Weekender: Route YC Adventure Weekender

Distance 92 mi / 148 km

Traffic free

Circular route

By:

Markus Stitz

An aerial shot of a Victorian viaduct over a river. It disappears into some trees. A railway line runs under it and there are houses and cars in the background

Traffic-free Larpool Viaduct outside Whitby

The Yorkshire Coast has lots of gravel tracks, forest trails, cycle routes and quiet roads. Markus Stitz’s loop from Whitby uses some of the best

Start/finish: Whitby Railway Station.
Grid ref: NZ 89794 10854.
Maps: OS Landrangers 94, 101.
Ride length: 147km (91 miles).
Climbing: 1,880m.
Bike type: gravel bike or mountain bike, also suitable for trailers.
Ride level: regular.

YC stands for Yorkshire Coast. Route YC was originally developed as a 420km driving route by the architect of the North Coast 500, Tom Campbell. In mid-2023 I was commissioned to adapt Tom’s route into a collection of multi-day and day trips, using my experience from devising routes for the books Bikepacking Scotland and Great British Gravel Rides.

One of the 12 routes developed is the Route YC Adventure Weekender, a 147km gravel/bikepacking route. It features stunning coastal scenery as well as the wide-open moorlands and extensive forests of the North York Moors National Park, with plenty of little villages and towns along the way.

It is easily accessible by train. While Whitby is the suggested starting point, there are also stations in Ruswarp, Egton Bridge, Seamer, Filey and Scarborough. If you are a fan of vintage steam trains, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, which allows you to bring your bike for a small surcharge, also services Levisham station on the route.

Two people are cycling along a gravel track through countryside with a forest in the background. There's mist rising off the trees. The cyclists are wearing bright orange waterproofs.

Dalby Forest

The Adventure Weekender is a great choice for your first bikepacking adventure. While it was designed to be ridden anticlockwise, you can also reverse its direction.

There are no technical singletrack or hike-a-bike sections, and the tracks are wide enough to tow a trailer if taking kids or dogs. The YHA hostels in Whitby, Lockton and Scarborough cater well for bikepackers, and a good tearoom is never too far away to fuel you.

An organised event, the Yorkshire Coast Dirt Dash, takes place on the route. Cycling UK members can claim £5 off the cost of entry to all Dirt Dash events – just enter your membership number at the checkout.

You can find out more about this route and others Route YC – and download route GPX files – at Route YC.

1. Lone tree on Egton Moore

This isolated tree is a stunning landmark on Egton High Moor. You will be able to spot it from afar on a clear day.

This is the best location along the route to enjoy a sunset, overlooking the North York Moors National Park. In August a carpet of flowering heather adds to the intense beauty of the place.

2. Cropton Forest

Along with Langdale Forest and Dalby Forest, Cropton Forest forms part of the North Riding Forest Park within the North York Moors National Park. Quieter than nearby Dalby Forest, Cropton is great for gravel riding.

The route goes through a mix of forests and moorland, with easily rideable trails and views down to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

The ruins of Whitby Abbey

3. Cayton Bay

There are many stunning views cycling along the Yorkshire Coast, but Cayton Bay stands out. This is a popular surf spot and, like the whole coast, is prone to heavy erosion.

In April 2008 a major landslip caused tons of earth to slip down the cliff side at the edge of the bay.

4. Ravenscar

The former railway line serving Ravenscar is now the Cinder Track, a traffic-free cycle route. At the turn of the 20th century, plans were made to turn the village into a holiday resort.

Roads and sewers were laid, but Ravenscar never achieved popularity and the development was left unfinished. The tearoom at the former station is worth a stop.

A man is cycling up a paved path through a field. There's a cow at the edge of the path in the foreground. The cyclist is wearing a yellow waterproof.

Climbing up from Levisham station as Highland cows look on

5. Robin Hood’s Bay

With its maze of tiny streets, the village was a smuggling hub during the late 18th century and is now a tourist magnet. The origin of its name is uncertain, but it is doubtful that Robin Hood was ever in the vicinity of the village.

Enjoy the ride to the beach – and the 31% climb on your way back!

6. Whitby Abbey

Whitby is best known for its connection with Captain James Cook and Bram Stoker’s Dracula. A landmark visible from afar is Whitby Abbey, which is situated overlooking the North Sea on the East Cliff above the town.

Originally the site of a 7th century monastery, the current ruins are those of a later Benedictine abbey that was destroyed by Henry VIII.