top Iron Kilns, which offer a glimpse into Victorian-era industry and provide breathtaking views. Another historical site is Beggar's Bridge.
Where can I find amenities like cafes or pubs along the routes?
Charming villages like Rosedale Abbey and Hutton-le-Hole are common stops for cyclists and offer amenities such as pubs and tea rooms. The Lion Inn is also highlighted as a wonderful inn for bikepackers, providing food, drinks, and cozy accommodation, making for pleasant breaks during your tours.
Is Rosedale East Side suitable for touring cyclists looking for longer rides?
Yes, Rosedale East Side is well-suited for longer touring rides. It's integrated into the extensive "Moor to Sea Cycle Network," which offers around 150 miles of exploration. A good example is the Moor to Sea Cycle Network: 10b Rosedale Abbey to Easby, a moderate 19.0-mile path that offers a scenic journey through varied landscapes.
What do other touring cyclists say about the routes in Rosedale East Side?
The touring cycling routes in Rosedale East Side are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 60 reviews. More than 3,300 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the diverse landscapes and well-integrated cycling networks.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Rosedale East Side?
The North York Moors, including Rosedale East Side, are beautiful year-round, but spring and summer offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling, with blooming heather on the moors. Autumn provides stunning foliage. While winter cycling is possible, be prepared for colder weather and potentially more challenging conditions on some tracks.
Are there options for parking near the touring cycling routes?
Yes, parking is generally available in and around the villages that serve as common starting points for routes, such as Rosedale Abbey. Many routes are designed to be accessible from these locations, making it convenient to park and begin your ride.
Are there any routes that offer panoramic views of the moorland?
Many routes in Rosedale East Side provide spectacular panoramic views, especially from elevated points. The Old Rosedale Railway ride, for example, winds across High Blakey Moor, offering extensive moorland vistas. Routes around Urra Moor also provide breathtaking scenery.
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