A Full Guide to the Best Walks in Yorkshire England
Yorkshire is a county in northern England known for its picturesque landscapes, historic towns, and rugged coastline.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a stroll, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful part of the country. As a Yorkshire girl, I wasdragged as a child to many of these walks, but as an adult, I appreciate their beauty and uniqueness so much that I want to share them with you.
In this post, we’ll look at some of the best walks in Yorkshire, including scenic routes through the Dales and the Moors and coastal walks along the North Sea. So grab your hiking boots, and let’s get started exploring the great outdoors of Yorkshire and the best natural attractions in Yorkshire (God’s own country).
Top Tips for the Best Walks in Yorkshire
When hiking in Yorkshire, it is essential to be prepared and to follow a few critical tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are some tips to help you make the most of the best walks in Yorkshire:
- Plan ahead: Before you head out, research the trail you plan to hike and ensure you are aware of the distance, difficulty level, and expected duration of the hike. Also, check the weather forecast and ensure you are prepared for any changes in the weather.
- Wear appropriate clothing and footwear: Make sure you wear sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good traction and dress in layers to adjust to changing weather conditions.
- Bring enough water and food: Pack enough water and snacks to last the entire hike and a small first aid kit, just in case.
- Be aware of the terrain: Many of the best walks in Yorkshire can be rocky, steep and uneven, so be sure to pay attention to your footing, especially on the more challenging trails.
- Follow the trail markings: Many of the best walks in Yorkshire are well marked, but if you are hiking in a remote area, ensure you have a good map, compass, or a GPS device.
- Respect nature: Remember to leave no trace and to respect the natural environment. Do not damage or disturb the wildlife or the landscape, and always follow the “leave no trace” principle.
Best Walks in Yorkshire
We have divided the best walks in Yorkshire into easy, moderate and challenging. If you are not used to hiking, it’s best to start with a more accessible trail and work your way up to the more challenging hikes. If you want to do the Yorkshire Three Peaks it is a must that you complete some hikes first to avoid pain (been there, done that).
6 Best Easy Walks in Yorkshire
Langsett Reservoir Walk
Time: 3 hours
Distance: 3.6 miles
Difficulty: Easy
The Langsett Reservoir Walk is in the South Pennine Hills of West Yorkshire. The walk takes you around the Langsett Reservoir, a large artificial lake that provides a habitat for various wildlife and offers an excellent spot for bird-watching. The walk is mostly flat, with a few gentle inclines, and it’s accessible all year round.
The walk starts at the Langsett Reservoir car park, where you can find information about the trail and the wildlife you might encounter. From there, the route takes you around the reservoir, providing panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding countryside. You’ll pass by the dam, which offers an impressive view of the water and the surrounding hills.
Aysgarth Falls Walk
Time: 1-2 hours
Distance: 2.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
The Aysgarth Falls Walk takes you to the beautiful waterfall of Aysgarth in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. The waterfall is located in the village of Aysgarth and comprises cascading waterfalls flowing through a limestone gorge.
The walk starts in the village of Aysgarth, where you can park your car and find information about the trail. From there, the route takes you through the beautiful countryside of the Yorkshire Dales, passing by the River Ure, which flows through the Aysgarth Falls.
The Aysgarth Falls is spectacular, especially after heavy rain, when the water is most dramatic.
Hardraw Force Walk
Time: 2 hours
Distance: 4.25 miles
Difficulty: Easy
The Hardraw Force Walk takes you to one of the highest waterfalls in England, Hardraw Force. The waterfall is located in the beautiful hamlet of Hardraw, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and it’s a spectacular sight.
The walk is accessible all year round, although it might be slippery when wet, so suitable footwear is recommended.
The walk starts in the small village of Hardraw, where you can park your car and find information about the trail. From there, the route takes you through the beautiful countryside of the Yorkshire Dales, passing by the Hardraw Beck, a small stream that leads to the waterfall. The trail then climbs up to the waterfall, about 100ft high.
The Hardraw Force waterfall is spectacular, especially after heavy rain when the water is most dramatic. The waterfall is in a secluded spot, surrounded by lush greenery, making it a peaceful and serene area.
Ribblehead Viaduct Walk
Time: 1 hour
Distance: 2.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy
The Ribblehead Viaduct Walk takes you through the beautiful landscape of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and past the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct. The walk is approximately 7 miles long and takes around 4 to 5 hours to complete.
The walk starts at the Ribblehead Viaduct car park, where you can find information about the trail. From there, the route takes you through the picturesque countryside of the Yorkshire Dales, passing by the famous Ribblehead Viaduct. The viaduct is a famous railway bridge that spans across the valley of the River Ribble, and it’s considered one of the most iconic structures in the Yorkshire Dales.
