4.6
(54)
2,849
riders
5
rides
Road cycling around Nunnington offers a diverse landscape within the Howardian Hills National Landscape, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The region is characterized by rolling wooded hills, scenic river valleys, and historic estates, providing a varied backdrop for cycling. Routes often traverse quiet country lanes, extending into the contrasting flat terrain of the Vale of Pickering. This area provides a network of no traffic road cycling routes, featuring both gentle undulations and some short, challenging ascents.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
18
riders
38.0km
01:38
220m
210m
Embark on an easy road cycling journey through the picturesque landscapes of the Howardian Hills and Vale of Pickering. This 23.6-mile (38.0 km) loop, with a gentle 707 feet (216 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 1 hour and 37 minutes to complete. You will cycle on quiet, well-paved country roads, passing through charming villages and enjoying panoramic views across the rolling terrain. Look out for the majestic Nunnington Hall, a National Trust property, as you explore parklands and woodlands. While mostly easy, expect some undulating sections, particularly as you return towards Castle Howard. You will also enjoy views north to the North York Moors and across the Vale of Pickering from spots like Caulkleys Bank.
For your convenience, free parking is available at Castle Howard, which often serves as a popular starting point for this route. You can also access the trail from nearby Malton, offering flexibility for your journey. Along the way, you will find several tempting tearoom stops, perfect for a break. Consider visiting Nunnington Hall itself, Hovingham, or the Yorkshire Lavender Farm in Terrington for refreshments. This easy route is suitable for most fitness levels, making it a great choice for a relaxed ride.
This trail offers an excellent introduction to the Howardian Hills National Landscape, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covering 79 square miles of rolling countryside. You will pass by other notable landmarks such as the beautifully green Hovingham Park, featuring the striking Pickering Bridge and Hovingham Hall. Keep an eye out for the unique "City of Troy" turf maze near Dalby, adding a touch of historical intrigue to your ride. The blend of cultural interest, natural beauty, and cycling-friendly infrastructure makes this a particularly enjoyable road cycling experience.
5.0
(1)
30
riders
70.7km
03:26
800m
800m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Sign up for free
19
riders
47.8km
02:15
590m
590m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
14
riders
28.6km
01:22
350m
350m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
7
riders
55.8km
02:28
550m
550m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Nunnington
Byland Abbey is a ruined 12th-century monastery located in the North York Moors National Park in North Yorkshire, England, managed today by English Heritage. Once a powerhouse of the Cistercian order, it stands as one of the finest examples of early Gothic architecture in the country and famously inspired the design of the iconic Rose Window at York Minster.
0
0
I dont know much about this place but I know it makes a great picture opportunity
0
0
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.
0
0
Apparently regarded by the Victorians as "ill-planned and untidy", but now quite possibly one the most picturesque Moors villages, Hutton-le-Hole is a very popular starting point for hikes. Fairly sizeable car park just on the eastern side of the village off the road to Lastingham. Lots more info available at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hutton-le-Hole, https://www.yorkshire.com/hutton-le-hole/?srsltid=AfmBOoqlQxZoMrKrxFTMhz3S7ZTijB3NKHNKMKO3WYru-vDGGmjNYk2Q, https://www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/places-to-go/hutton-le-hole-lastingham-appleton-le-moors
0
0
Byland Abbey is a stunning ruin dating back to the 1100s. It was once one of the grandest medieval monasteries but was dissolved by Henry VIII in the 1530s. Today it offers a scenic picnic spot and a glimpse into history. It's free to visit and features a tearoom open from March to November, serving cakes and coffee
1
0
Low Town Bank Road climbs up from about 296 feet (90 m) in Kilburn, through some steep hairpin bends to 952 feet (290 m) at the Yorkshire Gliding Club. Known locally as White Horse Bank due to the white horse hill figure near the top.
0
0
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.
2
0
Komoot features 5 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Nunnington. These routes are carefully selected to offer peaceful rides away from busy roads, allowing you to enjoy the scenic Howardian Hills and surrounding areas.
The terrain around Nunnington, particularly within the Howardian Hills National Landscape, is characterized by gently undulating hills. While long, sustained climbs are uncommon, you'll encounter plenty of short, challenging ascents. Our selection includes one easy route, the Nunnington Hall loop to the Vale of Pickering and the Howardian Hills, and four moderate routes, offering a good mix for various fitness levels.
Yes, for families looking for a gentler ride, the Nunnington Hall loop to the Vale of Pickering and the Howardian Hills is classified as easy. This route offers a manageable distance and elevation, making it suitable for a family outing on quiet country roads.
Many routes pass by significant historical sites and offer stunning views. You can explore the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey and Byland Abbey Ruins on routes like the Byland Abbey Ruins – Rievaulx Abbey loop from Nunnington. The routes also offer views across the Vale of Pickering to the North York Moors National Park and traverse the picturesque Howardian Hills.
Nunnington village itself offers parking options, often near Nunnington Hall or in designated village car parks. It's advisable to check local signage for specific parking regulations and availability before your ride.
While Nunnington is a rural village, it can be accessed by public transport, though services might be less frequent than in larger towns. It's recommended to check local bus schedules in advance, especially if you plan to bring your bike, as space may be limited.
Yes, Nunnington Hall, a popular calling point for cyclists, features a tea-room perfect for refreshments. Many routes also pass through or near other villages in the Howardian Hills where you can find local pubs and cafes to refuel during your ride.
The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant weather for road cycling in North Yorkshire, with longer daylight hours and milder temperatures. Autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage, though days are shorter. Always check the local weather forecast before heading out.
No, you do not need any special permits for road cycling on public roads within the Howardian Hills National Landscape. The area welcomes cyclists to explore its network of quiet lanes and bridleways.
The komoot community highly rates the cycling experience around Nunnington, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers frequently praise the quiet country lanes, the stunning views across the Howardian Hills and Vale of Pickering, and the opportunity to visit historical sites like Nunnington Hall and the abbeys along the way.
While the Castle Howard & Nunnington Hall Cycle Route is a popular option, it includes sections that can be winding and hilly, and its traffic volume can vary. For strictly no-traffic routes, we recommend sticking to the komoot-curated routes in this guide, which prioritize quieter roads.
Yes, for those seeking a longer challenge, the Byland Abbey – Byland Abbey Ruins loop from Nunnington covers over 70 km with significant elevation gain, offering a rewarding ride through the scenic landscape on quiet roads.


Browse the best Road cycling routes in other regions.