York Minster to Selby Abbey. 15 miles /24km (Traffic Free for 11m / 17.5km)

Suitable for walkers and cyclist: Suitable for families

TPT Map 3: Yorkshire to North Sea

The York and Selby Railway Path was the second disused railway track bought and converted into a traffic-free path for pedestrians and cyclists by Sustrans, and 2007 is the 20th anniversary of its completion.

The ride begins at York Minster but if you are travelling by train you will need to start from York station, so from here turn left and follow the green cycle lane towards the City Centre. As the road turns under the old city walls keep to the right hand lane and cross at the lights. Turn left as you exit the lights through the small gap towards the river, with The Maltings pub on your right. If you want to do some sightseeing you could leave your bike here and walk across the bridge where you will be within easy reach of several spectacular buildings packed with history and character including York Minster, and family attractions like the JORVIK Viking Centre.

From the pub, bear right and follow the road parallel to the river, across the set of traffic lights at Ouse Bridge and onto Skeldergate. At the next fork bear left under Skeldergate road bridge so you are alongside the river. Continue along this road until you reach Rowntree Park, and eight miles of traffic-free route.

Rowntree Park was created by Joseph Rowntree, the chocolate manufacturer and Quaker philanthropist, as a memorial to those killed in the First World War. Recently refurbished, it boasts a great playground for youngsters and a tea room beside the lake. At the end of the Park you reach York's magnificent new Millennium Bridge. Ride beneath the bridge keeping to the river bank for a further 100 yards and turn right up a small alleyway which brings you out opposite the Terry's chocolate factory. Go left along the pavement for 100 yards and then cross into the Racecourse before turning left again at the white fence and heading south with the racecourse on your right.

When you reach the starting point, turn right across the course and carry on until you reach the road going over the by-pass, turn left and then dog leg under the bridge itself. A short stretch alongside the A64 brings you to the Sun, the start of The Solar System, a scale model of all the planets that ends at Riccall with Pluto. You are now on the railway path and, after a short diversion through new housing at Bishopthope, you will see the Fisher of Dreams sculpture on the old swing bridge over the Ouse. The café just after Naburn Bridge (open Sundays throughout the summer) is run by a Sustrans Supporter and the Maze at the old Escrick station cutting has been refurbished by local Rangers. You could detour left just after the café on a half-mile off-road path to the Designer Outlet Village for some serious shopping.

The off-road section ends at the Pluto viewpoint, ten miles from York station, but the rest of the route is on quiet lanes through the villages of Riccall and Barlby. The last mile runs along the newly raised embankment of the Ouse that brings you to the toll bridge at Selby. From here you may wish to dismount and push your bike the last 100 yards to the Abbey which, though more modest than York's Minster, is well worth a visit.

With thanks to Peter Huxford, Volunteer Liaison Ranger.