For a complete guide, please read: Ribblehead Viaduct Walk
Sutton Bank and the White Horse Walk
Time: 1-1 hour – 30 minutes
Distance: 1.75 miles
Difficulty: Easy
The Sutton Bank and the White Horse walk takes you through the beautiful North York Moors National Park. The walk starts at the Sutton Bank National Park Centre, located on the edge of the Hambleton Hills and offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
The route takes you through the picturesque countryside of the North York Moors, passing by the famous White Horse of Sutton Bank. The White Horse is a hill figure carved into the hillside. It’s an ancient symbol dating back to the 18th century. It is one of the best easy walks in Yorkshire.
Cloughton and Hayburn Wyke Walk
Time: 3 hours
Distance: 5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
The Cloughton and Hayburn Wyke walk is a beautiful coastal walk that takes you through the charming villages of Cloughton and Hayburn Wyke and along the scenic North Yorkshire coastline. It is easily one of the best walks in Yorkshire.
The walk starts in the village of Cloughton, where you can park your car and find information about the trail. The route takes you through the village and along the coastal path, passing by the Cloughton Wyke, a small bay known for its rock pools and marine wildlife.
The trail then continues along the coastline, passing through the village of Hayburn Wyke, a charming hamlet with a picturesque cove and a waterfall. The walk offers stunning views of the North Sea and the cliffs along the coast, making it a perfect spot for nature and sea lovers.
After Hayburn Wyke, the trail loops back to Cloughton, passing the ancient Cloughton Beck and the picturesque farmlands.
6 Best Moderate Walks in Yorkshire
Janet’s Foss, Malham Cove, and Gordale Scar Circular Walk
Time: 3 hours
Distance: 4.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Janet’s Foss, Malham Cove, and Gordale Scar are all popular natural attractions in the Yorkshire Dales. This circular walk takes you to all three of these sights, offering a variety of landscapes and experiences.
The walk starts at the small village of Malham, where you can find the trailhead for Janet’s Foss. This waterfall, surrounded by lush greenery, is a peaceful and serene spot. From there, the trail leads to Malham Cove, a towering limestone cliff that provides spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
Continuing, the trail takes you to Gordale Scar, a dramatic gorge carved by glaciers during the ice age. This spot is particularly popular with climbers and offers some of the most challenging climbing routes in the Dales.
From there, the trail leads to Malham Cove, a towering limestone cliff that provides spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
After exploring Malham Cove, the trail loops back to Malham, completing the circular walk. With all of these natural attractions, it is easy to see why it is one of the best walks in Yorkshire.
For a complete guide, please read: Malham Cove Circular Walk
Helmsley to Rievaulx Abbey Walk
Time: 4 hours
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Difficulty: Moderate
The Helmsley to Rievaulx Abbey Walk is a beautiful and historic walk that takes you through the picturesque countryside of North Yorkshire. The walk starts in the charming market town of Helmsley and ends at the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey, one of the most important monastic sites in England. The trail is a mixture of country lanes, tracks and footpaths.
One of the highlights of this walk is the beautiful views of the River Rye, which the route follows for a short distance. The walk also passes through the charming village of Rievaulx, where you can stop for a refreshment at one of the village’s pubs or tea rooms.
Rievaulx Abbey, the endpoint of the walk, is one of the most significant Cistercian monasteries in England. Founded in 1132, the abbey was once a thriving community of monks and had a considerable influence in the region.
Today, the ruins of the monastery offer a glimpse into the past and is one of the best walks in Yorkshire for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts. T
Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay Walk
Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 7 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
The Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay Walk is a beautiful coastal walk that takes you along the picturesque North Yorkshire coastline.
The walk starts in the historic town of Whitby, where you can park your car and find information about the trail. From there, the route takes you along the coastal path and is known as one of the best walks in Yorkshire.
The trail takes you through the charming village of Ravenscar, known for its Victorian architecture, before reaching the village of Robin Hood’s Bay. The walk offers stunning views of the North Sea and the cliffs along the coast.
Robin Hood’s Bay is a charming fishing village known for its narrow cobbled streets and traditional fisherman’s cottages. The village offers a variety of pubs, restaurants and shops, making it a great spot to stop for a refreshment or a bite to eat.
Goathland to Grosmont Walk
Time: 3 – 4 hours
Distance: 7.7 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
The Goathland to Grosmont Walk takes you through the beautiful landscape of the North York Moors National Park and is one of the best walks in Yorkshire.
The walk starts in the charming village of Goathland, best known as the location of the popular TV series “Heartbeat”, where you can park your car and find information about the trail. From there, the route takes you through the picturesque countryside of the North York Moors National Park.
The trail then continues to Grosmont, a historic village with a railway station on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, which is a popular tourist attraction and a great spot to stop for a refreshment or a bite to eat.
