Kirkdale and Kirkbymoorside Cycle Route

Head off from Hutton le Hole on moorland, woodland and country lanes, through the small, quiet villages of Gillamoor and Fadmoor. There are stops at a peaceful old mill and the beautiful Saxon church at Kirkdale, both tucked away in idyllic surroundings, before the long pull up and around to the bustling market town of Kirkbymoorside.

There are plenty of places to stop for refreshments here, after which it's a straightforward ride back into Hutton le Hole. About this cycle route Route type: Explorer route Distance: 13 miles (21km)

Time: 2½ hours Start point: Ryedale Folk Museum, Hutton le Hole Grid Ref: SE 705 900 OS Map: Ordnance Survey OL26 Refreshments: Pub in Gillamoor; pubs, cafés and restaurants in Kirkbymoorside Explorer route, for mountain bikes and hybrids. Start with a moorland road ride to Lowna, after which it's an undulating route with several uphill climbs on mostly quiet country roads.

The long climb up to Gillamoor is the hardest part of the route, but is rewarded with stunning scenery and a chance to catch your breath. There is some off-road riding in the middle (gently downhill, to Hold Cauldron Mill), and while this might be manageable on a road bike, parts of the track can be rutted and muddy after rain. The track out of Ravenswick can also be a bit rough in parts. Route credits Thanks to our friends at Ryedale Folk Museum in Hutton le Hole who devised this route. It's one of a series of three 'Heritage Cycle Rides' – this route had the original title 'Mistress, Mill and Minster' (Heritage Cycle Route 2).

Route highlights! The view from the moorland road en route to Gillamoor. St Gregory's Minster, a beautifully sited ancient Saxon church at Kirkdale. Cycling through the woodland near Hold Cauldron Mill. Ride on a Wednesday – it's market day in Kirkbymoorside!

The tale of Sarkless Kitty; When you cross Lowna Bridge take a moment and shiver at the tale of 'Sarkless Kitty', who tragically drowned with her lover following a terrible misunderstanding. It is said Kitty's ghost lured young men to their deaths here for many years.