The best traffic-free bike rides around Selby
4.7
(142)
1,827
riders
101
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes around Selby benefit from the region's largely flat terrain, making it accessible for cyclists of varying skill levels. The landscape is characterized by scenic paths along the Selby Canal and River Ouse, offering views of waterways and the surrounding Yorkshire countryside. Rural roads connect quaint villages and woodlands, such as Brayton Barff Woods, providing a mix of tranquil natural features and historical points of interest.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes around Selby
- The most popular no traffic touring cycling route is Naburn Railway Bridge – Millennium Bridge York loop from Barlby with Osgodby, a 25.6 miles (41.2 km) trail that takes 2 hours 20 minutes to complete. This moderate route offers river views and a blend of urban and rural scenery.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Birkin Tea Room – Birkin Fisheries Tea Room loop from Selby, a moderate 28.5 miles (45.9 km) path. This route winds through the countryside, connecting various local points of interest.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Selby Canal – Selby Canal Towpath loop from Selby, a 28.3 miles (45.5 km) trail leading through the scenic Selby Canal area, often completed in about 2 hours 43 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Selby is defined by flat terrain, scenic canal towpaths, and rural roads connecting villages. The network offers options for easy, moderate, and challenging routes, catering to different ability levels.
- The routes in Selby are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 130 reviews. More than 1800 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Selby's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
4.7
(46)
385
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
43
riders
45.8km
02:36
70m
70m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.7
(3)
38
riders
44.5km
02:31
120m
120m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(2)
20
riders
45.5km
02:43
50m
50m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
32
riders
25.4km
01:28
50m
50m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Selby
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Other adventures around Selby
Tips from the Community
You could read Eric Gee's 1983 "Bishopthorpe Palace: An Architectural History", but Eric never had the tinterweb in 1983. We do >>> https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1166705?section=official-list-entry, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bishopthorpe_Palace
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Built in 2001 for over £4m, the York Millennium Bridge is a pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Ouse in York, England. It connects New Walk to Terry Avenue, south of the city centre, and is part of a popular circular walking route. The bridge was designed to shorten the walking and cycling routes for people in the South Bank area of the city to the University of York and the city centre. If you are a pedestrian, then keep your wits about you. Cyclists will not give you any room and will not slow down either.
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Old Norse "mykill" (great) and "gata" (street), the "gate" suffix being very common among York street names. You can also add the heads of Edmund, Earl of Rutland and Richard Neville, 5th Earl of Salisbury to the Bar, and some say that the Duke of York's participation in the Battle of Wakefield is the source of the phrase for remembering the traditional colours of the rainbow, Richard Of York Gave Battle in Vain...
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The bridge over the River Ouse features a single leaning arch with cables fanned out like bicycle spokes, symbolizing its purpose as a key link for walkers and cyclists.
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Easy path alongside the Selby Canal, a historic waterway connecting the River Ouse at Selby to the River Aire in Chapel Haddlesey.
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Micklegate Bar was the most important of York’s four main medieval gateways and the focus for grand events. The name comes from 'Micklelith', meaning great street. It was the main entrance to the city for anyone arriving from the South. At least half a dozen reigning monarchs have passed through this gate and by tradition they stop here to ask the Lord Mayor's permission to enter the city. The lower section of the bar dates from the 12th century, the top two storeys from the 14th. The building was inhabited from 1196. Like the other main gates, Micklegate Bar originally had a barbican built on the front, in this case demolished in 1826. For centuries the severed heads of rebels and traitors were displayed above the gate, the many victims include Sir Henry Purcey (Hotspur) in 1403 and Richard, Duke of York in 1460. The last of the severed heads was removed in 1754.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available around Selby?
There are over 100 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Selby, offering a wide range of options for cyclists. Approximately 60 of these are rated as easy, making them suitable for various skill levels.
Are there any family-friendly no-traffic cycling routes in Selby?
Yes, Selby is an excellent area for family-friendly, no-traffic cycling. The region's largely flat terrain is ideal for all ages. A particularly popular option is the Selby to York Cycle Route, also known as the Solar System Cycle Trail, which is mainly traffic-free and features a unique scale model of the solar system along its 10.4 km path.
What kind of natural scenery can I expect on these routes?
The no-traffic routes around Selby offer picturesque views of waterways and the surrounding Yorkshire countryside. You can expect to cycle along the tranquil Selby Canal and River Ouse, through rural roads connecting quaint villages, and past woodlands like Brayton Barff Woods. Many routes provide a peaceful escape into nature.
Are there any circular no-traffic touring cycling routes around Selby?
Yes, there are several circular no-traffic touring cycling routes. For example, the Naburn Railway Bridge – Millennium Bridge York loop from Barlby with Osgodby offers river views and a blend of urban and rural scenery over 41 km. Another option is the Birkin Tea Room – Birkin Fisheries Tea Room loop from Selby, a moderate 45.8 km path winding through the countryside.
What historical attractions can I visit along no-traffic cycling routes?
Selby's no-traffic routes often provide access to significant historical sites. You can visit the impressive Selby Abbey, a beautiful Norman abbey, located directly in Selby. Some routes also connect to attractions further afield, such as the Ferrybridge Old Bridge or the RAF Burn Airfield.
Are there any cafes or tea rooms near the no-traffic cycling trails?
Yes, you'll find options for refreshments along or near many routes. For instance, the Birkin Tea Room – Birkin Fisheries Tea Room loop from Selby specifically mentions a tea room in its name, and the Birkin Tea Room is a highlight in the area, perfect for a break.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about the no-traffic routes in Selby?
The no-traffic touring cycling routes in Selby are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 130 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the tranquil, flat terrain, the scenic paths along the Selby Canal, and the ease of access to both natural beauty and historical points of interest.
Can I access these no-traffic routes using public transport?
Selby is well-connected by public transport, including a train station, which can serve as a convenient starting point for many routes. The flat nature of the area also makes it easy to cycle from the town center to various trailheads, including sections of the Trans Pennine Trail and routes along the Selby Canal.
Are there any easy no-traffic routes suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. Over 60 of the no-traffic touring cycling routes in Selby are classified as easy. An excellent example is the Open Plains – Rest Stop by the Canal loop from Brayton, which is an easy 25 km ride, perfect for those new to touring cycling or looking for a relaxed outing.
Where can I find viewpoints or scenic spots along the no-traffic routes?
Many routes offer scenic viewpoints, particularly along the waterways. The paths beside the Selby Canal and River Ouse provide continuous picturesque views. You can also find natural highlights like the Skipwith Common National Nature Reserve, which features ancient oak trees and memorials, offering serene spots to pause and enjoy the landscape.
Are there any unique natural features to explore on these routes?
Yes, beyond the general countryside, you can discover unique natural features. For instance, the area around Skipwith Common offers highlights like the Ancient Oak Trees of South Moor Field and the RAF Riccall Bomber Memorial, which is set within a natural monument. The Brockadale Nature Reserve is another natural gem worth exploring.
Most popular routes around Selby
Most popular attractions around Selby
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