Yorkshire Walks
Spring is in the air! With the weather improving, spring is a wonderful time of year to go for a walk - snowdrops and primroses are springing up, daffodils are bursting out, lambs are being born, and little ducklings and goslings are being hatched. Yorkshire, God's Own Country, is an amazing county to explore.
Here is a selection of popular walks across Yorkshire, their routes and links to more information about the area and places to stay.
The Three Peaks
Whernside, Ingleborough and Penyghent - 'The 3 Peaks' are all around 700 metres high. Walking and climbing in these areas is very popular because of the wild landscape, limestone features and the hill walking potential. They form part of the Pennine range and look down to the valley of the River Ribble.
The Malham Tarn Circular
This 11.5 mile walk is long but relatively easy, and goes around Malham Tarn and the valley of Littondale.
The walk starts at Street Gate, Waterhouses, Settle, North Yorkshire, BD24 9PT. You soon pass Janet's Foss, Malham's small but very picturesque waterfall, then go on to Gordale Scar, a huge gorge, which more experienced ramblers can climb.
This 11.5 mile walk is long but relatively easy, and goes around Malham Tarn and the valley of Littondale.The walk starts at Street Gate, Waterhouses, Settle, North Yorkshire, BD24 9PT. You soon pass Janet's Foss, Malham's small but very picturesque waterfall, then go on to Gordale Scar, a huge gorge, which more experienced ramblers can climb.
Raydale and Semer Water
To take in the incredible views of the peaceful Raydale valley surrounding the River Bain, you would have to set a day aside to enjoy this 9 mile walk. It isn’t a beginners walk as the climb up to Wether Fell is pretty steep.
You will see plenty of wildlife on Lake Semer Water.
You will see plenty of wildlife on Lake Semer Water.
Keld and Ravenseat Circular
You can enjoy Swaledale in the Yorkshire Dales and say you have visited ‘the highest pub in Great Britain’ on this 9.5 mile walk.
You will also see Nine Standards Rigg, a group of cairns.
You will also see Nine Standards Rigg, a group of cairns.
Hutton-le-Hole and Lastingham Circular
4.5 mile walk - The walk connects the two moorland villages of Hutton-le-Hole and Lastingham, where you can enjoy the quiet, peaceful countryside of the North York Moors. There is the open-air Ryedale Folk Museum and St Mary’s church, with its 11th Century crypt, if you want to make more of a day of it.
It starts at Hutton-le-Hole car park, North Yorkshire, YO62 6UB.
It starts at Hutton-le-Hole car park, North Yorkshire, YO62 6UB.
Spofforth Countryside
Take in the wonderful countryside around Spofforth, Kirkby, Overblow and Sicklinghall with this 8.1 mile walk.
It passes a couple of pubs if you want to break half-way for lunch or there are plenty of convenient places for a picnic. Spofforth finishes at Spofforth Castle.
It passes a couple of pubs if you want to break half-way for lunch or there are plenty of convenient places for a picnic. Spofforth finishes at Spofforth Castle.
Fox and Rabbit Inn Walk, Pickering
This popular, but long 12.2 mile walk takes around 5-6 hours. Well known for passing The Bridestones and The Hole of Horcum.
Falling Foss and the Hermitage
A short, one mile woodland walk where you discover the stunning waterfall and carved out boulder – The Hermitage. You can reward yourself during or at the end of the walk at Falling Foss Tea Gardens.
Easy Starts at Littlebeck Woods Car Park, Whitby YO22 5JD
Easy Starts at Littlebeck Woods Car Park, Whitby YO22 5JD
Bolton Abbey Estate Country Park
It is nice to take a ride on the Steam Railway and then follow with this 3.8 miles, easy, 2 to 3 hour walk from Bolton Abbey Station to Bolton Abbey Estate Country Park.
You will see the Abbey ruins, The River Wharfe and Bridge, the Stepping Stones. For an extended walk you could head to the Cavendish Pavillion, The Strid, Strid Wood or even up to Barden Bridge.
You will see the Abbey ruins, The River Wharfe and Bridge, the Stepping Stones. For an extended walk you could head to the Cavendish Pavillion, The Strid, Strid Wood or even up to Barden Bridge.
Goathland’s Beautiful Moors and Waterfalls
Goathland is famous for filming locations of the long running TV series, Heartbeat and some scenes from Harry Potter.
This 4.5 mile walk takes you through the beautiful moors and waterfalls of Goathland, set in pretty woodland. It has a moderate difficulty rating and takes a least two hours.
This 4.5 mile walk takes you through the beautiful moors and waterfalls of Goathland, set in pretty woodland. It has a moderate difficulty rating and takes a least two hours.
Whernside & Ribblehead
This challenging walk - up and down the highest of Yorkshire's 3 Peaks – is a 9 mile route, with a climb of 513 metres.
The walk starts at Dent Station, Sedbergh, Cumbria, LA10 5RF. The first part follows alongside the Settle-Carlisle Railway. Not for beginners!
The walk starts at Dent Station, Sedbergh, Cumbria, LA10 5RF. The first part follows alongside the Settle-Carlisle Railway. Not for beginners!
Fewston + Swinsty Reservoir Walk
This 8 mile, gentle walk encircles Fewston and Swinsty Reservoir and all the picturesque setting and interesting wildlife around them.
Brimham Rocks Circular Walk
This short but sweet 1.3 mile walktakes in all the sights of Brimham, with its amazing rock formations and fantastic heather moorland.
Farndale Daffodil Walk
This 3.5 mile walks starts in Low Mill Car Park, in the secluded town of Farndale. It passes thousands of wild daffodils in the spring months, depending on the weather and you can take in the views from Low Mill, High Mill and Bitchagreen. Picturesque at any time of the year.
Aysgarth Falls Walk
This is an easy 2.2 mile walk, but it has lots of gems to see on the way. It finishes off at one of Yorkshire’s finest natural landmarks, Aysgarth Falls, passes Bolton Castle and you can take in breathtaking views across Wensleydale.
Fountains Abbey Circular
Lovely in the spring, you can pass the delights of snow drops, pale yellow primroses, wild garlic and even ducklings and goslings. The 5 mile route around the boundary of the estate passes fantastic views of the Abbey, Fountains Hall, Studley Royal Water Garden and the Deer Park.