Top North Yorkshire Walks: 60 Routes From the Dales to the Coast

Free PDFs and Route Guides for 60 Top North Yorkshire Walks

This page brings together 60 of the top North Yorkshire walks, from short waterfall strolls in Wensleydale to full days on Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside or along the clifftops above the North Sea. The routes cover the Yorkshire Dales, the North York Moors, Nidderdale, the Howardian Hills and the Yorkshire coast, taking in riverside paths, heather moorland, wooded valleys, limestone scenery, fishing villages and historic abbeys along the way. Most are circular walks that bring you back to where you started, and every one has been walked and written up first-hand, so you know what to expect on the ground.

Each walk has a short summary giving the starting point, the main highlights and the distance, followed by two links. The first opens a free printable PDF with route directions and essential walking information, designed to be easy to use on the day. The second takes you to the walk’s own page on the website, where you will find full directions, photographs, maps and background on the area. The walks are listed in alphabetical order. Between them, the summaries, PDFs and web pages give you everything you need to plan a day out on any of the top North Yorkshire walks on this page.

The interactive map below displays these 60 top North Yorkshire walks using Google My Maps. Click or tap any red diamond on the map to reveal the walk’s printable PDF document and the dedicated website page.

Appleton-le-Moors Walk: Sinnington, Cropton and the River Seven

This walk starts in the village of Sinnington and explores the quiet countryside on the southern edge of the North York Moors. Lanes and woodland bridleways lead to Cropton, where St Gregory’s Church and the village pub make good places to pause. The route then crosses the River Seven on a wooden footbridge, and a gentle climb brings you into Appleton-le-Moors, a stone-built village with open views over the surrounding farmland. Riverside and woodland paths complete the seven-mile loop back to Sinnington. With its mix of villages, river and woodland, it is one of the top North Yorkshire walks for a relaxed day out.

Aysgarth Falls Walk: A Gentle Waterfall Route Among the Top North Yorkshire Walks

This short, well-signposted walk visits all three stages of Aysgarth Falls, where the River Ure spills over broad limestone ledges in Wensleydale. From the car park on Church Bank, near St Andrew’s Church, the route heads downhill past Yore Mill to the Upper Falls. Woodland paths through Freeholders’ Wood then lead downstream to the Middle and Lower Falls, with plenty of viewpoints along the way. The paths are easy to follow, and the National Park visitor centre has toilets and refreshments, making this a good choice for families. The circuit is around two and three-quarter miles, with gentle gradients throughout.

Aysgarth Walk: River Ure Waterfalls and Bolton Castle

Setting off from the centre of Aysgarth, this walk pairs the waterfalls of the River Ure with one of Wensleydale’s best-known landmarks. Field paths lead to the Upper Falls, and the route continues past the Middle and Lower Falls through Freeholders’ Wood and St Joseph’s Wood. Beyond the trees, open farmland leads by Hollins House to Castle Bolton, where the fourteenth-century Bolton Castle rises above the village. The return passes through Carperby and crosses fields back to Aysgarth, with views towards Penhill on the far side of the dale. At around nine miles, it makes a full and varied day, combining water, woodland and history.

Blakey Ridge Walk: Rosedale and the Old Ironstone Railway

This walk starts and finishes at the Lion Inn, which stands high on Blakey Ridge between Farndale and Rosedale. From the pub, grassy paths, quiet lanes and farm tracks lead down into Rosedale, with the valley opening out ahead. A steady climb up Thorgill Bank then brings you to the trackbed of the old ironstone railway line, which once carried ore from the Rosedale mines. Its gentle gradient makes for easy high-level walking, with wide views across the dale as you head back towards Blakey Ridge. The full circuit is around eight miles and gives a real sense of Rosedale’s industrial past.

Bolton Castle Walk: Redmire Moor, Preston-under-Scar and Redmire

Beginning beside the walls of Bolton Castle, this route explores the moorland and villages on the north side of Wensleydale. A steady climb leads onto open moorland and on to Dent’s Houses, which sit in a quiet, sheltered valley. The route then crosses Redmire Moor, with broad views over the dale, before descending to Preston-under-Scar. Field paths carry you south to Redmire, and a final stretch across farmland returns you to Castle Bolton. At around nine and a half miles, it offers a good balance of open moorland, village lanes and history.