The walk offers stunning views of the North York Moors and the surrounding countryside, making it a perfect spot for nature and history lovers.
For a complete guide, please read: Goathland to Grosmont Walk
Pateley Bridge and Brimham Rocks Circular Walk
Time: 4 – 5 hours
Distance: 9 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
The Pateley Bridge and Brimham Rocks Circular Walk takes you through the beautiful Nidderdale Valley and the unique rock formations of Brimham Rocks.
The walk starts in the charming market town of Pateley Bridge, where you can park your car and find information about the trail. From there, the route takes you through the picturesque Nidderdale Valley, passing by the River Nidd and the lush green meadows.
Along the way, you will have the opportunity to explore the charming villages of Wath, Glasshouses and Birstwith, which makes it one of the best walks in Yorkshire.
The trail then leads you to the unique rock formations of Brimham Rocks. Brimham Rocks is a fantastic collection of balancing rocks and rock outcrops formed by millions of years of erosion. The rocks are a popular spot for climbers and hikers and offer a chance to see some of the most unusual rock formations in the country.
Flamborough Head to Bempton Cliffs Walk
Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 6 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Moderate
The Flamborough Head to Bempton Cliffs walk takes you through the beautiful coastline of East Yorkshire and along the famous Bempton Cliffs.
The walk starts at the Flamborough Head car park, where you can find information about the trail. From there, the route takes you along the coastal path, passing by the famous Flamborough Head, a striking headland with impressive cliffs and sea caves.
The coastal path provides spectacular views of the North Sea and the cliffs, making it a perfect spot for nature and sea lovers and is one of the best walks in Yorkshire.
The trail then continues to Bempton Cliffs, a famous bird-watching spot and home to thousands of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, kittiwakes and gannets. The cliffs are also home to thousands of nesting seabirds. The RSPB Bempton Cliffs visitor centre provides excellent information about wildlife and telescopes and binoculars for visitors to use.
3 Best Challenging Walks in Yorkshire
Bronte Waterfall and Top Withens
Time: 4 hours
Distance: 7 miles
Difficulty: Challenging
Experience the literary heritage of the Bronte sisters on this delightful walk through the Bronte Country of West Yorkshire. It is one of the best walks in Yorkshire and it starts in the charming village of Haworth. It takes you to two iconic sites associated with the sisters – the Bronte Waterfall and Top Withens, the supposed inspiration for Wuthering Heights.
The area is known for its beautiful landscapes, including flowing becks, picturesque moorland, and panoramic views of the Pennine Hills. It’s a challenging hike, climbing to over 1300ft at its highest point.
You can start from Haworth town centre’s Church, where a parking area and train station are nearby. From there, take the Bronte Way through Penistone Hill Country Park, a 179-acre park with lovely undulating grass and heather moorland.
The path will lead you to the Bronte Waterfall, a spot the sisters often visited for contemplation. After taking in the picturesque waterfall, the walk continues southwest to the ruined farmhouse of Top Withens.
This walk is a great way to explore the Bronte sisters’ literary heritage and the beautiful landscapes of West Yorkshire.
Yorkshire Three Peaks
Time: 12- 14 hours
Distance: 24 miles
Difficulty: Challenging
The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is a popular hiking route that covers the three highest peaks in the Yorkshire Dales: Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough. The challenge is to hike all three mountains in under 12 hours, and it’s a popular challenge for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The route starts and ends in the small village of Horton-in-Ribblesdale, roughly 24 miles long. The total ascent is around 5,200 feet, so it’s a physically demanding hike. The trail passes through picturesque landscapes, including rolling hills, moorland paths and limestone pavements.
The first peak, Pen-y-Ghent, stands at 694 metres (2,277 feet) high and is considered the easiest to climb. The second peak, Whernside, stands at 736 metres (2,415 feet) and is the highest peak in the challenge. The third peak, Ingleborough, stands at 723 metres (2,372 feet) and offers excellent views!
Marsden Moors Standedge Circuit
Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 10 miles
Difficulty: Challenging
The Marsden Moors Walk takes you through the beautiful landscape of Marsden Moors in West Yorkshire.
The route takes you through the picturesque countryside of Marsden Moors, passing by the Marsden Moor Estate, a protected area of moorland known for its wildlife, including curlews, lapwings and grouse.
The walk offers stunning panoramic views of the moors and the surrounding countryside, making it a perfect spot for nature and outdoor enthusiasts.
Overall Thoughts on the Best Walks in Yorkshire
Yorkshire is a beautiful and diverse region that offers a wide variety of walking trails for hikers of all abilities. From the rugged landscapes of the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales to the picturesque coastlines and charming small villages and towns, there is something for everyone. We love it and are sure you will too!
