If you want to get out together on a family bike ride, we’ve discovered some family-friendly cycle routes in York.For our family-friendly cycle routes in York, we have picked routes that have as many cycle paths as possible. Be aware, that you may still need to cross main roads or cycle on busier roads. If you are unsure if the routes are suitable for you and your family, then we recommend you do a test run first! That way you will know about any busy sections and get a clearer idea as to how long it will take you and your family as everyone’s needs and cycling abilities are different.
We’ve highlighted cafes or attractions along the routes, so you can turn any of these suggestions into a fun day out.
Before we start listing the cycle routes, we wanted to let you know about the ‘The Recycle Project’. They are giving away 100 bikes, supported by ReCycle York, YO1 Radio, and funded by The National Lottery Community Fund. Over the course of 6 months from June 2023 they will giveaway 100 bikes to people in and around York.
They will do this through up-skill workshops, giving 40 bikes to vulnerable adults in need through organisations, while giving them the skills to maintain the bike.
They will give 60 children’s bikes to different children’s charities and organisations throughout York. This is to help give access to affordable transport to those people who are most in need. You can find out more about the 100 Bike Giveaway Campaign here.
The ideal place to start this route is at Millennium Bridge, where there is parking nearby if you don’t want to cycle to start the route. Or you could visit Rowntree Park first, which also has car parking.
From Millennium Bridge, you need to follow the signs for Route 65 heading towards the Knavesmire. You can have fun spotting planets along the way.
On this route you will go past Brunswick Organic Nursery which has a coffee station, should you need to refuel!
You will continue over a swing bridge at Naburn, where if you haven’t brought a picnic, you can treat yourself at the Waterfront Cafe at York Marina, or just watch the boats go past. The family-friendly Blacksmith Arms in Naburn is also nearby. At this point, you can cycle back to York, or if you want to extend your cycle ride, Route 65 & the Transpennine Trail continue to Selby.
🗺 Map of route on itravel York
⏰ About 40 minutes each way
🚴♀️ Approximately 8 miles and nearly all cycle path
For this route, you could either start in the city centre and cycle along the river path heading north. Or you could park at Rawcliffe Bar Park & Ride and head towards Beningbrough from there. If you have the energy to spare, at Rawcliffe Bar Country Park there is a bike track that has jumps, banks and turns for all levels of off-road bike enthusiasts!
You need to follow Route 65 to Skelton along the river path. There are some great sculptures and plenty of wildlife to spot along the way. At the end of the cycle path (where you see a sign for Skelton 1/4 mile), you could shorten this route and either turn around and head back the way you came or turn right and cycle down Shipton Road.
If you are completing the full route to Beningbrough, you need to turn left and follow the Route 65 signs which will take you through Overton and Shipton. You need to turn left when you see signs to Beningbrough Hall – from this point, it will take you about 15 more minutes.
You can have a well-earned rest and some refreshments at Home Farm Beningbrough or visit Beninbrough Hall (National Trust – entrance fees apply/membership required). After you’ve explored and rested, simply retrace your route.
🗺 Map of route on Sustrans
⏰ Rawcliffe Bar to Skelton is approximately 20 minutes each way / To Beningbrough is approximately 50 minutes each way
🚴♀️ To Skelton a return trip is about 5 miles / To Beningbrough a return trip is about 20 miles
Combine a family-friendly bike ride with a family-friendly day out at Murton Park.
The Foss Islands cycle track takes you all the way to Osbaldwick along the old Derwent Valley Light Railway route. You can start this cycle route under Wigginton Road bridge or at Morrison’s on Foss Island Road.
You will cycle past St Nicks Nature Reserve if you want to stop off to explore this unique green space.
Continue on to Osbaldwick and then onto Murton Way, which leads to Murton Park. From here you can either stop off and explore Murton Park (admission charges apply) or continue past down Moor Lane, crossing over the A64 and onto Bad Bargain Lane. You will rejoin the cycle path you left at Osbaldwick on the way there.
🗺 Map of route on itravel York.
