4.3
(5)
192
riders
24
rides
Road cycling routes around Danby are situated within the North York Moors National Park, offering diverse landscapes for cyclists. The region features sweeping heather moorland, lush valleys, and a dramatic coastline. Terrain varies from challenging climbs through the Esk Valley to more gentle routes passing through picturesque villages. This area provides varied surfaces, with many routes being well-paved.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
21
riders
Embark on a moderate road cycling adventure through the North York Moors National Park with the Westerdale, Danby High & Glaisdale Moors loop. This 26.4-mile (42.5 km) route features varied…
16
riders
107km
05:26
1,550m
1,550m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

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5.0
(1)
12
riders
34.5km
01:57
540m
550m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
3
riders
30.2km
01:50
650m
660m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(2)
25
riders
45.4km
02:24
830m
830m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Each of the sacred monuments that you repeatedly encounter – despite all the differences in their external design – has a common concern: The cross that rises here not only wants to attract the viewer's gaze, but – and this is primarily – to make him think of God. Not only in theological books, but even in secular literature, God's voice is often represented, and this is even often the case in crime novels. For example, Ellis Peters set the series of novels about the Benedictine 'Brother Cadfael', which is set in 12th-century England, in the surroundings of a monastery. In "The Virgin in the Ice" it says: "And yet life, clinging to faith, the tenacious struggle with fate had to go on, the land had to be cultivated year in, year out. Plough and harrow must not rest, and one had to take care of sowing and harvesting the fruits of the earth as much as here, in the monastery and church, of sowing and harvesting souls." I wish the viewer here in front of the cross a good thought for his soul.
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Whitby Harbour is a historic and bustling port at the mouth of the River Esk in North Yorkshire, offering a various attractions, shops, and dining places.
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Head on out to either of the 2 main piers and experience an epic sunrise or sunset!
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Had a delicious meal where fresh herbs were used, such as in the Hake fillet
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The vast majority of small sacred monuments encountered by cyclists have a very long history, often dating back centuries. This is completely different with the object found here. Even though the cross on top of the shaft draws on the ancient tradition and formal language of a "Celtic cross," it is very modern. It was erected to mark the turn of the millennium, which is why it is also called the "Millennium Cross." Therefore, here is a very short passage from the prayer for the Stations of the Cross with the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, on Good Friday of the Jubilee Year 2000: + "To you, crucified Lord Jesus Christ, the power and wisdom of God, be honor and praise forever and ever. Amen."
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Steeeeeep!! Must ride in the Moors and worthy of its place on the UK 100 climbs list. Smooth road, no traffic.
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Wayside crosses are one of several types of Christian cross erected during the medieval period, mostly from the 9th to 15th centuries AD. In addition to serving the function of reiterating and reinforcing the Christian faith amongst those who passed the cross and of reassuring the traveller, wayside crosses often fulfilled a role as waymarkers, especially in difficult and otherwise unmarked terrain. The crosses might be on regularly used routes linking ordinary settlements or on routes having a more specifically religious function, including those providing access to religious sites for parishioners and funeral processions, or marking long-distance routes frequented on pilgrimages. Over 350 wayside crosses are known nationally, concentrated in south west England throughout Cornwall and on Dartmoor where they form the commonest type of stone cross. A small group also occurs on the North York Moors. The wayside cross and boundary marker known as Young Ralph survive complete even though previously broken and repaired. The cross marks the highest point on the old road from Keldholme in the south of the moors to Castleton in the north. It also marks the boundary of the Wapentake of Pickering Lyth. It has been adopted as the symbol of the North York Moors National Park and has been a listed monument since 1938.
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There are over 20 road cycling routes around Danby, offering a variety of experiences from moderate rides to more difficult, long-distance challenges within the North York Moors National Park.
Many cyclists find July and August ideal for riding in Danby, as the weather is generally favorable. The heather moorland is particularly stunning when in bloom, offering a visually spectacular backdrop for your rides.
Yes, the Danby area, especially within the Esk Valley, is known for its steep inclines and challenging climbs. Routes like The Moors Centre loop of the coastline offer significant elevation gains, making them suitable for advanced riders. The region's challenging terrain has even been featured in the Tour of Britain.
Road cycling around Danby offers diverse landscapes, including sweeping heather moorland, lush valleys, and a dramatic coastline. You'll pass through picturesque villages and experience the expansive views characteristic of the North York Moors National Park.
Yes, several routes pass near interesting landmarks. You might encounter sites such as Captain Cook's Monument on Easby Moor, the scenic Mallyan Spout Waterfall, or the historic Staithes Fishing Village. The Grosmont Station of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway is also a popular point of interest.
The Danby Lodge National Park Centre serves as an excellent base for cyclists and typically offers parking facilities. It's a good starting point for many routes in the area.
Yes, the Danby Lodge National Park Centre is very cyclist-friendly. It provides free e-bike charging stations compatible with Bosch, Shimano, and generic three-pin systems, along with a bike repair stand equipped with a pump and Allen key set for basic maintenance.
Many of the routes around Danby are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. An example is the Westerdale, Danby High & Glaisdale Moors loop from Castleton, which offers a varied terrain through moorland and valleys.
The road cycling routes around Danby feature varied surfaces. Many segments are well-paved, providing a smooth ride, though some parts may be unpaved or more challenging. The region is known for its diverse terrain, from gentle paths to demanding climbs.
For those seeking longer rides, Danby is part of the North York Moors National Park, which includes extensive routes. The Moors Centre loop of the coastline is a challenging 107 km path, and the broader North York Moors Cycleway is a 276 km figure-of-eight loop that passes through the area.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Cyclists frequently praise the diverse landscapes, from sweeping moorland to lush valleys, and the variety of routes catering to different ability levels.
Absolutely. Routes like Esk Valley East and Egton Bridge offer a moderate 34.5 km ride through charming villages and the scenic Esk Valley, typically completed in under two hours. Another great option is Esk Valley West and Westerdale, a 30.2 km route with magnificent views.
The Esk Valley, which encompasses Danby, is known for its charming villages and traditional pubs. Many routes will take you through or near these villages, providing opportunities to stop for refreshments at cyclist-friendly cafes and pubs.


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