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A family stand by the water's edge in the parkland at Nostell Priory, with their bikes on the floor next to them
Explore the Nostell estate on two wheels | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Outdoor activities in Yorkshire

Whether you fancy a cycling, climbing or running adventure in the Yorkshire Dales, prefer the excitement of orienteering and geocaching, or would like to try wildlife watching, bird spotting or fossil hunting, there's plenty of ways to get outside in Yorkshire.

The best of Yorkshire's great outdoors

Rock formation on Bridestones moor with moorland landscape in the background
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Discover Bridestones Nature Reserve 

Discover fascinating rock formations hewn by the elements from Jurassic-era sedimentary rock over millennia, then spot wildlife in the surrounding Bridestones nature reserve.

Rockpooling on the beach at Lindisfarne Castle, Northumberland
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Things to see and do on the Yorkshire Coast 

Find out what the Yorkshire Coast has to offer, from fossil hunting and walking routes, to the villages that reveal the human history of this wild landscape.

Family on a walk around Malham Moor in the Yorkshire Dales
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Outdoor activities in the Yorkshire Dales 

Discover the best walking, running and cycling routes around the Yorkshire Dales.

Man climbs on rocks in the summertime
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Activity

Get active at Brimham Rocks 

There are plenty of ways to explore Brimham Rocks, from walking and cycling, to orienteering and geocaching. Discover the outdoor activities on offer.

Hiking group on a guided hike led by rangers at Marsden Moor, West Yorkshire
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Follow a guide on Marsden Moor 

Explore the many walking trails on Marsden Moor, try Nordic walking for fitness, or join a guided walk to learn about the landscape with a National Trust volunteer.

A silver National Trust Roseberry Topping omega shaped sign with a green oakleaf logo stands in front of a drystone wall with the grassy hill of Roseberry Topping behind it. A path zig zags up the slope. The sky is blue with big fluffy white clouds. Fields and hedges stretch into the distance beyond the hill.
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Climb to the top of Roseberry Topping 

Discover what you can do around Roseberry Topping, from climbing the hill itself to seeing geological formations at Cliff Rigg Quarry and spotting wildlife such as roe deer.

Get on your bike

From family friendly loops to challenging countryside adventures.

A family cycle along a countryside track
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Trail

Ravenscar easy cycle loop 

Enjoy this leisurely cycling loop, offering opportunities to spot wildlife and explore features of 'the town that never was', plus the remains of a WW2 radar station.

Activities
Cycling
DistanceMiles: 4 (km: 6.4)
A bright spring day view of Buckden Pike
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Trail

Explore Langstrothdale by bike trail 

Explore the Langstrothdale valley in the Yorkshire Dales on this linear cycle trail, which takes in farmland, medieval churches, ancient stone circles, and a forest home to wild flowers and wildlife.

Activities
Cycling
DistanceMiles: 5 (km: 8) to miles: 18 (km: 28.8)
Vistors cycling in the grounds of Nostell Priory
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Cycling at Nostell 

Discover the cycling trails at Nostell and explore the estate on two wheels.

Running in Yorkshire

Many of the walking trails can be enjoyed as a run, and others have been created with joggers in mind.

Runners with Roseberry Topping behind them
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Trail

Roseberry Romp running trail 

Enjoy this scenic and challenging running route if you've energy to burn, with varied terrain including winding woodland paths, tough ascents and fast descents.

Activities
Running
DistanceMiles: 5 (km: 8)
Wharfedale footpath at Strans Wood
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Trail

Upper Wharfedale Ranger Run 

Discover the Wharfedale Valley on this moderate circular run through the farmland, villages, and wooded hillsides of the Yorkshire Dales' glacial valley.

Activities
Running
DistanceMiles: 6.8 (km: 10.88)
Family with dog walk on Marsden Moor in the summer

Walking in Yorkshire 

Discover some of the best walks in Yorkshire, from rugged Pennine beauty spots, views over the coast to parkland and meadows perfect for a family stroll. Most are dog friendly and many can be enjoyed as part of your day out to the nearest National Trust property.

All outdoor activities in Yorkshire

    Couple walking through the grounds of Fountains Abbey, Yorkshire

    Discover more in Yorkshire

    Home to abbey ruins, houses, gardens and stretches of coast and countryside including the Dales and the North York Moors.