We were drawn to visit Sutton Bank to see for ourselves the spectacular panoramic view that has been described by Yorkshires’ famous vet and author, James Herriot, as the ‘finest in England’.
The Sutton Bank National Park Centre is only a short drive away from the market town of Helmsley is an absolute delight and offers much more than just great views.
Soaking up the views at Sutton Bank
What is at Sutton Bank National Park Centre
The very modern looking visitor centre is home to a well equipped bike shop and hire centre (expert advice available). There is also the Park Life Café (get 10% off if hiring a bike) and friendly and helpful staff at the exhibition centre and well stocked shop which has some wonderful gifts many of which are locally crafted and produced. Walking routes and bike trail maps are also available to help explore the immediate area and further afield.
Bike Hire at Sutton Bank
We had brought our own gravel bikes. However, high quality bikes are available for hire for all ages and abilities. These include good quality electric bikes, gravel bikes and mountain bikes of all sizes. There were also tag along trailers and child seats available so families can head out all together. Helmets are also provided and trail maps are also available to pick up. The staff were very helpful and attentive making sure everyone was well looked after and prepared.
The walking and bike trails are the main attraction and on a clear day you can see across to vales of Mowbray and York with the hills of Pennines in the distance. We were looking forward to seeing what all the fuss was about!
Forest Cycling Trails at Sutton Bank
Well Marked Cycle Trails
So where to go and how to get there? There are well laid out walking, hiking tracks and bike trails maps that grades all the various routes according to ability and adventurous spirit.
First up, we followed the trail out into the forested section which loops through the tall fir trees. The purpose-built cycle trail put a smile on our faces with gentle berms and well-designed rollers. Good for a few selfies too to capture happy memories.
We then headed along the mixture of natural and man-made trails including a quiet road section out towards the Sutton Bank and the famous cliff top views. Overhead there were gliders from the Yorkshire Gliding Club busy being towed up into the sky to soar in the thermals and enjoy the warm sunny weather.
Views from Sutton Bank
Spectacular Views from Sutton Bank
Wow, and suddenly there it was, we could see for miles and miles. It is easy to understand why so many have loved visiting this clifftop stage with the magnificent views. We could see Gormire Lake and Garbutt Woods below and looking east, a whole of lot of Yorkshire too across to the Pennines! It was hard to take it all in, best just stop and admire the panorama. This we did and though it is very photogenic it is so hard to capture how the views make you feel.
We cycled all the way along the ridgeline as far as it would take us and stumbled across a welcome stop called the High Paradise serving homemade cakes and snacks in their beautiful farm house and tea room. We picknicked on the hill, enjoyed the silence and gorged on the natural and beautiful surroundings. A true delight and well worth the visit.
The cycling routes were a whole lot of fun too, well laid out, quiet and a very enjoyable way to see this corner of the North York Moors National Park. A special place of great beauty and tranquillity.
Sutton Bank Cycle Trails Map
Cycling Area & Marked Bike Trails
There are a number of different trails which enable cyclists of all abilities. Several of them are interlinked so they can be joined up to make the most of the local area all around Sutton Bike.
Bike Skills Area:
Located just outside the bike hire shop, the family friendly well designed skills area suits everyone wanting to get warmed up aefore hitting the trails!
Cliff Trail – Green Cycle Route (Beginners)
A three mile family-friendly circular off-road and largely route with a spectacular stretch along the cliff edge. From here you can ride back to the centre or choose to pick up the blue and red routes. Approx relaxing 45 minutes ride.
Fort Trail – Green / Blue Cycle Route (Beginner & Easy Trails)
The Fort Trail is a longer version of the Cliff Trail with sections of singletrack and still taking in those amazing clifftop views. It can be extended onto the longer Drovers trail or the red Paradise Traill. It is 5.5 miles and takes approx. 1.5 hours.
Fort Trail – Full Blue Cycle Route (Moderate)
For the more experienced cyclists and families, this 7-mile loop includes a fun descent and climb back up. Includes gravelly paths, tracks and off road trails. Links to both the Drovers trail and Paradise trails. Approx takes 2 hours.
Drovers Trail – Blue / Red Cycle Route (Difficult & More Technical)
Go further, this route takes in the High Paradise Farm Tea Room, an excellent and popular tea room half way along. This route ensures cyclists to enjoy more of the local countryside. The High Paradise tea room is a popular stop off for walkers (some hiking the Cleveland Way), horse riders and cyclists alike. 9 miles in total but includes . is About 9 miles in total and approx. 3 hours.
Paradise Trail – Red Cycle Route (Experienced & Expert)
Starting from High Paradise Tea Room, the red biking route is more technical and for those looking for more of a challenge. It still provides the spectacular views. The Paradise trail takes in rocky, swooping singletrack, various natural but technical features. It also has its own ‘K2’ climb, which is the steepest uphill section. The route loops around Boltby Forest, including both moorland and woodland trails and also provides a cross-section of adventurous mountain-bike riding through breath-taking scenery. Paradise Trail is 17.5 miles long and can take anywhere between 3-5 hours.
Cycling Routes at Sutton Bank – North York Moors National Park
Cycling at Sutton Bank was a whole lot of fun and it was a lovely day out. The trails were very well maintained, well marked and not busy. It was lovely to see families out their bikes too with smiles on their faces. The highlights were the views and we enjoyed having a picnic watching the gliders, wildlife and looking out across towards West Yorkshire.
Come and see it for yourself when staying at our Helmsley Hideaway.
Useful Links & More Information:
- Parking at Sutton Bank National Park Centre is £3.50 for up to 2 hours and £5.50 for over 2 hours. https://www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/plan-your-visit/car-parks-and-toilets
- Sutton Bank National Park Centre – https://www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/things-to-do/attractions/sutton-bank-national-park-centre
- Sutton Bank Visitor Centre & Park Life Café – https://www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/things-to-do/attractions/sutton-bank-national-park-centre/at-the-centre
- Cycling at Sutton Bank https://www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/things-to-do/attractions/sutton-bank-national-park-centre/sutton-bank-bikes-and-cycle-trails
- Sutton Bank Bike Hire – Bring out your wildside at Sutton Bank Bikes with a ride in one of England’s most spectacular locations in the North York Moors National Park. Book your bike hire in advance – https://www.suttonbankbikes.co.uk/
- A Day Out in in the Pretty Market Town of Helmsley
- Nature and Wildlife in the North York Moors
Cliff Top Escarpment at Sutton Bank
