There’s a bit of everything in gods country!

Forest tracks, gravel roads, fields, hiker-biking and even a beach! The North Riding Rimmer has it all and over 3 days I think it might be the perfect trip for anyone who loves an adventure.

We headed into York via train the evening before the ride and got our heads down at the Premier Inn ready for the long day ahead.

Friday 5th April 2024 we set out tour out towards Scarborough, the weather was beautiful but we had reports of an incoming storm “Kathleen” Was she going to dampen our spirits and our kit?

Day 1 – York to Scarbourgh

Setting off from York we hit the side of the A1237 for about half a mile, it’s busy but don’t let that put you off. It’s about the only stretch that you see of any main road. We soon hit the River Ouse and headed north down some great river paths. The terrain on this trip has it all and as it had been raining for about 3 months in parts would be a real struggle. 

Shortly through the village of Skelton, there is a right turn onto a farmer’s field and I am sure during the summer months this would be a lovely ride, but be prepared to get very muddy in this spot (First of many!) Likewise, just after the village of Bulmer, another farmer’s field is difficult to pass, but once through that section the rewards far outweigh the struggle. There is great trail riding into the beautiful estate of Castle Howard, before the grand road “The Stray” takes you up to the village of Corneysthorpe taking in monuments and grand buildings, great for photo opportunities.

It’s then a mixture of some great trails, gravel tracks and country roads through to the town of Pickering. A great opportunity to grab something to eat and stock up before the day gets a little tougher!

We headed out towards North Riding Forest down the A170, unfortunately, our left turn through High Oaks Grange was shut off (possibly not open any more) and so we headed onto Thornton Dale and up Whitby Gate. It’s quite a climb but re-joins the route at the top before a mega descent into Dalby Forest and via the Dalby Forest Visitor Centre. The roads that sweep through the valley and forest with freshly laid tarmac are amazing a far cry from the usual British roads, I could have spent a day just riding those small rolling hills.

After about 3/4 miles we took a right into the forest and hit the gravel tracks. They were great, wonderful views and dry! Quite a bit of climbing but some wonderful scenery, the only thing to watch out for is mountain bikers flying about and making sure you are not travelling up the wrong way on a downhill track. 

There are many parts of this route where you may need to assess on the day whether they are rideable, just before the village of Hackness there is a steep climb just off the road to the left that loops up and round back into the village, it was unmanageable when we were there so the decision was taken to head straight into Hackness.

Before and after the village of Hackness there are some wonderful country roads that have rolling hills and amazing views over the valley. Make the most of it as some of the most difficult terrain is yet to come! Taking a left onto Hazel Hill there is an immediate right through the car park of Raincliffe Woods which opens onto some great woodland trails and gravel paths, the route veers right and up towards the back of GCHQ Scarborough, this climb is a difficult hiker-bike section you can re-route but it’s really the last difficult section of the day and quite an adventure. You will need to lift your bike over a couple of gates and stick to the path on the GCHQ land. There is a short section of the main road back onto the A170 and the route around the back of Jacobs Mount Caravan Park again wasn’t passible for us so we skipped this section and headed straight into Scarborough rejoining the route at the bottom of Queen Margarets Road. Not a climb I was thanked for by the lads but it dropped us down onto Scarborough promenade for a well-earned pint (or two) to end our first day.

Day 2 – Scarbourgh to Whitby/ Sleights

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Day 3 – Sleights to York

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In Summary

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