Moor to Sea Cycle Network


Welcome to the National Park's flagship, long-distance bike route!

The 'Moor to Sea Cycle Network' connects Scarborough, Whitby, Dalby Forest, Pickering and Great Ayton in a stunning series of moorland, forest and coastal loops. There are around 150 miles to explore, through the very heart of the North York Moors National Park – on quiet roads, woodland tracks and bridleways, as well as along the line of the former Scarborough to Whitby railway (the 'Cinder Track').

Riding the whole network provides 5 or 6 days' great cycling linking Scarborough, Whitby, Dalby Forest, Pickering and Great Ayton in a stunning series of moorland, forest and coastal loops. It's split into eleven separate sections so that you can tackle shorter stages on day rides and outings. It's also possible to do smaller circular trails off the main network, particularly starting from Hawsker or Dalby Forest.

The route is waymarked all the way, using cycle route signs and waymark arrows. An odd sign may be missing so make regular map checks to save unnecessary miles. You can see an outline of the whole route below - clockwise or anti-clockwise.

Check Moor to Sea route news before you set off – we provide route updates and post any recent changes to rights of way.

It's up to you how much you do. Download route guides to each of the 11 sections of the Network, whether you're after a half-day ride or a week-long adventure. Each Network section is a linear ride, but sections can be joined together to make a loop route – as with the Coast and Forest Circular.

You can read about the route and download instructions for each section of the Moor to Sea:

Moor to Sea - Overall route: clockwise

Moor to Sea - Overall route: anti-clockwise

  1. Scarborough to Ravenscar (the 'Cinder Track') (10½ miles, 16.9km)
  2. Whitby to Ravenscar (the 'Cinder Track') (11 miles, 17.7km)
  3. Scarborough to Highwood Brow (8 miles, 12.9km)
  4. Highwood Brow to Ravenscar (14 miles, 22.5km)
  5. Pickering to Highwood Brow (14 miles, 22.5km)
  6. Great Ayton to Danby (13 miles, 21km)
  7. Whitby to Danby (15 miles, 24km)
  8. Pickering to Langdale End (15 miles, 24km)
  9. Langdale End to Whitby (18 miles, 29km)
  10. Easby to Rosedale Abbey (19 miles, 31km)
  11. Rosedale Abbey to Dalby (15 miles, 24km)
Get the maps

As well as the route downloads, we recommend you use Ordnance Survey maps OL26 and OL27, which cover the North York Moors area.

Moor to Sea: Coast and Forest Circular - looking for a great day ride?

We've done the hard work for you and planned a 32-mile (51.5km) circular day ride taking in some of the best bits of the Moor to Sea. Download the route – now all you have to do is pedal!

Need to know

Basic cycling skills and reasonable fitness are required to cycle the Moor to Sea route. It's suitable for family cycling, although it does pass through remote countryside in places, offering little in the way of shelter or facilities.

  • The route uses forest tracks, 'green lanes' and minor roads as well as the 'Cinder Track'. Off-road surfaces are mostly good, although some sections are stony and there may be seasonal rain damage.
  • Moor to Sea crosses varied terrain, from the largely flat Cinder Track to gradual ascents/descents within the forests. It's mostly moderate going, but there are also some short, steeper sections (clearly indicated on the downloadable detailed route directions).
  • Be aware that there is limited mobile telephone reception along much of the route.
  • Some sections also join up with the Esk Valley Railway, meaning they can be done as a car-free day out. Scarborough, Whitby, Danby, Pickering and Great Ayton are accessible by bus or train, though you will have to check for any restrictions on carrying bicycles on public transport.

The Moor to Sea Cycle Network is managed by a partnership comprising the North York Moors National Park Authority, Forestry England and North Yorkshire County Council.

back to top