The best gravel rides around Thornton Steward Reservoir

The area around Thornton Steward Reservoir offers a diverse mix of terrain. While the immediate reservoir path is mostly grassy and unsurfaced, the wider North Yorkshire region features country lanes, bridleways, and forest tracks. You'll encounter a blend of paved and unpaved surfaces, characteristic of a varied gravel biking experience. Some segments can be unpaved and challenging, requiring good fitness.

Yes, the routes in this guide are generally considered challenging. For example, the Greets Hill – View Over Swaledale loop from Leyburn covers 94 km with over 1900 meters of elevation gain, making it a demanding ride. Similarly, the Masham Market Square – Scar House Reservoir and Dam loop from Masham is a 55 km route with over 1000 meters of climbing.

The region is rich in scenic beauty and historical sites. Many routes offer lovely views across the still waters of the reservoir and the rolling countryside of Wensleydale. You might pass by charming villages with interesting old buildings. A significant landmark is Jervaulx Abbey, a Grade I-listed Cistercian abbey located just south of the reservoir, which several cycling routes pass near.

Yes, all the routes featured in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Masham Climb – Trapping Hill loop from Masham and the Sweet William Shooting Hut – Leyburn Town Centre loop from Leyburn.

North Yorkshire offers beautiful scenery year-round. However, for the most comfortable gravel biking experience, spring through autumn generally provides the best conditions. During these seasons, you'll likely encounter more stable weather and drier trails, making the mixed terrain more enjoyable. Winter rides are possible but may involve colder temperatures and potentially muddier or icy sections on unpaved paths.

While specific dedicated gravel biking parking isn't detailed, the reservoir area and nearby villages like Masham and Leyburn, which serve as starting points for many routes, typically offer public parking options. It's advisable to check local parking availability for your chosen starting point before your ride.

Public transport options directly to Thornton Steward Reservoir might be limited. However, larger towns in the vicinity, such as Masham and Leyburn, which are common starting points for the routes in this guide, are generally better served by local bus services. Planning your route to start from one of these towns could facilitate public transport access.

The routes listed in this guide are rated as 'difficult' due to their length and elevation gain, making them less suitable for young children or beginner families. The immediate 1-mile circular path around Thornton Steward Reservoir is mostly flat and grassy, which might be suitable for a very gentle family stroll or ride, but it's not a dedicated gravel biking trail.

Many of the gravel routes in this area either start from or pass through charming villages and market towns like Masham and Leyburn. These locations are excellent for finding cafes, pubs, and other amenities where you can refuel and relax during or after your ride. It's a good idea to plan your stops in advance, especially on longer routes.

The routes offer numerous opportunities for stunning views. You'll experience long, open vistas over the picturesque Wensleydale, characterized by its rolling hills and traditional dry stone walls. The Greets Hill – View Over Swaledale loop from Leyburn, for instance, is specifically highlighted for its views over Swaledale, providing a constantly changing and beautiful backdrop for your ride.

Gravel bikers often appreciate the diverse landscapes and the sense of adventure offered by the mixed-surface routes in North Yorkshire. The combination of quiet country lanes, challenging unpaved sections, and the picturesque dales scenery, including views of the reservoir and historic sites like Jervaulx Abbey, makes for a rewarding experience. The challenging nature of the routes also appeals to those looking for a good workout.