Cindertrack cycle route (From York Press)
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Cindertrack cycle route
10:07am Saturday 27th August 2011 in Leisure
Eva and Nick Pears arrive at Robin Hood’s Bay after their cycle along the coast
MAXINE GORDON and family enjoy a day cycling, with amazing views over the sea.
WHERE: Cindertrack cycle route from Hawsker, near Whitby, to Robin Hood’s Bay and on to Ravenscar.
WHY: This has to be one of best cycle routes in the county. If you love being active and enjoy a trip to the coast, you can tick both boxes by cycling on this off-road route that runs along the former Whitby to Scarborough railway line.
The path is practically traffic free, just a few quiet, country roads to cross, and is suitable for most bikes, though mountain or hybrids will provide a less bumpy and easier ride.
If you take your own bikes, park off the main A171 at Hawsker, just a couple of miles south of Whitby, then follow signs up to the cycle path (only a short distance and you can stay on the pavement all the way, perfect for children).
Alternatively, you can hire bikes (and helmets as well as tandems and baby seats, with three-hour rental from £8-£18) from Trailways, based in the disused railway carriages at Hawsker (you can’t miss it, it’s alongside the main road.) Access to the cycle path is behind Trailways, with a safe crossing at traffic lights across the busy A171.
We took a picnic and stopped en route, with amazing views over the North Sea and along the Coast.
The distance from Hawsker to Robin Hood’s Bay is only 2½ miles, with at least half of it on a slight decline, so free wheeling fun.
You’ll need a bit more pedal power to get back, before you decide whether to stop at Robin Hood’s Bay or plough on to Ravenscar, a further 11 miles away. We did five miles before turning back, making a stop at Robin Hood’s Bay, where we meandered to the harbour for an outstanding ice-cream, by Brymor, at Browns the confectioners.
Then we were back in the saddle for the return leg to Hawsker, and our drive 75-minute drive back to York.
TOILETS: Public toilets at Robin Hood’s Bay.
REFRESHMENTS: Available at Trailways at Hawsker and lots of choice in Robin Hood’s Bay.
Find out more: Trailways, The Old Railway Station, Hawsker, Whitby. Tel: 01947 820207
