Millennium Cross, Heygate Bank
Millennium Cross, Heygate Bank
Highlight • Religious Site
Millennium Cross, Heygate Bank
Road cycling
5.0
(11)
This Highlight is in a protected area
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Tips
August 10, 2022
Road cycling
From here you can look down to Rosedale Abbey and across to the infamous climb of Chimney Bank.
June 3, 2025
Road cycling
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Millennium Cross, Heygate Bank
39
riders
104km
05:58
2,120m
2,120m
Embark on a challenging racebike adventure through the North York Moors National Park, a difficult route spanning 64.4 miles (103.6 km). You will conquer a significant 6957 feet (2121 metres) of elevation gain, with the ride typically taking around 5 hours and 57 minutes. As you cycle, you will experience dramatic scenery, from expansive heather moorland to open common land, with the distinctive peak of Roseberry Topping often in view. This route is a serious test for experienced cyclists, known for its exceptionally steep climbs and demanding terrain.
Planning your visit requires very good fitness due to the substantial elevation and severe gradients you will encounter. While the roads are generally paved and offer good grip, be prepared for some sections that are so steep you might need to push your bike. Parking is usually available in villages like Great Ayton, which makes a convenient starting point if you are looking to tackle the challenging loops around Roseberry Topping. Consider starting early to make the most of the daylight and avoid busier times.
The North York Moors offer truly picturesque vistas across the Cleveland plain, and on a clear day, you might even spot the distant Pennines from viewpoints such as Potter's Side Lane or Great Fryup Dale. Roseberry Topping, often affectionately called the "Yorkshire Matterhorn," stands as a prominent and recognizable landmark throughout your journey. This area is celebrated for its wild beauty and the unique character of its moorland landscape.
21
riders
Embark on a moderate road cycling adventure through the North York Moors National Park with the Westerdale, Danby High & Glaisdale Moors loop. This 26.4-mile (42.5 km) route features varied terrain, including sweeping heather moorland and lush valleys, with significant elevation gain of 2443 feet (744 metres). You can expect steep ascents and descents on minor country roads, offering magnificent views across open moorland and dales, especially when the heather blooms in late summer. The ride typically takes around 2 hours and 19 minutes to complete, requiring good fitness for its challenges. You will experience the dramatic contrast between heather-clad moors and wide, flat, farmed valley bottoms, passing through picturesque villages. The route also traces the area where the River Esk originates in Westerdale.
For your convenience, you can easily access this popular route from The Moors Centre at Danby. This location provides visitor parking, dedicated cycle parking, a café, and a shop, making it an excellent starting point for your ride. Planning your visit for late summer will allow you to witness the dramatic beauty of the moorland when the heather is in full bloom, enhancing the already stunning scenery.
This loop is recognized as one of the most popular road cycling routes around Danby, celebrated for its blend of challenging climbs and rewarding vistas. It showcases the unique landscape of the North York Moors, where traditional dry stone walls crisscross the land and river valleys carve through the dramatic moorland. The route offers a true immersion into the region's natural beauty and is a highlight for any road cyclist exploring the area.
5.0
(1)
58
riders
91.9km
04:50
1,400m
1,400m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Details
Informations
Elevation 280 m
Weather
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Monday 8 June
13°C
6°C
59 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 26.0 km/h
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