The best cycling routes around Harrogate

Flat landscapes for gentle, glorious rides

Cycle routes around Harrogate will be firm favourites if you love gentle rides without much in the way of inclines. This beautiful old spa town is known for its exceptional spring water, high in iron and sulphur, and has been popular since the Georgian era when visitors would come to bathe in the waters. It might not come as much of a surprise that there are several rivers and myriad streams in the vicinity.

The River Nidd is the most major river to pass by the town and you may well cross over it many times, or even follow it on your bike rides around Harrogate. Travelling north west along the Nidd, you’ll reach Pateley Bridge and Gouthwaite Reservoir, which you can look down on from the cycle trail.

Through valleys and into the hills

Nidderdale AONB is a peaceful region of rolling fields, verdant hedgerows and open moorland. If you go cycling around Harrogate enough, eventually Nidderdale will lure you in and bring you back time and time again with its serene views and sense of seclusion. 

Numerous cycle routes take you through Nidderdale’s valleys where you can complete exhilarating day rides without too many hills. For the best views and immensely satisfying climbs, follow circular bike trails that lead you up and over Nidderdale’s modest hills. Low stone walls, quiet lanes, munching cows and utter peace will greet you here.

Exploring Harrogate throughout the year

You can explore Harrogate’s surroundings by bike any time of year but in winter care should be taken if icy conditions arise. In spring and autumn, you’ll find misty fields and glorious colours from April’s blossoming trees to October’s golden leaf blankets. 

Summer is usually warm and sunny although rain is still relatively common. Harrogate experiences lovely cycling conditions when climbing hills in spring and summer, with the air temperature keeping you comfortable on tough ascents. 

Winter days provide breathtaking light across the valleys and it’s worth taking your camera as the low sun makes everything even more beautiful than usual.