4.6
(20)
151
riders
5
rides
Gravel biking around Husthwaite offers routes through the undulating landscapes of the Howardian Hills and the fringes of the North York Moors. The region features a mix of quiet country lanes, woodland tracks, and open moorland paths. Elevation changes are characteristic, with routes often including significant climbs and descents.
Last updated: May 21, 2026
5.0
(2)
53
riders
48.4km
04:46
850m
850m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.0
(1)
28
riders
55.4km
05:02
660m
660m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

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4.9
(8)
37
riders
36.8km
03:25
660m
660m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.4
(9)
30
riders
23.9km
02:11
220m
220m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
3
riders
48.2km
03:07
800m
800m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Byland Abbey is a ruined 12th-century monastery located in the North York Moors National Park in North Yorkshire, England, managed today by English Heritage. Once a powerhouse of the Cistercian order, it stands as one of the finest examples of early Gothic architecture in the country and famously inspired the design of the iconic Rose Window at York Minster.
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Expensive parking but some nice routes
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This is a great access point to jump onto the Cleveland Way from Cleveland Road. There is a car park a few hundred metres away to ditch the vehicle. This also happens to be an exceptional viewing point to enjoy the scenes of North York Moors
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Byland Abbey is a stunning ruin dating back to the 1100s. It was once one of the grandest medieval monasteries but was dissolved by Henry VIII in the 1530s. Today it offers a scenic picnic spot and a glimpse into history. It's free to visit and features a tearoom open from March to November, serving cakes and coffee
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Note that the Abbey itself is English Heritage and has both cafe and toilets available accessible without paying admission/requiring membership. The only downside is that to get there from Rievaulx Terrace it is down a steep hill.
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There are at least 4 dedicated gravel bike trails around Husthwaite listed on komoot, all offering challenging rides through the region's varied terrain. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community.
The gravel bike trails around Husthwaite are generally considered difficult, featuring significant climbs and descents characteristic of the Howardian Hills and North York Moors fringes. While there are no routes explicitly rated 'easy' in the current selection, the Moorland Meander – Gravel Explorer 25 km is the shortest option at 23.9 km, which might be a good starting point for those looking to experience the region's gravel riding.
Husthwaite is known for its challenging gravel routes. For an extended and demanding ride, consider the Hambleton Horizon – Gravel Explorer 50 km, which features significant elevation gain and expansive views across the Hambleton Hills. Another challenging option is the Howardian Hills loop from Yearsley, covering 55.4 km with substantial climbing.
Yes, the Rievaulx Raider – Gravel Explorer 38 km is a great option, covering 36.8 km through the Rievaulx valley and surrounding hills. It's a challenging ride that can typically be completed in about 3 hours 25 minutes.
Many of the gravel routes in the Husthwaite area are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the popular Howardian Hills loop from Yearsley is a circular trail navigating the varied terrain of the Howardian Hills.
The gravel routes around Husthwaite offer access to several natural and historical highlights. You can explore areas near Gormire Lake and the Kilburn White Horse. The Rievaulx Raider – Gravel Explorer 38 km route, for instance, takes you through the scenic Rievaulx valley, which is rich in history.
Absolutely. The region is home to several natural landmarks. You can find Gormire Lake, a unique natural lake, and the Gormire Lake and Garbutt Wood Nature Reserve. Other notable spots include Higher Fish Pond, Yearsley Woods, offering tranquil natural settings.
The undulating landscapes of the Howardian Hills and North York Moors offer great gravel biking opportunities throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn often provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. However, be prepared for varied conditions, as the region can experience significant weather changes.
Given the mix of quiet country lanes, woodland tracks, and open moorland paths, trail conditions can vary. After rain, some woodland sections or unpaved paths may become muddy or slippery. In winter, expect colder temperatures and potentially icy or very wet conditions, especially on exposed moorland. Always check local weather forecasts and trail reports before heading out.
While specific pub or cafe stops are not detailed for every route, the Husthwaite area, being part of North Yorkshire, has numerous villages and market towns. Many of these offer traditional pubs and cafes where you can refuel. Planning your route with komoot allows you to discover points of interest and amenities along the way.
The gravel biking routes around Husthwaite are highly regarded by the komoot community, boasting an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 10 reviews. Users frequently praise the challenging climbs, the diverse landscapes ranging from dense woodlands to open moorland, and the expansive views across the Howardian and Hambleton Hills.
While the main routes are well-loved, the extensive network of quiet country lanes and tracks in the Howardian Hills and surrounding areas means there are always opportunities to discover less-traveled paths. Exploring variations around established routes like the Byland Abbey – Byland Abbey Ruins loop from Oswaldkirk can lead to new discoveries and unique perspectives of the region.


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