Discover York’s Most Accessible Cycling Routes and Hidden Gems
York is one of the UK’s best cities for accessible and inclusive cycling. With miles of traffic-free paths, riverside trails, and picturesque countryside routes, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a relaxing day out on two, three, or even four wheels.
Whether you ride an adult tricycle bike, recumbent cycle, tandem, wheelchair-accessible cycle, or another specialist bike, York offers routes suitable for a wide range of abilities and confidence levels.
At Get Cycling CIC, we help people discover the freedom and enjoyment of cycling through our range of disability bikes, disability tricycles, adapted bikes, and inclusive cycle hire.
Here are some of our favourite accessible cycling routes around York.
1. Solar System Route
A much-loved cycle route in York, take your beloved on a ride through the stars and explore the solar system on a smaller scale – the Sun to Pluto with satellites on the way and plenty of places to stop and enjoy a planetary picnic.
Starting from Get Cycling, you can get to the Sun in around 13 minutes; then it’s a lovely (mostly) road-free 6.4 miles to Pluto. Keep a couple of hours free to go there and back. Amble along at your leisure with stops along the way to take in the beautiful views and have a romantic picnic with your beau.
All information and route here
2. Museum Gardens
The Museum Gardens in the heart of York are perfect for any couple wanting to explore the centre but escape the hustle and bustle for a quiet moment to walk around the ruins or sit and enjoy nibbles and fizz while whispering sweet nothings in their darling’s ear.
There’s plenty of history to soak up – established in the 1830s by the Yorkshire Philosophical Society, the gardens are famed for their fantastic collection of trees, shrubs, perennials and bulbs set against the stunning backdrop of the medieval ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey. The Yorkshire Museum also resides in the Gardens if you fancy a bit more culture and history.
Google Maps cycle route here
3. York Minster
The York Minster is the most iconic sight in the whole city! And what is a more romantic venue than the church that Ellie Goulding was wed in 2019? Stroll through the stunning 7th-century architecture, taking in some of the most beautiful stained glass windows in the UK before taking a leisurely picnic in Dean’s Park behind the Minster. With breathtaking views of the cathedral and unexpected calm in the centre of our historic city, you can park up your cycles, sit in the gardens and enjoy the fresh air.
Cycle route here.
4. Rowntree Park
A hidden gem in the lovely Southbank area, Rowntree Park is an oasis of open space and greenery. There’s plenty of cycle parking, picnic areas and walks perfect for hand-holding. The park is only a few minutes’ cycle from Get Cycling so a riverside ride would be ideal before settling at the park for a well-earned rest and wander.
Feed the ducks, explore the sensory garden or bring some bats for table tennis – you’re not short of things to do – check out their Friends Of Rowntree Park website for what’s on!
Scenic riverside cycle route then on to Rowntree Park here
5. Homestead Park
A quiet and reflective park hidden away in Clifton, a cycle along the river will be a great prelude to a picnic on one of the park’s vast green spaces and manicured gardens.
Please check the website as there are different opening times depending on the day of the week you wish to visit.