The best traffic-free bike rides in Skipwith Common National Nature Reserve

There are nearly 50 dedicated no traffic touring cycling routes in Skipwith Common National Nature Reserve. These routes cater to various fitness levels, with 26 easy routes, 22 moderate routes, and one more challenging option.

The terrain around Skipwith Common is generally gently rolling, making it ideal for touring cyclists. Many routes feature mostly paved surfaces, ensuring a smooth ride. However, some segments might include unpaved or more challenging sections, particularly within the Common itself, which is known for its diverse habitats including heathland and woodlands.

Yes, many of the routes are suitable for families. Given the gently rolling terrain and the abundance of easy routes, you'll find plenty of options for a pleasant family outing. For example, the The Natterjack – South Duffield Windmill loop from Skipwith is an easy 28 km route that offers a great experience for various skill levels.

Skipwith Common is rich in history. You can explore remnants of its past as a World War II airfield (RAF Riccall), including old runways and bomb storage areas that have been naturally rewilded. The area also holds ancient burial sites and features from the Bronze and Iron Ages. While some historical sites are on walking trails, the general landscape around the Common is steeped in history.

Yes, many of the no traffic touring cycling routes in the Skipwith Common area are designed as loops. This allows you to start and finish at the same point, making logistics easier. An example is the easy The Natterjack loop from North Duffield, which covers about 24 km.

Skipwith Common is a nationally important nature reserve, offering a diverse landscape of lowland heath, ancient woodlands, ponds, and reed-beds. Cyclists might spot ancient breeds of grazing animals like longhorn cattle, Hebridean sheep, and Exmoor ponies, as well as wild fallow and roe deer. The area is also home to a variety of birds, insects, and unique plants.

The gently rolling landscape and diverse habitats of Skipwith Common make it enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with vibrant flora or changing leaves. Summer is also popular, but be mindful of potential heat. Winter cycling is possible, but some unpaved sections might be muddy.

Yes, for those looking for a longer ride, there are moderate routes that extend further into the surrounding area. For instance, the Allerthorpe Common – World Peace Cafe loop from North Duffield is a moderate 69 km route that offers a more extensive touring experience.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from nearly 100 ratings. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, traffic-free nature of the routes, the beautiful and varied natural landscapes, and the opportunity to spot wildlife. The gently rolling terrain is frequently highlighted as ideal for enjoyable touring.

While Skipwith Common itself is a nature reserve, its proximity to towns like Selby and cities like York, which have public transport links, makes it possible to plan routes that incorporate public transport. You would typically need to cycle from a public transport hub to reach the start of the no traffic routes around the Common.

While Skipwith Common National Nature Reserve is primarily a natural area, the surrounding villages and towns offer amenities. Routes like the Birkin Tea Room – Cawood Bridge loop from Riccall are designed to pass by potential refreshment stops, allowing you to enjoy a break during your ride.