Last Updated June 2025
As a family who loves being outdoors, we’re always looking for new adventures to enjoy together. One of the boys favourite activities lately has been family bike rides, and little J has really started to gain confidence on two wheels. After several successful visits to Delamere Forest and their brilliant blue cycle trail, they were keen to try somewhere new for a bit more of a challenge and a change of scenery.
We decided to look a little further afield and came across Dalby Forest in North Yorkshire. Although it’s over two hours’ drive from home, everything we read online made it sound like the ideal choice for our next cycling day out. With its range of cycling trails, stunning forest landscapes, and family friendly facilities, we felt like it ticked all the boxes and we were right.
Here’s everything you need to know about planning a visit to Dalby Forest for a family cycling adventure, including our experience hiring bikes, exploring the blue trail, and why we think it’s well worth the drive.
Why Dalby Forest?
Dalby Forest is part of the North York Moors National Park, and it’s managed by Forestry England. It’s an enormous forest with over 8,000 acres of woodland, valleys, and trails to explore. Dalby is particularly popular with cyclists and walkers thanks to its wide range of clearly marked routes for different skill levels.
What really stood out to us was the number of cycle trails designed for families and young riders. After doing some research, we discovered that Dalby Forest has a dedicated blue trail, which is ideal for intermediate riders who are ready to move on from beginner routes but don’t want anything too technical. It’s similar to the blue trail at Delamere Forest that little J already knows and loves, so we knew he’d feel comfortable while still enjoying a few new challenges.
The Drive to Dalby Forest
We knew the journey would take just over two hours each way, so we decided to make a weekend of it over half term. If you’re travelling from the North West like us, Dalby Forest is reachable in a day, but if you are planning to just visit for the day then we’d definitely recommend making a full day of it. Dalby Forest is huge with so much to explore. However we did stay over as there’s plenty to do in the surrounding area, and we’ve already said we’d love to come back and explore more.
Hiring Bikes at Dalby Forest
Because of the long journey, we decided not to bring their own bikes and instead chose to hire bikes on site. This was a really convenient option and meant we didn’t have to worry about loading up the car with equipment.
We hired the bikes from the Dalby Forest Cycle Hub, which is located near the main car park. The hiring process was quick and straightforward, we just had to complete a short registration form, leave a driving licence as ID, and we were ready to go. The cost was £30 for three hours per bike, which we thought was really reasonable, especially considering the quality of the equipment provided.
We brought our own helmets from home, but you can also hire those if needed. The staff were really helpful and made sure everything was adjusted properly for comfort and safety before we set off.
Little J was particularly impressed with the bikes themselves. They were modern, lightweight, and had excellent suspension, perfect for soaking up the bumps and twists of the trail. For a young rider, having a high-quality bike really added to the excitement and confidence of the ride.
Exploring the Blue Cycle Trail
The blue cycle trail at Dalby Forest is designed for riders with a bit of experience who are ready for a moderate level of difficulty. It’s a great option for families with older children who have already mastered the basics of cycling and want to try something a little more adventurous.
The trail is well marked and we found it easy to follow. It winds through the forest and offers a fantastic mix of terrain, from gentle climbs to thrilling downhill sections. There are berms, rollers, and even a few fast-paced stretches that really got little J’s adrenaline going. He loved every second, especially the downhill twists and turns.
What they appreciated most was how varied the trail was, it kept things interesting and fun for the whole three hours. The blue trail is long enough to give you a great sense of achievement without being too tiring, and the surroundings are simply beautiful. Cycling through dense woodland, past streams, and under towering trees made them feel like they were on a real adventure.
Facilities at Dalby Forest
Dalby Forest is very family friendly and well equipped for a full day out. There are clean toilet facilities, a large car park (charges apply), and plenty of picnic benches dotted around the site. There’s also a café near the visitor centre serving hot drinks, snacks, and lunch options, which is perfect for fuelling up before or after your ride. This is where I spent my time, catching up on some work, listening to nature and enjoying the photos and videos I was sent from the boys on their biking adventure.
If you’re planning to spend the whole day, you’ll also find play areas for younger children, walking trails including The Stickman Trail, and even a Go Ape adventure course if you're feeling extra adventurous.
Things to Know Before You Go
Location - Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire YO18 7LT
Bike Hire - From £30 for 3 hours; available from Dalby Forest Cycle Hub
Parking - Charges apply. Please do not that as well as the main car park there are lots of other car parks dotted around depending on what trails you are visiting.
Facilities - Toilets, café, visitor centre, bike shop, picnic areas, walking routes, cycling routes, Stickman trail and Go Ape Adventure.
Best For - Fun for all the family at Dalby Forest however if going for the Blue Cycle Trail I would say ideal for families with children aged 10+ who have some cycling experience
Blue Trail Length - Approximately 11km with moderate difficulty
Our Final Thoughts
Although it was a bit of a drive, visiting Dalby Forest was 100% worth it. It’s a brilliant spot for families who enjoy being active together, and it gave little J the chance to push himself and experience a new challenge in a safe and beautiful environment.
Hiring bikes on-site made everything stress-free, and the trail was exactly what we’d hoped for—exciting, scenic, and just the right level of difficulty. Dalby Forest now ranks high on our list of favourite outdoor destinations, and we’re already planning a return visit, maybe even with a picnic or to try one of the longer trails.
If you’re looking for a family day out that combines fun, fitness, and nature, Dalby Forest’s blue cycle trail should definitely be on your list. Whether you’re local or, like us, making a special trip, it’s an experience that brings smiles, adventure, and memories to last.
We now need to decide where they will ride next? If you have any suggestions please let us know.
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