Since The Tour De Yorkshire made its successful debut through our local towns and villages in 2015, cycling has quickly become the growth sport around here. Luckily, we have the perfect balance of topography and scenery to complement it with a wealth of trails and cycle paths which take in the beautiful austerity of the North York Moors and the spectacular scenery of our heritage coastline.
The Cinder Track
The Cinder Track from Robin Hood’s Bay towards Scarborough.
The old Whitby to Scarborough railway line (a victim of the Beeching cuts in the early 1960s) has been re-named The Cinder Track and now provides a safe route of nearly 22 miles between these 2 charming seaside towns. The long gentle inclines are suitable for a family bike ride, an easier option for the less-fit or a decent work-out for the long-haulers. There are numerous access points along its way so you are very much in control. Better still, the track runs right across upper Robin Hood’s Bay and through neighbouring Fylingthorpe so it’s particularly easy to access. The highlight of the track is Ravenscar – the ‘village that never was’. Served by the railway line, it was destined to rival neighbouring resorts but was later abandoned after only the roads and sewers had been laid. No houses were ever built there but the platforms, stations buildings and station square remain. Why not stop for a pot of tea at The Raven Hall Hotel; the grounds are lovely and there is a view over the entire bay that really shouldn’t be missed.
Trailways
Trailways is located in Hawsker village on the main Whitby to Scarborough road and just 3 miles from Robin Hood’s Bay. It focuses on bike sales with electric bikes being the current popular choice. You can view, order and purchase such brands as Claude Butler, Falcon and Dawes and the more specialist Kinesis range. Children’s bikes are another growth sector and Trailways is a recognised agent for Frog and Squish. Trailways is open by prior appointment and visitors are requested to wear a mask (available on site).
Call Keith on 01947 272212
The Yorkshire Cycle Hub (YCH)
Robin Hood’s Bay
This relatively new venue is proving to be a big hit. Located in the heart of the moors in Great Fryup Dale (yes, it’s really called that), the YCH boasts a large and welcoming cafe serving breakfasts (a Fryup fry-up!) and lunches, a bike maintenance centre, a shop selling specialist terrain bikes, clothing & equipment and boasts numerous trails of varying difficulty in glorious countryside. You can hire bikes and electric bikes by the day or half-day and there are also regular events throughout the year including a Mother’s Day afternoon tea and guided social rides of around 15 miles at regular intervals throughout the year.
At the YCH, you can unwind and explore this unique landscape at your leisure…… or choose killer hills and rugged terrain instead. The choice is yours. Either way, there will be a warm welcome and a log fire to greet you on your return.
Open 6 days a week 9am – 5pm (closed Mondays).
www.yorkshirecyclehub.co.uk
Phone: 01287 669098
If you’re bringing your own bikes with you, we have Sea Fern and Colcott in Fylingthorpe which have suitable bike storage.
And finally……
Can we add a thinly-veiled and shameless plug for a good friend of ours who has set up his own bicycle repair business.
RS Bicycle Mechanic
RS Bicycle Mechanic is located in Sleights village, just outside Whitby. As a biking enthusiast and former competitive downhill bike racer, Richard knows his stuff (Cytech trained), so if your bike has developed a problem or needs a tune-up, service or overhaul, please contact him……
RS Bicycle Mechanic
Phone: 07728 697886
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: RS Bicycle Mechanic
Instagram: rsbicyclemechanic