You won’t be disappointed by the picture-perfect views of the North York Moors or the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The Yorkshire Coast provides an idyllic setting for a stroll along the beach or challenging hikes up ragged cliffsides. The historic county is full of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, historic castles and listed buildings while there is plenty to see along Yorkshire’s iconic railways. There are expansive lakes, rivers and reservoirs scattered around, allowing you to enjoy a walk by the water without travelling far. No matter where you find yourself, there’s nothing better than a breath of fresh air and unparalleled views over rolling hills or shimmering seas.
Malham Circular Trail
This 4.5-mile circular trail takes you on a 3-hour wander around the highlights of the Yorkshire Dales. On the way, you’ll pass Malham Cove, Janet’s Foss and Gordale Scar, ensuring you don’t miss a thing. There are three shorter trail options between a 50-minute and a 1 hour and 40-minute round-trip route. This stunning route features 70-metre white limestone cliffs, verdant woodlands and an iconic Yorkshire Harry Potter filming location.
Ingleton Waterfall Trails
Another circular trail, this time it’s a 4.3-mile trail around a well-defined footpath close to the banks of two rivers. The path contains lots of steps, so it is not as accessible as others in the Yorkshire Dales, but it provides unbeatable views of the Ingleton Waterfalls, a must-see for any Yorkshire adventure.
Swinsty Walk
For a flat and easy stroll around the waters of the Swinsty Reservoir, the Swinsty Walk provides a 3-mile footpath in and around the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The walk takes around two hours with the option to extend your route to include Fewston Reservoir, taking the route up to 6.6 miles in total with a whole lot more to see.
River Nidd Waterside Walk
There are several scenic routes along the serene waters of the River Nidd. You can take a peaceful stroll along the banks of the river any time, past Mother Shipton’s Cave or Our Lady of the Crag, or you can opt for the Knaresborough Round Walk which takes you on an 8-to-10-hour adventure through the Nidd Gorge and the charming surrounding villages – not for the faint of heart.
Skipton
For those looking to take on a challenging hike, the Bolton Abbey Estate in Skipton is the place to go. The 11.1-mile circular walk takes you up 485m to the panoramic vantage point at Simon’s Seat, where you’ll be able to see the whole of the Yorkshire Dales. You’ll pass intriguing millstone grit formations and continue down into Valley of Desolation.
Swinton Estate
There is no shortage of space to roam or routes to take in the 20,000-acre Swinton Estate. The estate is home to over 63 miles of public footpaths including two riverside loop walks. The Sole Beck Circular Walk takes you on a 5-mile circular trail, passing the 17th-century, grade II-listed Lobley Hall and the enchanting Druid’s Temple with so much more to see.
Scarborough to Filey
Part of the 109-mile Cleaveland Way, this 10.5-mile stretch takes you from one of Yorkshire’s most iconic coastal towns along impressive clifftops and sandy beaches of the Yorkshire Coast. On the way, you’ll pass Cayton Bay and have the option of extending your walk along this celebrated route.
North Yorkshire Three Peaks
If you’re looking for a challenge or hoping to build up to the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, the North Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is a 12.5-mile trek through the countryside. Starting in Great Ayton, you’ll pass some iconic Yorkshire sights including Roseberry Topping, Highcliffe Nab and Captain Cook’s Monument.
Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge
The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is a 24-mile, round-trip trek over the most well-known hills in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. You’ll take on a 1,585m ascent over Pen-y-Ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside, the largest of them all and close to the Grade II-listed Ribblehead Viaduct. There’s plenty of fresh air to be had and picturesque landscapes to soak up.
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