Enjoy a peaceful rural walk near Ampleforth Abbey, exploring quiet lanes, rolling countryside, and views of Gilling Castle in the heart of North Yorkshire.
Boro Beck
Enjoy the Helmsley Boro Beck walk, a peaceful riverside route with woodland paths, wildlife, and scenic views near the historic market town of Helmsley.
Enjoy a scenic walk around Castle Howard and Coneysthorpe, exploring parkland paths, rural villages, and beautiful countryside in North Yorkshire.
Cloughton to Scarborough
Walk the Cleveland Way from Cloughton to Scarborough, enjoying dramatic coastal cliffs, sea views, and classic North Yorkshire coastline scenery.
Explore Duncombe Park on a peaceful countryside walk, featuring historic parkland, woodland paths, and views near Helmsley in North Yorkshire.
Helmsley to Rievualx
Walk from Helmsley to Rievaulx Abbey through peaceful countryside, enjoying river views, woodland paths, and historic North Yorkshire scenery.
Explore the Hole of Horcum in the North York Moors, a dramatic natural hollow with scenic walking trails and stunning countryside views.
Enjoy a walk to Mallyan Spout, a stunning waterfall near Goathland, with woodland trails and scenic North York Moors views.
Scarborough Maritime heritage Trail
Explore the Scarborough Maritime Heritage Trail, walking along the coastline to discover historic harbours, landmarks, and scenic sea views.
Shipley to Bingley Five Rise Locks
Walk from Shipley to Bingley along the Leeds to Liverpool Canal, passing the iconic Five Rise Locks, scenic towpaths, and peaceful waterways.
Walk from Thornton le Dale to Low Dalby through Dalby Forest, enjoying woodland trails, rolling countryside, and North Yorkshire scenery.
Explore Yorkshire and Nearby Walks: Scenic Trails, Historic Sites & Coastal Paths
Yorkshire and surrounding areas offer some of the most scenic, historic, and diverse walks in the UK. From peaceful countryside trails to dramatic coastal paths, there’s a walk for every interest and ability. Here’s a guide to some of the best walks, featuring stunning landscapes, heritage landmarks, and unforgettable experiences.
Ampleforth Abbey & Gilling Castle Walk
Enjoy a peaceful rural walk near Ampleforth Abbey, exploring quiet lanes, rolling countryside, and the historic Gilling Castle. This walk offers gentle paths, perfect for a leisurely day out, while providing scenic views of North Yorkshire’s iconic villages. Ideal for photographers, history enthusiasts, and those seeking tranquility.
Castle Howard & Coneysthorpe Walk
The Castle Howard and Coneysthorpe walk takes you through stunning parkland and rolling farmland. Explore scenic paths, historic estate views, and the charming village of Coneysthorpe. This route combines natural beauty with heritage landmarks, making it a favourite for both casual walkers and avid hikers.
Cloughton to Scarborough: Cleveland Way
Follow the Cleveland Way from Cloughton to Scarborough, a breathtaking coastal walk along the dramatic cliffs of the North Sea. The route offers panoramic sea views, rugged coastline, and opportunities to spot wildlife. Perfect for walkers seeking fresh sea air and a challenging yet rewarding hike.
Duncombe Park Walk
Duncombe Park, near Helmsley, is ideal for woodland and countryside walks. Explore open parkland, peaceful woodland trails, and historic landscapes. This walk is suitable for families and casual walkers, offering a combination of natural beauty and North Yorkshire charm.
Goathland Circular Walk & Rail Trail
The Goathland circular walk offers moorland and countryside scenery, with views of the famous steam railway. For a gentler option, the Goathland Rail Trail follows historic railway paths, providing a flat, scenic route through the North York Moors. Both walks highlight the area’s natural beauty and heritage appeal.
Helmsley to Rievaulx Abbey Walk
Walk from Helmsley to Rievaulx Abbey, exploring riverside paths, rolling countryside, and woodland trails. This route combines peaceful scenery with one of Yorkshire’s most iconic historic sites. The abbey ruins make a perfect destination for photography and history enthusiasts.
Hole of Horcum Walk
The Hole of Horcum is a unique natural hollow in the North York Moors. Walks around this striking feature offer panoramic views, moorland trails, and peaceful countryside paths. It’s a must-see for walkers seeking dramatic landscapes and outdoor adventure.
