13 August 2026
A Pump Track will be available for everyone to use in Helmsley on Saturday 5 September between 9:30am and 3:30pm, at the car park of the Black Swan in the Market Place.
As the Tour of Britain fever reaches Helmsley, residents and visitors are invited to enjoy cycling on a Pump Track that Helmsley Town Council has arranged with funding from the North York Moors National Park Authority.
The free activity will coincide with the day that Stage 4 of the 2026 Tour of Britain starts in Helmsley, to allow families and anyone passionate about cycling to soak up the atmosphere and make the most of this spectacular occasion.
The Helmsley experience will be a custom-made wooden bike track that includes rollers and corners in a circuit. It is a great way to have fun, exercise and improve cycling skills as it is designed for riders of all ages and abilities.
Children are advised to bring their own bikes as they would get more out of the experience when using a bicycle that they are familiar with. BMX bikes and helmets will be provided free of charge on the day. You could also bring your own helmet if you wish.
Chair of Helmsley Town Council, Councillor Carol Swift, said:
“We are delighted to host the start of Stage 4 of the 2026 Tour of Britain. To celebrate this wonderful occasion, the Town Council has organised a Pump Track for everyone to enjoy the day and soak up the atmosphere. All are welcome to join us for a fun time in Helmsley.”
Dom Barry, Cycling Development Manager at the North York Moors National Park Authority, said:
“Cycling is an important part of the North York Moors offer, helping people of all ages experience our spectacular landscapes, explore local communities and enjoy being active outdoors. With the Tour of Britain coming to Helmsley, the Pump Track is a fantastic opportunity for families to share in the excitement, and the National Park Authority is pleased to support it.”
ENDS
The North York Moors National Park
The North York Moors is a beautiful landscape of stunning moorland, ancient woodland and historic sites. Created on 28 November 1952, it became Britain’s sixth national park. Covering an area of 554 square miles (1,436 square kilometres) the National Park has 26 miles of coastline, two national nature reserves, 840 Scheduled Monuments and over 3,000 listed buildings, attracting an estimated 9.03 million visitors a year.
The National Park has two visitor centres, Danby Lodge National Park Centre and Sutton Bank National Park Centre, providing opportunities for cycling, walking, eating, picnicking, shopping, crafts and wildlife-watching. The centre in Danby also houses the Inspired by… gallery, which features regularly changing exhibitions by artists who draw their inspiration from the North York Moors.
The North York Moors National Park Authority works with a wide variety of people to care for this beautiful corner of Yorkshire, providing apprenticeships and volunteering opportunities with nearly 14% of staff being apprentices from local families.