A man and a woman walk in the foreground walk alongside a channel of water. In the background is a statue, a temple and the trees have an orange hue. — See the seasons changing on a walk at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal | © National Trust Images / Chris Lacey

Walking in Yorkshire

With the rolling countryside of the Yorkshire Dales and Pennine beauty spots like Hardcastle Crags, Yorkshire is a walker’s paradise. There are some serious hikes here, but also plenty of rivers, parkland and meadows for a gentle family stroll.

Looking out on the castle rocks at Brimham Rocks, North Yorkshire

Trail

Monks' walk from Brimham Rocks to Fountains Abbey

Walk in the monks' footsteps from Brimham Rocks to Fountains Abbey, following an ancient trail with views from Riva Hill to Brimham Rocks.

A herd of deer on grass with a stone monument in the background

Trail

Studley Royal deer park walk

Follow this circular route trail to marvel at the 300 wild deer that live within the Studley Royal deer park in North Yorkshire.

Two visitors walking a dog with Obelisk Lodge at Nostell Priory in the background

Trail

Nostell Obelisk walk

Take a wander through Nostell's picturesque parkland and its mosaic of natural habitats, from ancient woodland to colourful wildflower meadows.

View of Eastergate bridge, Marsden Moor, Yorkshire

Trail

Easter Gate return walk, Marsden Moor

Take a short, linear walk along the Huddersfield narrow canal leading to a picturesque picnic spot at Eastergate packhorse bridge. It's an easy route under 3 miles that makes a great reason to get outdoors in nature.

View of the River Ouse at Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens, North Yorkshire

Trail

Beningbrough river and woodland walk

Discover this circular walk from Beningbrough Hall, through woods and along the River Ouse, with sweeping views of the estate and the chance to spot a range of wildlife.

Stacked rock formation at Brimham Rocks, with blue sky above

Trail

Circular walk at Brimham Rocks

This short walk will show you the highlights of Brimham from the dramatic rock formations, to the heather moorland.

A view of the summit of Roseberry Topping from the south east against a blue sky. The rocky peak is more rounded from this angle. A path zig zags up the slope of the hill and a lone tree stands amongst bracken in the foreground.

Trail

Roseberry Topping and Captain Cook's Monument walk

Discover this 7.2 mile loop starting at Great Ayton, taking in Captain Cook's Monument then heading to the summit of Roseberry Topping for 360-degree views.

Gibson Mill in autumn at Hardcastle Crags, West Yorkshire

Place

Hardcastle Crags

The valleys offer stunning riverside views on a seasonal walk. Explore this Pennine beauty spot with oak, beech and pine woods as well as tumbling streams.

Two women in walking gear walking through grassy field with sea and coastline behind them

Trail

Ravenscar easy walk

Soak up the views as you discover Ravenscar, past and present, on this short circular walk. With optional loops should you wish to explore further.

Remains of the Guibal Fanhouse at Warsett Hill, North Yorkshire in autumn

Trail

Old Saltburn to Warsett Hill walk

Follow the Old Saltburn to Warsett Hill walking trail on the Yorkshire Coast and enjoy the seaside wildlife, iron stone mining remains, sculptures and wild flowers.

Trail

Moorland and meadows walk at Brimham Rocks

Explore the diverse landscapes around Brimham Rocks, home to a wide range of pondlife, plus wild cotton and waist-high bracken.

A view of farmland, with pastures and trees, and Nidderdale, taken from high on Brimham Rocks, Yorkshire, with rocky outcrops in the foreground

Trail

Pastures and panoramas walk at Brimham Rocks

Pass through pastures on this circular countryside ramble through farmland and meadows in North Yorkshire, with panoramic views of Nidderdale and beyond. Beside the river, look out for kingfishers and brown trout.

Two women sitting on a bench at Blakes Wood, Essex, in spring

Trail

Beningbrough woodland Larch walk

Discover a woodland walk that's just the right length for all ages. Listen out for bird song, take a detour to the medieval pike ponds and, in spring, enjoy a carpet of bluebells.

Visitors walking dogs in the woodland at Blickling, Norfolk

Trail

Beningbrough Newton walk

This picturesque route through parkland and woodland includes two options to extend your walk: going further into the woods and taking in the historic village of Newton-on-Ouse.

