This beautiful ride takes you from the historic walled city of York along National Route 65 on a flat traffic-free riverside path along the Ouse and then along quiet country lanes. The ride ends at the splendid 18th century Beningborough Hall, a fantastic 18th century mansion, park and gardens with interactive galleries, pictures from the National Portrait Gallery and a Walled Garden Restaurant.
To follow the route:
- Exit York Station by the Short Stay Car Park Ramp (at the end of Platform 4), turn left at the riverside path, then immediately right over Scarborough Bridge.
- Double back through the archway over the bridge and follow signs for National Route 65 to Skelton along the riverside path. You pass through grazed meadowland and attractive woodland and several interesting sculptures. After 45 minutes, you come to a lane with a cycling sign to Skelton ¼ mile.
- To shorten the route, turn right along this lane and cycle to the main road. Turn right and walk 50m along the pavement to the Skelton Garden centre and café.
- For the full route to Beningbrough, turn left following National Route 65 signs through the pretty villages of Overton and Shipton. Turn left when you see signs to Beningbrough Hall. You will arrive at the Hall approximately 15 minutes later. Here you can relax and enjoy the Farm shop and café or explore the magnificent Hall and gardens.
- After discovering the delights of this property, simply retrace your steps to York.
Things to do and see
Along the route:
- Rawcliffe Country Park. About 30 minutes from York turn right at a blue cycling sign to “Rawcliffe”. You will find the country park which has a BMX Pump Track and a children’s play area.
- Sculptures. Look out for sculptures on route including a miniature Forth Bridge and a yellow Milepost, painted by Sustrans Volunteers in 2014 to
celebrate the Tour de France in Yorkshire. - Beningbrough Hall. A fantastic 18th century mansion, park and gardens. This National Trust property gives a view of life in an English country house from Georgian to Victorian times and is open from Easter to October
In York:
The beautiful and historic walled city of York has countless attractions! York Minster and the Museum Gardens are within easy reach of this route. Other attractions include:
- Jorvik Viking Centre, York
- Clifford's Tower, York
- Treasurer's House, York
Shortening or Extending the Route
- Shorten the route: Travel to Skelton, this is 4 miles each way so would be a return trip of 8 miles, which is approximately 1.5 hours of cycling.
- Extend the route: At York you can travel south towards Selby on a largely traffic-free route. The route has famous artwork of the solar system.
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Please note
We have taken all responsible steps to ensure that these routes are safe and achievable by people with a reasonable level of fitness.
However, all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk. To the extent permitted by law, Sustrans accepts no responsibility for any accidents or injury resulting from following these routes.
Walking and cycling routes change over time. Weather conditions may also affect path surfaces.
Please use your own judgement when using the routes based upon the weather and the ability, experience and confidence levels of those in your group.