Bridestones Walk: Sandstone Rocks on One of the Top North Yorkshire Walks

Starting from Saltergate car park beside the A169, this walk follows the Old Wife’s Way across Newgate Moor to reach the National Trust’s Bridestones Nature Reserve. The first highlight is High Bride Stones, a group of weathered sandstone rocks shaped over thousands of years by wind, frost and rain. A path along the ridge of Needle Point drops through birch woodland into Dove Dale, a peaceful valley with a stream running through it. After a loop round Staindale Lake, the route climbs to Low Bride Stones before returning across the moor to Saltergate. The eight-mile circuit passes through some of the most unusual scenery in the North York Moors.

Brimham Rocks Walk: Balancing Rocks and the River Nidd From Pateley Bridge

This nine-mile circuit from Pateley Bridge climbs to the extraordinary rock formations of Brimham Rocks and returns gently beside the River Nidd. The route heads up through the town to join the Nidderdale Way, passing the ruined St Mary’s Church and The Rock, a viewing platform on Panorama Walk. It continues through Knott and Blazefield before climbing to Brimham Moor, where millstone grit has been worn by water, ice and wind into shapes with names such as the Sphinx and the Dancing Bear. The return drops through Smelthouses and Glasshouses and follows the river back to Pateley Bridge, finishing near the Pillars Past sculpture.

Buckden Pike Walk: A Summit Highlight of the Top North Yorkshire Walks

This walk from Buckden climbs one of the highest fells above Wharfedale and returns along the valley floor. The ascent begins through Rakes Wood and continues up open fellside to the summit of Buckden Pike, where wide views open across the surrounding fells. Close to the summit stands the Polish War Memorial, which remembers the Polish airmen who died when their bomber crashed on the fell in 1942. The descent over Starbotton Fell leads to the village of Starbotton, and a gentle stretch of the Dales Way beside the River Wharfe brings you back to Buckden. The loop is around eight miles, with most of the climbing done early on.

Castle Howard Circular Walk: Follies, Parkland and the Howardian Hills

This walk from the village of Bulmer explores the Howardian Hills and the wider Castle Howard estate. After passing St Martin’s Church, the route crosses fields and Brandrith Wood to reach The Stray, then enters the estate through the Gate House. Estate tracks lead past the Pyramid and over New River Bridge, with views of the Mausoleum, before climbing towards the Temple of the Four Winds and skirting Ray Wood to reach Coneysthorpe. The return heads through Cum Hag Wood to Ganthorpe and down Mowthorpe Dale to Bulmer. At around eight and three-quarter miles, it shows far more of the Castle Howard landscape than a visit to the house alone.

Cleveland 4 Peaks Walk: Four Summits Along the Cleveland Hills

This demanding circuit from Clay Bank car park climbs four tops along the Cleveland Way. The first ascent leads onto White Hill and through the Wain Stones, a cluster of sandstone boulders with views into Bilsdale. Cold Moor comes next, followed by Cringle Moor, the highest of the four at 432 metres, where a viewpoint with a toposcope looks out over Teesside to the North Sea. After passing the café at Lordstones Country Park, the route climbs Carlton Bank before returning on quieter paths below the escarpment. With over 600 metres of climbing in around nine miles, it is one of the top North Yorkshire walks for a real challenge.

Cloughton Wyke Walk: Coastal Coves Among the Top North Yorkshire Walks

Starting on Field Lane in Burniston, this walk heads out to the coast and follows the Cleveland Way north along the clifftops past the Long Nab coastguard station. The path passes the rocky inlet of Cloughton Wyke, where the cliffs reveal layers of Jurassic rock, and continues to the viewpoint at Rodger Trod. National Trust woodland then leads down to Hayburn Wyke, where Hayburn Beck falls onto the beach as a double waterfall. The return follows the beck upstream before joining the Cinder Track for an easy, level walk past the Hayburn Wyke Inn and the former Cloughton Station. The full loop is around eight and three-quarter miles.

