Route Ref:  NYM11

Back to North Yorkshire Moors Routes

I should have got this page onto the web site a lot sooner. Better late than never I guess. When the woods were opened during the foot & mouth problem, only the hard tracks were made available to walkers and cyclists. All other paths and access to the moorland remained 'off limits'. To the best of my knowledge this remains the case as I write this on 10/07/2001. With the current outbreaks on the NYM don't be surprised if these woods close again.

The route I describe on this page is only 9 miles with three short but steep climbs. I think it makes best use of the tracks that are available, although you could explore further with a few detours. Start at Pinchinthorpe visitors center. Heading west, take the first or second gate on the right which takes you onto the main track. Follow this track to Bousdale Wood. You will pass the junction of the track leading from Roseberry Common to The Hutton Village road.Turn left at this junction onto a gentle climb of less than a half mile and then left at the next. A short steep climb brings you to the next junction where you need to turn left. You now remain on this track, ignoring all other turnings, pass some felled land on the right and the drop to Hutton Village on the left. Next you pass the forestry commision 'Christmas Tree' area, fenced off, before a steep climb which brings you to a gate and the junction below Highcliff Nab. Go through the gate and bear right. This one will test your knees a little. The track climbs the hill to the east of the nab turning at the back of the nab and reaching the top to the west of the nab. You can make a detour here if want a short walk to the top of the nab.

The track turns east and you have a gentle descent bearing left at the next fork to at point where the track opens wider and makes a sharp left. This track descends steeper and is made awkward with with deep horse hoof prints. Alternatively, there is a small path which breaks into the forest just on the left at this bend. I am not sure about it's legality to cyclists but there are no f&m signs and it does appear to be used regularly by bikes. Both the track and the path meet on the main forest road at the bottom. Turn left on the road and enjoy a bit more descending before climbing again to the junction below the nab. I guess you could go round the loop again to make a bit more distance on the ride. Otherwise retrace your route back to the car park.

Start Pinchinthorpe Visitors Center Car Park GR 584152 - 590145 - 586155 - 590137 - 587135 - 589135 - 594131- 603133 - 608139 - 611138 - 617139 - 622144 - 622146 - 608139- 603133 - 594131 - 589135 - 587135 - 590137 - 586155 - 590145 - 584152. (All points are track junctions).

9.3 Miles, 14.97 Kms, 1855 Feet, 609 Metres, 6 Gates, 100% Off Road