TOP ROADS: North York Moors

Yorkshire is massive; and there’s no end of great riding contained within it. That’s why we’ve broken the usual format and will be delving a bit deeper into one specific part of God’s own country. This time we’re bringing you the best of the North York Moors. With its vast skies, heather-clad expanses, tree-lined lanes and salt-spattered coastal villages, it’s the perfect place for your next big ride.

Gateway to the Moors

The short ride up from Barton Hill is the best way to start any trip to the Moors (if you’re coming from the south); getting you off the main roads and into the Howardian Hills. Passing through Howard Castle estate, you’ll be treated to some glorious scenery as you pass through swathes of farmland, under huge stone arches and past ornamental ponds. After the castle, take the left towards Terrington and follow the narrow, but flowing, road up to Hovingham where you’ll join the infamous B1257.

The Yorkshire TT

The B1257 is quite a well-known stretch of tarmac – it’s unofficially known as the Yorkshire TT course, a 70 mile circuit that takes you right around the edge of the Moors on the some of the most beautiful, winding roads you could imagine. The 19-mile stretch from Helmsley (home of the Farmyard Party biker bash) to Stokesley is probably the best bit though; a properly brilliant stretch of road. 

Back road brilliance

The A171 is surprisingly decent, despite its combination of single and dual carriageways and relatively high density of traffic – but you’d be much better nipping down into the Moors towards Castleton. From there, swing a left and aim for Whitby – passing through Ainthope, Glaisdale, Grosmont and Sleights along some tight, twisty, land surprisingly leafy back lanes.

Oliver’s Mount

No trip out East would be right without a nip round Oliver’s Mount. It’s actually England’s only natural ‘road’ racetrack. Situated just five minutes from Scarborough’s town centre, the races have been likened to a ‘miniature TT by the seaside’. The 2.43 mile track has always been regarded as a challenging, tight and twisty circuit, which tests riders to the maximum –  but remember that outside of race days, the speed limit is just 30 mph.