⏰ It is about 30 minutes to Murton Park and about 40 minutes on the return journey
🚴♀️ The full route is approximately 7 miles
Another route starting from Millennium Bridge or Rowntree Park is to head towards Askham Bog. Once you get there you can lock your bikes up and have a walk around Askham Bog Nature Reserve or enjoy a picnic. If you want some fun ideas, whatever the season to explore nature check out our post all about Nature Reserves first!
From Millennium Bridge you will need to follow the Route 65 signs heading towards the Knavesmire. You will then need to follow the cycle track underneath the A64 and continue on Route 65 past York College.
There is a separate cycle track next to the road from here, all the way to Askham Bog. Simply retrace your route to return back to York City Centre.
🗺 Map of route on itravel York.
⏰ It is about 30 minutes each way
🚴♀️ The full route is approximately 6 miles
At Rawcliffe Bar Country Park there is also a bike track which we mentioned in our Beningbrough route.
If you are looking for a short cycle ride, with a bit of extra fun thrown in, then a visit to Rawcliffe Country Park is a great idea.
There are two circular bike tracks – a 70 metre inner track and an easier 140 metre outer track with jumps, banks and turns. There is also a climbing wall and play area at Rawcliffe Country Park.
Once you’ve had fun on the tracks or in the play area, why not head into York City Centre along the river on Route 65.
🗺 Details of Rawcliffe Country Park
⏰ It takes about 15 minutes to cycle to Museum Gardens along Route 65
🚴♀️ York City Centre and back is approximately 5 miles
This route is a short section of the National Cycle Route 66, and is suitable for bikes and balance bikes with little legs! It is an out and back route, so you can decide how long to make it depending on stamina. It’s mainly on cycle paths and quiet roads, although short sections on a path adjacent to a main road requires supervision.
Park at Stamford Bridge old railway station at the end of Church Road (small car park). Set off along the platform and cross the river on the old viaduct. Take a little care as you leave the viaduct, as there is a short downhill section towards the road ahead, which does require close supervision for little ones or new riders – dismount before the slope if you’re not sure. The path then continues for about 100m along the main A166 road (again, keep a close eye on little ones) before entering a wooded area. Here, you can either continue along the smooth paved cycle path, or for the more adventurous you can off road to the paths on the left and eventually you will come across some little mountain bike dirt jumps in the wood (can be avoided on a flat offroad path too).
On exiting the wood, you will see The Balloon Tree cafe on the opposite side of the road ahead. There is no pedestrian crossing so cross the main road with care! It’s a lovely cafe and farm shop with excellent play area, as well as Pick your Own fruit in summer. Return to Stamford Bridge the same way. When you arrive back at the station, there’s a lovely little enclosed play park if your little ones have any energy left to burn!
Alternatively, at the end of the wood you can follow the cycle path signs left towards Scoreby Lane and continue the country lane for as long as you fancy. This is a road but is quiet as it’s a dead end for cars (the Route 66 cycle path eventually continues to Hagg Wood area).
🗺 This ride forms the first section of the Hagg Wood route on this link.
⏰ It’s about 20 minutes each way from the railway station to The Balloon Tree (perhaps longer for little legs)
🚴♀️Stamford Bridge railway station to The Balloon Tree is just over 1 mile each way.
Cycling routes can change over time and weather conditions may also affect path surfaces. Please check all the details before you set off and use your own judgement as to your family’s ability, experience and confidence levels whilst on a bike.
Maybe your child prefers scooting everywhere or is learning to ride and on a balance bike. Why not go for a walk (or run 🤣) whilst they can scooter or ride safely alongside? Below are a few suggestions.
“Hob Moor is great! Just be aware of lots of cyclists and dog walkers but on the whole, everyone is considerate.”
Mumbler EK, April 2022
“Rawcliffe Lake at Clifton moor, park up near Lakeside Primary School.”
Mumbler HH, April 2022
“Millfields in Easingwold has a little skate park next to the GP surgery.”
🚴♀️ 🚴♂️ 🚴♀️ We hope you enjoy one of these family-friendly cycle routes in York 🚴♀️ 🚴♂️ 🚴♀️
