A group cycling through the woodland on a cycle trail which winds through carpets of bluebells — There are lots of options if you prefer to explore on wheels | © Simon Dewhurst

Outdoor activities in Yorkshire

Whether you fancy a cycling, climbing or running adventure in the Yorkshire Dales, prefer the excitement of orienteering in the countryside, or would like to try fossil hunting on the coast, there's plenty of ways to get outside in Yorkshire.

A man reaches up over a rounded rock, while rock climbing at Brimham Rocks, North Yorkshire

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.

View across to Robin Hood's Bay from Ravenscar in autumn

Article

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.

Purple heather blooming on Marsden Moor, West Yorkshire.

Activity

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 man and boy on mountains bikes on the Yorkshire Dales

Activity

Outdoor activities in the Yorkshire Dales

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

Rock formation on Bridestones moor with moorland landscape in the background

Article

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.

From family friendly loops to challenging countryside adventures.

A family cycling along a path in parkland at Nostell, Yorkshire

Trail

Woodland cycle trails at Nostell

Test your skills on our bike trails, designed with families in mind. This figure-of-eight loop takes in woodland, lake views and the chance to spot wildlife.

A bright spring day view of Buckden Pike

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.

Two people on bikes exploring the Welsh coast with the sea in the background and pink early summer wild flowers in the forground

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.

Mountain biking on the Malham Tarn Estate, Yorkshire Dales

Trail

Malham Tarn family cycle trail

Discover Malham Moor on this family-friend cycle trail around the Yorkshire Dales, exploring the glacial lake Malham Tarn, its surrounding nature reserve and wildlife that call the area home.

An altogether different way to explore

Visitors on a bridge at Hardcastle Crags with Gibson Mill in view, West Yorkshire

Activity

Orienteering at Hardcastle Crags

We are delighted to introduce our new permanent orienteering course at Hardcastle Crags, thoughtfully designed to offer a non-competitive and leisurely form of orienteering. This is your chance to use your map-reading skills to navigate a course of markers, or ‘controls’, while immersing yourself in the beauty of our enchanting landscape.

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

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.

Stake Road across Cray Moss in autumn at Upper Wharfdale, North Yorkshire

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.

Large group of hikers walking beside dry stone wall with hilly landscape in the background

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.