Route YC is a new to explore the Yorkshire Coast. There are a number of routes to choose from depending on the bike you have, the area you wish to explore and the duration. These routes take you through stunning countryside, picturesque villages and lovely beaches.
Multi Day Routes
There are two multi day routes available, a 5 day adventure route and a weekend route.
5 Day Adventure Route
This 415 km (258 miles) route starts and finishes at Scarborough Railway Station although you can start at any point along the route. Filey, Hunmanby, Bempton, Bridlington, Hutton Cranswick, Nafferton, Driffield, Seamer, Grosmont, Egton and Whitby all have railway stations.
If starting at Scarborough the route follows Sustrans Route 1 (Eurovelo 12) and then various bridleways passing through Filey to Flamborough where you can visit Flamborough Head. From here the route continues south through Bridlington to Hornsea and Withernsea to Spurn Point.
From Spurn Point the route heads north to Driffield across the Yorkshire Wolds and North York Moors National Park to Goathland (famous for Heartbeat and Harry Potter) , Grosmont, Whitby before turning south back down to Scarborough.
The 5 day route is best done on gravel bikes / mountain bikes as there is a variety of terrains including f gravel paths, cycle paths and quiet roads with around 3,080m (10,105 ft) of climbing.
Adventure Weekender
This 147 km (91 miles) route is also used for the Yorkshire Coast Dirt Dash. Whitby railway station is the recommended start point but you can start at Ruswarp, Egton Bridge, Seamer, Filey or Scarborough. Its a mixture of gravel tracks, cycle paths and roads and has 1,880m (6,167 ft) of climbing. A gravel bike or mountain bike is recommended.
The route climbs out of Whitby into the Esk Valley and North Yorkshire Moors National Park before heading south through the Yorkshire Wolds to Filey. From Filey the route heads North to Scarborough via Cayton Bay. At Scarborough the route uses the Cinder Track where you can experience wonderful coastal views whilst returning to Whitby.
Touring Routes
There are a number of touring routes which can be ridden on touring bikes, gravel bikes or even e-bikes.
Hull to Staithes
This 175 km (109 miles) route has been designed to be ridden in both directions and connects the ferry and railways in Hull and then EuroVelo 12 route in Staithes (North Sea Cycle Route). There is 1250m (4101 ft) of climbing on roads, paved cycle paths and some sections of gravel.
From Hull the route heads North to Hornsea using Sustrans Route 65 which is part of the Trans Pennine Trail. From Hornsea the route goes through Burton Anges where you can stop at Burton Agnes Hall, an Elizabethan manor house, Bridlington and onto the impressive Flamborough Head.
The route then heads through Filey, Cayton Bay and onto Scarborough where its uses the Cinder Track all the way to Whitby via Robin Hood’s Bay. At Robin Hood’s Bay its worth going to the very steep hill into the seafront although the ride back up is difficult with a fully ladened bike ! After Whitby you pass through Sandsend, Runswick Bay and Hinderwell before reaching Staithes.
Whitby Touring Route
This route avoids some of the steep climbs of the road loop. Its a relatively short loop of only 18km (11 miles) but its hilly with around 610m (2,001 ft) of accent. It consists of quiet roads and cycle tracks including parts of the Cinder Track.
Scarborough Touring Loop
This route starts and finishes at Scarborough Railway Station and is a mix of roads and cycle paths. Again this route makes use of the Cinder Track. Its 56km (35 miles) long with around 590m (1,935 ft) of accent.
Hornsea Touring Route
This flat route starts in Hornsea through skipsea and out into the East Yorkshire countryside before returning back to Hornsea passed Hornsea Mere. Its a distance of 52km (33 miles) with around 130m (426 ft) of climbing.
Gravel Routes
There are two gravel routes, one from Grosmont and the other starting at Filey.
Grosmont Gravel Loop
This 33 km (21 miles) gravel tour takes you through the North York Moors National Park, with stunning views along the way. It starts at Grosmont railway station and consists of track, gravel paths and quiet roads with just over 2000ft of climbing.
Filey Gravel Route
This short 15km (9 miles) gravel route starts at Filey Railway station and consists of gravel path, tracks and roads. Its relatively flat with only 80m (262 ft) of accent.
Road Routes
Four road loops have been developed at Withernsea, Bridlington, Filey and Whitby.
Withernsea Loop
This 81km (50 miles) route is ideal for riders wishing to try longer rides as its fairly flat with only 220m (722 ft) of accent. Its a road bike ride which uses a mixture of quiet and busier roads. It passes through Withernsea and also visits the start of Spurn Point. Please note if you wish to cycle to the end of Spurn Point there is a wash over section where you will need to push your bike.
Bridlington Loop
This loop starting at Bridlington is 59km (37 miles) long with 290m (951 ft). It heads through Burton Anges, Burton Fleming before turning back towards Bridlington via Flamborough and Sewerby.
Filey Road Loop
The Filey road loop is a 45km (28 miles) route using a mixture of roads and cycle paths. From Filey it passes through Osgodby, Flixton, Burton Fleming and Reighton before heading back to Filey. Its realtively hilly route with 450m (1,477 ft) of accent.
Whitby Road Loop
The Whitby loop is the most challenging of the four road loops with a distance of 100km (62 miles) with around 1,600m (5,250 ft) of accent. If you are a relativley fit cyclist it can be ridden in a single day or over a couple of days. Hightlights of the route include Robin Hood’s Bay, Goathland, Staithes and stunning views over the North Yorks Moors.
