Cycling Around Scarborough and the Yorkshire Coast

Why Scarborough is Perfect for a Cycling Break

Scarborough is an excellent base for exploring the Yorkshire Coast by bike. The area offers a fantastic mix of cycling routes, from peaceful countryside lanes and dramatic coastal climbs to traffic-free trails following old railway lines. Whether you enjoy a relaxed scenic ride or a more challenging day in the saddle, there are plenty of routes to suit all abilities.

From Scarborough’s North Bay, cyclists can head north along the coast towards Ravenscar and Whitby, explore quiet inland roads through villages such as Burniston and Cloughton, or enjoy longer countryside loops through the edge of the North York Moors National Park. The variety of landscapes makes the area ideal for a cycling break where you can explore a different route each day.

Many guests bring their bikes and stay for a couple of nights, using Seaside Hideaway Hotel as a comfortable base for discovering the coastline. After a day of cycling, you can return to relax, enjoy the sea air and plan the next day’s ride along the beautiful Yorkshire Coast.

The Cinder Track – Scarborough to Whitby

One of the most popular cycling routes on the Yorkshire Coast is the Cinder Track, a traffic-free trail that follows the old railway line between Scarborough and Whitby. Part of National Cycle Route 1, this historic route offers around 21 miles of off-road riding through beautiful countryside and coastal scenery.

The surface is mostly compacted trail, making it ideal for cyclocross bikes, hybrid bikes and mountain bikes. Road bikes can manage the route in many places, although the surface can be a little rough in sections, particularly after wet weather.

Starting from Scarborough, the route passes through peaceful woodland and open countryside before reaching villages such as Cloughton, Hawsker and Robin Hood’s Bay, where many cyclists stop for refreshments before continuing on to Whitby. The trail offers a wonderful mix of coastal views, wildlife and quiet riding away from traffic.

For guests staying at Seaside Hideaway Hotel, the Cinder Track makes a fantastic day ride. Many cyclists enjoy riding towards Whitby, exploring the harbour and historic streets, before returning to Scarborough along the same scenic route.

Scarborough to Ravenscar – A Classic Coastal Ride

For cyclists who enjoy quiet roads, rewarding climbs and spectacular sea views, the ride from Scarborough to Ravenscar is one of the most memorable routes on the Yorkshire Coast. Leaving Scarborough from North Bay, the road gradually opens up into some truly dramatic coastal scenery, with wide views across the cliffs and sea as you head north.

This route is especially popular with road cyclists looking for a more challenging ride, with the climb towards Ravenscar providing a real test in places. The effort is more than worth it, though, as the route rewards you with beautiful views, peaceful stretches of road and a real sense of being out in the open countryside.

Along the way, cyclists can pass through or nearby villages such as Burniston and Cloughton, with opportunities to extend the ride further towards Robin Hood’s Bay or even on to Whitby for a full day out. It is a fantastic option for guests wanting to combine coastal riding with a few proper Yorkshire climbs.

For those staying at Seaside Hideaway Hotel, this route is ideal as part of a two or three night cycling break, giving you the chance to enjoy one of the area’s classic coastal rides before returning to relax back in Scarborough.

Scarborough to Filey – A Scenic Coastal Ride

The ride south from Scarborough to Filey offers a more relaxed coastal route, perfect for cyclists looking to enjoy the scenery at a gentler pace. Following the coastline past South Bay and heading towards Cayton Bay, the route opens up to wide sea views and quieter roads that are ideal for an enjoyable day ride.

Filey itself is a charming seaside town and a lovely place to stop for a break. Cyclists often pause here to explore the promenade, enjoy a café stop, or take a walk out towards Filey Brigg, a dramatic rocky peninsula stretching out into the North Sea.

The route back to Scarborough offers more beautiful coastal views, and the distance makes it a comfortable half-day ride for many visitors. For guests staying at Seaside Hideaway Hotel, it’s a wonderful way to explore another part of the Yorkshire Coast while still leaving plenty of time to relax back in Scarborough later in the day.

A Relaxed Ride Around Scarborough’s Bays

For a shorter and more leisurely ride, many cyclists enjoy exploring the coastline around Scarborough’s North Bay and South Bay. Starting from Seaside Hideaway Hotel in North Bay, you can follow the coastal road past Peasholm Park and around the headland near Scarborough Castle, before continuing down into the harbour and along the sweeping curve of South Bay.

This route is mostly flat and makes a pleasant ride suitable for all abilities. Continuing along the promenade brings you towards the far end of the bay, where the popular Clock Café sits right on the seafront. It’s a great place to stop for a coffee, enjoy the sea views and watch the waves roll in before heading back around the bay.

The ride offers a wonderful way to see both sides of Scarborough’s coastline and works perfectly as a relaxed morning outing or an evening cycle during the warmer months. For guests staying at Seaside Hideaway Hotel, it’s an easy and scenic way to enjoy the sea air without needing to travel far from the hotel.

Cycling Facilities at Seaside Hideaway Hotel

Many of our guests bring their bikes when visiting Scarborough, and Seaside Hideaway Hotel makes a comfortable base for exploring the Yorkshire Coast on two wheels. Located in Scarborough’s North Bay, the hotel provides easy access to several of the area’s most popular cycling routes, whether you’re heading out along the coast, exploring quiet countryside lanes or tackling longer rides towards Whitby or Filey.

We offer secure bike storage for guests during their stay, along with space to give your bike a quick clean if needed after a day on the trails or coastal roads. Many cyclists choose to stay for a couple of nights so they can explore different routes each day and return to the comfort of the hotel in the evening.

After a day of riding, you can relax and unwind before planning the next day’s adventure along the beautiful Yorkshire Coast.

Stay at Seaside Hideaway Hotel in Scarborough

Whether you’re planning a scenic coastal ride, exploring the countryside lanes of the Yorkshire Coast, or tackling longer routes towards Whitby and beyond, Seaside Hideaway Hotel provides the perfect base for a cycling break in Scarborough. With beautiful routes in every direction and the sea just moments away, it’s an ideal place to stay while discovering the best cycling the Yorkshire Coast has to offer.

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If you’re planning a cycling break, you may also want to explore local events happening in Scarborough while you’re here.