Highwood Brow to Ravenscar Cycle Route

Meander past trees and a wealth of wildlife on this moderate route through some of the National Park’s hundreds of acres of forest. The deep green sea of trees gives plenty of protection from the sun on a hot day, and you are treated to some excellent views over the dales below. Your first, long-awaited glimpse of the sea comes shortly after the Falcon Inn, and the best views are from the Ravenscar headland at the end of the ride. A word of warning – take extra care coming down from Highwood Brow car park, as sweeping through the trees gives the descent the feel of a ski run!

About this cycle route

Route type: Moors to Sea Network
Distance:14 miles (22.5km)
Time: 2½ to 3½ hours
Start point: Highwood Brow car park
Grid Ref: SE 942 889
OS Map: Ordnance Survey OL27
Refreshments: Picnic area at Highwood Brow, refreshments at Ravenscar, plus Grainary Tea Rooms in Harwood Dale, Moorcock Inn at Langdale End, Falcon Inn on A171.

Undulating, with some steep ascents and descents on quiet back roads and forest tracks.

This cycle route is part of the 'Moor to Sea Cycle Network', which connects Scarborough, Whitby, Dalby Forest, Pickering and Great Ayton in a stunning series of moorland, forest and coastal loops.

There are 11 different connecting sections, adding up to around 150 miles of cycling in total, through the very heart of the North York Moors National Park. Cycle it all at once (in 5 or 6 days), or tackle it a section at a time – each part of the route offers a different challenge.

There are more details on our Moor to Sea Cycle Network page, and a list of local hire outlets on the Cycle hire page.

Route highlights!

•Surprise views from the Broxa Forest escarpment
•Butterflies in summer, flitting on the forest tracks
•A rest stop at the Falcon Inn.