Hovingham to Helmsley via Oswaldkirk: Ebor Way
The Ebor Way from Hovingham through Oswaldkirk to Helmsley is a scenic route through rural villages, riverside paths, and open countryside. This long-distance trail showcases North Yorkshire’s charm, combining heritage villages with beautiful landscapes.
Mallyan Spout Walk
Visit Mallyan Spout, a stunning waterfall near Goathland. The walk includes woodland trails and moorland paths, making it ideal for families and nature enthusiasts. This picturesque destination offers a refreshing escape into the North York Moors.
Shipley to Bingley: Five Rise Locks & Leeds to Liverpool Canal
Walk from Shipley to Bingley along the Leeds to Liverpool Canal, passing the iconic Five Rise Locks. This waterside walk combines historic engineering with scenic towpaths, perfect for a relaxing day outdoors with opportunities for photography and wildlife spotting.
Thornton le Dale to Low Dalby via Dalby Forest
This walk through Dalby Forest connects Thornton le Dale to Low Dalby. Enjoy peaceful woodland trails, abundant wildlife, and scenic North Yorkshire landscapes. The forest paths provide shade, making it perfect for summer walks and family adventures.
York City Walls Walk
Explore the historic York City Walls, a walking route around the medieval city. See historic gates, panoramic city views, and iconic architecture. This walk combines heritage exploration with easy accessibility in the heart of York.
Five Weirs Walk, Sheffield
The Five Weirs Walk in Sheffield follows riverside paths through urban scenery and historic waterways. It’s an easy, accessible walk perfect for city walkers, offering riverside views, local history, and peaceful stretches within Sheffield.
Scarborough Maritime Heritage Trail
The Scarborough Maritime Heritage Trail is a coastal walk exploring historic harbours, piers, and iconic landmarks. With stunning sea views and accessible paths, it’s ideal for families, heritage enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a scenic seaside walk.
Final Thoughts
Yorkshire and surrounding regions are a walker’s paradise, offering routes for every ability and interest. Whether you’re exploring historic abbeys, dramatic cliffs, scenic forests, or iconic canals, these walks provide a perfect blend of nature, heritage, and adventure. Pack your walking shoes and discover the beauty of Yorkshire on foot.
Useful Links
Yorkshire Walks & Hikes | Best Scenic Routes Across Yorkshire
Official National Parks & Trails
- North York Moors National Park – Official site with walking routes, maps, and visitor info.
- Yorkshire Dales National Park – Guides, trails, and walking resources in the Dales.
- Cleveland Way National Trail – Long-distance coastal and moorland trail guide.
- Ebor Way – Full route and maps for this long-distance trail.
- Pennine Way – Iconic long-distance trail through Yorkshire.
Walking Guides & Maps
- Ramblers Association – Walking routes, local groups, and guided walks.
- Walking Englishman – Yorkshire Walks – Route descriptions and walking tips.
- Ordnance Survey Maps – Detailed maps for walking in Yorkshire.
- Walks Around Britain – Yorkshire – Curated walking guides and downloadable GPX routes.
Heritage & Historic Walks
- York City Walls Walk – Explore the medieval city walls of York.
- Scarborough Maritime Heritage Trail – Coastal heritage walk guide.
- Rievaulx Abbey Walks – Scenic walks near the historic abbey.
- Castle Howard Estate Walks – Parkland and garden walks around the estate.
Coastal & Urban Walks
Leeds to Liverpool Canal Walk – Walk the canal towpaths and locks.
Scarborough & Whitby Coast Walks – North York Moors coastal trail guides.
Five Weirs Walk – Sheffield – Urban riverside walking route.
Forest & Moorland Walks
- Dalby Forest Walks – Woodland trails, maps, and visitor info.
- Hole of Horcum Walks – Moorland walking routes.
- Goathland Circular Walks – Scenic moorland and village trails.
Walking Communities & Apps
- Walking Englishman – Community-driven guides, GPX downloads, and walking blogs.
- AllTrails Yorkshire – App and site for GPS-tracked walking routes.
- ViewRanger – Downloadable routes and navigation for Yorkshire walks.
Transport & Accessibility Info
Traveline – Yorkshire Bus Routes – Public transport to walking trailheads.
National Rail – Yorkshire – Train stations near walking routes.
