IN a deep, secluded valley on the edge of the Hambleton Hills you will find a taste of paradise as you cycle along to Caydale Mill.

Now a private residence, Caydale Mill, in its peaceful setting, is accessed by a narrow road with steep hills at either end. Although the ford which runs along the road carrying water from the surrounding hills looks daunting, the bed is concreted and is usually fine to ride through, but watch out for stones washed along the bottom.

There was a mill at Caydale, called Cairdale in the 14th century, and records show existence of not only a corn mill but a walk mill as well. A walk mill is what we know today as a fulling mill which is used to beat cloth.

Before water powered mills the beating of the cloth was done by walking over it. This method was brought here by Cistercian monks and the Knights Templars. Fulling was necessary for the proper finishing of the cloth which needed thorough cleaning to remove grease and oil to allow dyes to be applied.

The hammering was to consolidate the fibres of the fabric. The cloth would then be put out to dry stretched across a tenter frame.

As you cycle along you will not hear the noise of fulling mills or corn grinding as you descend into Caydale, only the sound of silence as you ride along this green oasis.

Unless, of course, you are unlucky enough to deposit yourself in the spring water at Caydale ford.


Your Route

Leave Helmsley Market Place past the church and the Feversham Arms along the Stokesley road. Start a long uphill ride for about one mile, then turn left signed to Scawton and Old Byland.

Not far and you face your first serious descent with sharp corners. Soon bear left over the humped back bridge, then continue straight on to cycle past the pretty Ashberry Farm following signs for Thirsk and Scawton. Enjoy this rural ride along the valley with its narrow twisty road. Eventually you start a serious ascent to cycle along to the village of Scawton and the excellent Hare Inn.

Continue climbing to ride across Scawton Moor. Good views all round here especially to your right across to the hills of Bilsdale. Soon you reach the main road, the A170. Go right here with care passing the Hambleton Inn along the way. A little further along turn right signed to Old Byland and Cold Kirby. Refreshment and toilets are available on the left at the Sutton Bank Visitor Centre. When you reach the transmitter mast, turn left signed to Boltby and Hawnby. Grand views again from this high plateau. In about one mile, turn right signed to Old Byland, this is a narrow gritty road with a ridge in the centre, so please go steady. When you reach a sharp right bend go left, do not go down the hill. The road on the left is unsigned apart from one for ‘Ford’.

This road is very narrow and soon starts to descend down a very steep hill with very sharp corners.

In the bottom of the valley, on your right, is Caydale Mill. There is one more obstacle for you to defeat at the bottom of the hill – a ford which is about 50 yards long. The bed of which is surfaced with concrete making it easier to ride, but watch out for stones washed along the gill. When I rode through it was not very deep but was quite fast flowing.

Now with wet feet you must attempt a hard, steep ascent. Good views at the top. Continue along past a couple of farms then turn right at the T-junction. Good views again this time across to Hawnby, not that you will have time to see them as you start another serious descent.

Cross the bridge at the bottom, then start a hard climb up to Hawnby village following signs for Osmotherley. Bear right through the village still signed to Osmotherley. As you exit the village, turn immediately right down a steep, twisty hill signed to Laskill.

Another formidable climb in front of you, one part is almost vertical. Continue along the road to Laskill which is blessed with enjoyable scenery as the road descends and ascends, twists and turns and generally makes a nuisance of itself. Continue along wary of hairpin bends still following signs for Laskill. Eventually you reach Laskill. There is nothing much there except a bridge and a farm. Just a short climb now to exit right onto the Bilsdale road signed to Helmsley. Take care on this busy road.

Just one more ascent now then it is downhill all the way to Helmsley for some well-earned refreshment.


The facts

Distance – 25miles/40km
Terrain – Very hilly, some severe ascents and descents
Best map – OS Landranger 100
Start/grid ref – Helmsley, grid ref: 615838
Refreshments – Excellent choice of cafes and pubs in Helmsley, Sutton Bank Visitor Centre, Hambleton Inn at Sutton Bank and for a sophisticated meal the Hare Inn at Scawton
Public toilets – Helmsley and Sutton Bank Visitor Centre

View a map of the Helmsley cycle ride>>