Whitby is a brilliant spot to use as a cycling trip base. It has some amazing areas and cycling routes around it.
If you fancy getting on your bike on your next trip to Whitby you definitely should. Whitby is a fantastic place to make your base for a cycling trip. This is partly due to its fabulous and varied array of things to do and places to stay when you are not pedalling, and partly thanks to its mouth-watering eateries. Whitby has a fine array of restaurants and cafes to fill your boots after a hard day cycling.
Places you can hire a bike near Whitby
Before we get into where you should go cycling around Whitby it may be useful for those who don’t own a bike or can’t travel with one to know where to hire one. There are several options available to you including:
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Trailways – A 100 plus hire bike fleet with cycles suitable for all ages. They are located alongside the coastal cycle rail trail (Cindertrack) or on the moor two sea route which goes through Dalby Forest, Pickering, and Scarborough.
Dalby Bike Barn – Located on the edge of Dalby Forest in the village of Thornton Le Dale. Here you can hire a wide variety of bikes including electric and mountain.
Dalby Forest Cycle Hub – Great for a full range of hire bikes such as bikes featuring full suspension, hardtails, tag-along, trailers, baby seats, electric mountain bikes and adapted bikes. They also offer a bike shop, guided rides, taster sessions, training courses, demo days and events.
Yorkshire Cycling Hub – Based in the heart of the national park Yorkshire Cycling Hub offers not only a wide range of bikes but also a cafe, bike wash, and bunkhouse accommodation. They are located at Fryup Gill farm, Great Fryup Dale.
Bayhire – Located just 300 metres from the Scarborough to Whitby Cinder Track, Bayhire provides all the gear to spend a day making your way up the North York Moors coastline. Their offer MTBs for adults and children. Plus there is a great range of additional aids for children including tag-along bikes, front and rear seats. Those wanting an easier ride can hire folding city bikes too.
Hutch E Bikes – Located in Helmsley, providing an extensive fleet of e-bikes to suit all needs. Either pick it up in-store or have delivered to your door. The team have devised a number of tours and trails to explore the local area on two wheels, whether you’re there for a day or staying a bit longer.
Cycle The Cindertrack
One of the most popular cycle routes in this area has to be the Whitby to Scarborough Cindertrack. The Cinder Track was previously an uneconomical coastal line that follows the route of the old railway from Scarborough to Whitby. The railway was in use from 1885 to 1965. It closed during the Beeching axe period in the 1960s. By 1972 all of the track had been removed, however, the route remains as a designated track for walking, cycling and even horse riding. The track was made from cinders rather than crushed stone which gives the route its name the Cinder Track.
The Cinder Track from Scarborough to Whitby begins next to Scarborough Sainsbury’s car park, past the children’s play park and off Falsgrave Road. From here follow the signs for Whitby, the trail continues north through and passes under several bridges, before skirting alongside the playing fields, at the site of the former Northstead Carriage Sidings.
If you choose to start your journey in Whitby which is technically the end of the route you can start from Southend Gardens with Pannett Park in front of you. This is great if you are staying in Whitby and fancy exploring more of the coast.
The distance from Scarborough to Whitby along the Cinder Track is 21.5 miles. It’s easily possible for strong cyclists to ride there and back in a day. Take care though as it can be a bumpy ride in parts! Find more information here.
Exploring Dalby Forest
There are several bike trails for you to explore within the gorgeous Dalby Forest. Each one offers you a fantastic chance for natural cycling and will leave you feeling at one with nature.
Alderstone Cycle Trail – An 8 mile or 12-mile route that takes you around the Dalby Forest plateau and is suitable for all the family.
Ellerburn Trail – A route of 1.7 or 2.8 miles specifically for walkers and disabled cyclists. This route runs alongside Ellerburn Beck with a short detour taking you to Ellerburn pond and bird hide.
Red Route / Riggs and Dales / New Close Rigg / Jerry Noddle Trail – Not for the faint of heart the aforementioned trails are fast flowing routes for proficient mountain bike riders who have good off-roading skills. There is also the Jubilee Blue trail which is very similar but for slightly less experienced riders.
Just go for it!
Of course, not everyone will want to cycle a pre-planned route. Some people may prefer to just jump on a bike and explore. Whitby could be the perfect base for you to do this from, as whichever direction you go in, you’re sure to come across somewhere fun.
To the North, you’ll find seaside spots such as Staithes and the glorious Runswick Bay. To the South is Ravenscar and if you’re feeling energetic (really energetic) the lovely Filey. To the West lies the vast and beautiful North York Moors with its quaint villages, moorlands, woodlands, and nature galore.
Where to stay on a cycling trip to Whitby
When taking a cycling holiday in Whitby you will need accommodation with bike storing facilities. Luckily, Whitby has a plethora of just such places and here are our picks of the bunch.
The Riviera Guest House
Located in one of Whitby’s most prominent locations, the Riviera offers stunning sea views from a number of rooms. Centrally located, just a short walk into the centre of town, The Riviera is a popular guest house in the heart of Whitby.
Visit websiteDillons of Whitby
This property is 6-minute walk from the beach. Set in Whitby in the North Yorkshire region, with Whitby Museum and Captain Cook Memorial Museum nearby, Dillons of Whitby offers accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking. The bed and breakfast offers a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bathrobes, a hairdryer and shower. Some units feature a seating area and/or a balcony. Guests at Dillons of Whitby can enjoy a continental or an à la carte breakfast.
Check availability & book onlineThe Coal Merchants House
Just a mile outside Whitby, Coal Merchants House is a friendly and family-run bed and breakfast. It is a short walk from Ruswarp and the glorious River Esk which are delightful to cycle around. The house has just three ensuite rooms with subtle touches of luxury.
Visit websiteYHA Whitby Hotel
This property is a 4-minute walk from the beach. Set in a stunning location next to Whitby’s famous Gothic Abbey, this historic building offers beautiful views of the coast. YHA Whitby offers extensive gardens, 24-hour access, and a restaurant.
Check availability & book onlineLet us know about your experiences cycling around Whitby in the comments.
Why is it assumed we won’t need to park our cycles when we arrive? Why isn’t there any information about cycle parking?
what a happy chappy you are.
Simple answer dont come here.
I have to agree, so many places have excellent cycle routes but no provision to safely store cycles at either end or en-route! Cycles are not cheap items and you don’t want them pinched or to be left stranded!
This is a National problem not just local to Whitby.
We agree too. Many holiday properties have the cycle logo on their cottage ads. but having looked extensively in the last few weeks, very few actually have secure bike storage.
So many lovely properties and so near to cycle routes but nowhere to keep the bikes.
In certain parts of Yorkshire there are more storage facilities than elsewhere in the country, but still a small number.
Perhaps access to storage will develop as people are becoming more keen on cycling. Certainly those who have holiday properties could benefit from development of cycle storage.