Two walkers with dogs on a grassy area next to a stone bridge, crossing a broad, shallow river

Trail

The Seven Bridges Valley walk

On this circular walk, you'll cross delightful arched bridges as you follow the meandering Skell river.

Visitors walking along the lime tree avenue in the Deer Park at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, Yorkshire

Trail

Fountains Abbey ancient trees walk

Explore the highlights of the park on this circular walk and learn more about the ancient trees in the deer park and insights into the 18th-century landscape.

Two visitors walk down a long avenue lined with lime trees in leaf, with a pointed church spire behind them

Trail

Ripon to Fountains Abbey walk

Walk to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal from Ripon, taking in cathedral views from the lime avenue through the deer park, then explore the Seven Bridges Valley on your return.

View looking north from Wessenden Head towards Wessenden Reservoir on Marsden Moor Estate, West Yorkshire.

Trail

Marsden Moor heritage trail south

Push yourself on this 8-mile circular trail which will take you above the Wessenden Valley and show you the moorland plants and birds that make the area internationally important.

A winding path links a series of reservoirs in the Wessenden valley

Trail

Wessenden Valley walk

Take a linear walk up the Wessenden Valley. Stride out along the track to explore this beautiful valley and discover four reservoirs along the route.

Close view of sunrise from Pule Hill, Marsden Moor, showing the mosses and grasses on the hill and the farmland and heather covered hills beyond, with the sun showing through light cloud.

Trail

Pule Hill walk

A moderate circular walk that starts along the canal towpath before gently contouring around the sides of Pule Hill.

Close view of the Pennine Way path at Standedge on Marsden Moor, West Yorkshire

Trail

Standedge circuit walk

Up for a challenge? Try this exhilarating 10 mile circular walk, a large part of it on the Pennine Way, exploring the varied landscapes of Marsden Moor.

Purple heather lines a path on Holme Moor with views over Marsden village

Trail

Marsden Deer Hill walk

A moderate 4½-mile walk that meanders up onto the moors with far-reaching views following the Deer Hill conduit.

Trail

Scarth Wood Moor loop and Mount Grace Priory

A moderate loop from Scarth Wood Moor near Osmotherly to Mount Grace Priory. Be inspired by scenic woodland, moorland, a reservoir and a picturesque village en route.

Family paddling in the river, Upper Wharfedale, Yorkshire Dales

Trail

Buckden to Kettlewell walk

Explore the Yorkshire Dales and spot kingfishers and other water wildlife on this easy linear walk, which follows the River Wharfe through fields, farmland, and along historic dry-stone walls.

A view of Roseberry Topping and Newton Wood as approached from the main car park. The distinctive craggy shape of the rocky summit stands against a blue sky with large clouds.

Trail

Roseberry Topping and Newton Wood walk

If you're feeling fit, why not try this challenging ascent of Cleveland's most famous hill, and reward yourself with panoramic views from the summit

View to Roseberry Topping across golden field and wooden fence in foreground, North Yorkshire

Trail

Roseberry Topping from Great Ayton station walk

A circular walk that starts and finishes at the railway station in Great Ayton and takes in the panoramic views at the summit of Roseberry Topping.

Three small white flowers, each with seven petals, growing among the brown, crinkled leaves on the woodland floor

Trail

Roseberry Topping woodland wildlife walk

A 3.3-mile circular walk among the wildlife-rich woodlands near Roseberry Topping in North Yorkshire.

Two people and a dog are silhouetted standing next to the rotunda. The rotunda is a round brick building supported by six pillars surrounding it and has steps leading up to it.

Trail

Parkland explorer walk (pink route)

Put on your walking boots and discover historic monuments, woodland and a herd of deer in Stainborough park. With 500 acres of parkland, you can have your own corner to yourself.

Visitor at Janet's Foss, part of the Malham Tarn Estate, North Yorkshire.

Trail

Malham village to Janet's Foss

Walk this easy-to-follow, there-and-back scenic walk from Malham village to the waterfall at Janet's Foss, following the beck along gravel paths and through fields and woodlands.

