Find full directions to the York Solar Path in our Guide to the York Cycle Path which you can download or print.

The Sustrans Route 65 trail into York is 6 miles. It’s a year-round, all-weather surface and almost entirely traffic-free. The cycle track follows the route of the former Selby to York railway from old Naburn station along the ‘Solar System’ pathway. It then joins a greenway into York Racecourse. After crossing a main road, the cycle track descends on the River Ouse tow path, up to Millennium bridge and into York city at Skeldergate. Find a map here.

Old Naburn station is to the north of Naburn village, just under a mile from Naburn Lock Caravan Park. There is a roadside cycle/footpath between Naburn Village and the station. Join the Solar Path at the right hand, far side of the railway bridge (signposted), then turn right by the Naburn Station café towards York.

After a few hundred yards, you’ll cross the River Ouse at Naburn Bridge. It’s worth a moment to stop and learn about about this impressive swing bridge, watch the boats and enjoy views over York Marina.

The cycle path continues into countryside near Bishopthorpe. Keep left and don’t turn off on to other paths. The next planet is Jupiter. Each of the planets along the solar cycle trail is a scale size to the sun and each planet’s location is a scale distance from the sun.

You still have to find Mars, Earth, the moon, Venus and Mercury on your way to the Sun, near to the York Ring Road. For a short distance, the cycle path passes close to the ring road before turning left into countryside toward Knivesmere and York Racecourse.

Follow the cycle path signs across the racecourse. These guide you to the entrance onto Bishopthorpe Road. This is a busy road, so turn left onto the footpath for 100yds up to the former Terrys Chocolate factory (The Chocolate Works). Cross the road here, following the cycle path sign opposite, then descend onto the riverside path.

In a few moments, you’ll arrive at York’s Millennium Bridge across the River Ouse. It’s a popular picnic and meeting spot. There’s just another half-mile ride, along the riverside, to York city centre at Skeldergate.

You’ve arrived in York! Once you’ve passed under the historic Skeldergate Bridge, you can cross over to Tower Gardens, York Castle and Kingstaith, or turn left and follow the York City Walls toward Monksgate and York Railway Station.

View or Print our Guide to the York Cycle Path here.

Find a map of the York Solar Path here.

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