Castle Howard & Nunnington Hall Cycle Route

Rising and falling through parklands, woodlands and picturesque villages, this is a true Howardian Hills ride, with several marvellous views such as the one from the tiny turf maze near Dalby. There are tempting tearoom stops at Nunnington Hall manor house (National Trust), at Hovingham (by the ford) and in Terrington at the Yorkshire Lavender Farm and Terrington Village Stores Tearoom. There's free parking at majestic Castle Howard (both at the main house and at the Arboretum visitor centre opposite). The route is a fantastic introduction to the Howardian Hills National Landscape, which covers 79 square miles of rolling countryside between the North York Moors National Park, the Yorkshire Wolds and the Vale of York.

About this cycle route

Route type: Road route Distance: 23 miles (37km) Time: 3 hours Start point: Castle Howard or Arboretum car park Grid Ref: SE 709 699 OS Map: Ordnance Survey 300 Refreshments: Castle Howard, Slingsby, Nunnington, Hovingham, Terrington. Road route, for road bikes and hybrids. It's generally easy riding on country roads, although it is undulating as you ride from the start towards Slingsby – and also please be aware of traffic on this busy stretch. The route becomes more winding and hilly between Terrington and Castle Howard as you return to your starting point. Although the route starts and finishes at Castle Howard, there is a link from nearby Malton – 5.8 miles (9.3km) following a back road from Malton Market Place into the Howardian Hills National Landscape.

Thanks to our partners, the Howardian Hills National Landscape and Sustrans, who devised and produced the route and downloadable guide. This route is also available on the Howardian Hills National Landscape website.

Route highlights! • Art for all at Bils & Rye gallery, Nunnington • From Caulkleys Bank, look north to the North York Moors and south across the Howardian Hills • Hovingham Village Market – first Saturday of every month – great for your picnic! • The view from the 'City of Troy' turf maze • A walk through the woods in the Arboretum at route's end