A deep blue lake on a bright sunny day with a pine tree on the left of the picture and exposed, sheer grey cliffs on the hills behind the lake.

Trail

Malham Tarn upland farm circular walk

Discover England's highest lime-rich lake, home to a unique community of rare plants and animals.

Malham Tarn, Yorkshire Dales National Park, North Yorkshire

Trail

Watersinks to Malham Tarn easy stroll

A short linear walk along the scenic shores of Malham Tarn, a beautiful and internationally important wetland site.

Langstrothdale in Upper Wharfedale, Yorkshire Dales

Trail

Discover Langstrothdale valley trail

Discover the River Wharfe in the Langstrothdale valley on this easy circular walk in the Yorkshire Dales, which takes in a Bronze-Age stone circle and riverside wildlife.

View down Upper Wharfedale, Yorkshire Dales

Trail

Yockenthwaite to Cray walk

Discover valleys, flower-rich meadows and local wildlife, such as butterflies and bats, on this moderate circular trail around the hillside of the Yorkshire Dales.

River Wharfe at Buckden, Upper Wharfedale, Yorkshire Dales

Trail

Horse Head Moor and Deepdale walk

Discover views across the Three Peaks, as well as riverside wildlife, on this challenging circular walk up Horse Head Moor and alongside the River Wharfe, in the Yorkshire Dales.

Walking along the footpaths of Upper Wharfedale, Yorkshire Dales

Trail

Old Cote Moor from Kettlewell trail

Discover the exposed Old Cote Moor summit ridge on this challenging circular trail, which offers sweeping views across the Yorkshire Dales and the chance to spot otters and kingfishers by the riverside.

River Swale meandering through Hudswell Woods

Trail

Round Howe and Billy Bank Woods trail

Enjoy picnics and playtime on this family-friendly circular trail, which runs along the River Swale in the Yorkshire Dales, with views of Richmond and historic woodland.

Trail

Buckden to Kettlewell walk

Explore the Yorkshire Dales and spot kingfishers and other water wildlife on this easy linear walk, which follows the River Wharfe through fields, farmland, and along historic dry-stone walls.

Trail

Malham Tarn trail for Trampers

Everyone can discover Malham Tarn, Yorkshire's glacial lake, on this accessible trail suitable for Trampers, which goes through woodland and moorland, offering the chance to spot deer and other wildlife.

Trail

Malham Tarn upland farm circular walk

Discover England's highest lime-rich lake, home to a unique community of rare plants and animals.

Trail

Malham Tarn archaeology walk

Uncover the history of Malham Moor in the Yorkshire Dales on this circular trail, from a Roman military camp and Bronze-Age hunting ground to a 16th-century farmhouse.

Close view of sunrise from Pule Hill, Marsden Moor, Yorkshire, showing the mosses and grasses on the hill and the farm land and heather covered hills beyond, with the sun showing through light cloud.

Trail

Marsden Moor heritage trail north

See magnificent moorland views and find out more about the rich history of Marsden Moor on this bracing 10-mile walk.

Couple walking with a dog by the moon ponds in Studley Royal water garden, with a statue in the water, and trees reflected in the water

Trail

A walk through the centuries at Fountains Abbey

An easy walk through the Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Estate, exploring the significant stages in the estate's history over eight centuries, from 1132 to 1987.

A wide view across the surrounding countryside from Brimham Rocks, North Yorkshire

Trail

Brimham Rocks boundary walk

Enjoy a circular walk around the boundary of Brimham Rocks and discover panoramic views of the Yorkshire countryside.

River Rye with the road bridge beyond at Nunnington Hall, North Yorkshire

Trail

Nunnington Hall up Bank and round Rye walk

This circular walk takes you through Nunnington village and up to Caulkleys Bank, with impressive views north and south, before continuing along the scenic River Rye.

Visitors with pushchairs in the Menagarie Garden at Nostell Priory

Trail

Menagerie Garden walk at Nostell

Traverse the pretty lakeside paths that meander through the Nostell estate in Yorkshire. On the way, discover the Menagerie Garden with its pond full of newts.

Family walking through autumn leaves on Lady Lucy's Walk

Discover more in Yorkshire

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

Explore Yorkshire