Cod Beck Reservoir Walk: Osmotherley, Cote Ghyll and Scarth Wood Moor

Starting in Osmotherley, this short walk explores woodland, moorland and water on the western edge of the North York Moors. After a gentle climb out of the village, the path drops into the wooded valley of Cote Ghyll, where streams run beneath the trees. The route then follows the edge of Cod Beck Reservoir, with calm water set against rolling hills, before a steady climb onto Scarth Wood Moor and Beacon Hill brings wide views. A gradual descent completes the loop back to Osmotherley. At around five miles, it packs a lot of variety into a short distance.

Falling Foss Walk: Woodland Paths to a Waterfall and the Hermitage

This short walk from May Beck follows the beck through peaceful woodland to the waterfall at Falling Foss, where the water pours into a rocky pool below. Clear paths cross a stone bridge on the way, with birdsong all around. Beyond the falls, the route continues to Littlebeck, passing the Hermitage, a shelter carved out of a huge sandstone boulder, and the small village chapel. The return completes a loop of just over four miles. With its easy paths, woodland scenery and strong local character, it is one of the top North Yorkshire walks for families.

Falling Foss Waterfall Walk: Little Beck Wood and Fields From May Beck

Also starting at May Beck car park, this walk takes a different line through Little Beck Wood to Falling Foss, where a tall cascade drops into a shaded ravine. Boardwalks and well-surfaced paths make the woodland section comfortable even after rain, when the falls are at their most impressive. Leaving the trees, the route crosses open fields near Leas Head Farm and Foss Farm before looping back to May Beck on quieter paths. At around four and a half miles, with modest gradients throughout, it makes a good introduction to the woodland scenery of the North York Moors.

Fremington Edge Walk: Swaledale Views on One of the Top North Yorkshire Walks

Starting in Reeth, this walk climbs onto Fremington Edge, a long escarpment with wide views over Swaledale, Arkengarthdale and across to Calver Hill. A steady ascent from the village lanes leads onto open moorland and an airy path near the edge, with dry stone walls patterning the dales below. Along the ridge you pass the Fell End cairn and traces of old lead and chert workings. The descent follows quiet bridleways past Storthwaite Hall, Heggs House and Castle Farm back to Reeth. At around seven and a half miles, it combines upland views, industrial history and classic Yorkshire Dales scenery.

Grassington Walk: Riverside Paths and Moorland Views Above Wharfedale

Starting in Grassington, this loop drops to Linton Falls, where the River Wharfe tumbles over limestone steps in a wooded setting. Riverside paths and field tracks lead towards Hebden, crossing the suspension bridge before the scenery opens out along quieter lanes. The route then climbs to higher ground near Yarnbury, with broad views across Wharfedale and reminders of the area’s lead-mining past. It finishes with a descent to Grassington’s cobbled streets and cafés. At around eight and a half miles, it gives a good taste of Wharfedale’s river, village and moorland scenery.

Great Ayton Walk: Woodland Trails, Hutton Moor and Hanging Stone

Setting out from the eastern end of High Street in Great Ayton, this walk crosses the railway and climbs past Round Hill into Ayton Banks Wood and Mill Bank Wood. Forestry tracks lead up through Pale End Plantation to Percy Cross Rigg, where a moorland bridleway crosses Hutton Moor with wide views towards the coast. The route joins the Cleveland Way at Hanging Stone, a sandstone outcrop perched above Guisborough, then returns past Little Roseberry, Aireyholme Farm and Cliff Ridge Wood. At around nine and a quarter miles, it ranks among the top North Yorkshire walks for big views on the northern edge of the moors.

Guisborough 3 Peaks Walk: A Hill Challenge Among the Top North Yorkshire Walks

This walk starts on Hutton Village Road on the edge of Guisborough and takes in three high points in the Cleveland Hills. A steady climb through Hutton Lowcross Woods and over open moorland leads to the summit of Roseberry Topping, with views across the Tees Valley and the Cleveland Plain. The route then crosses moorland and woodland paths to Hanging Stone, a large sandstone outcrop, before continuing to Highcliff Nab, where the views stretch towards the coast. Forest tracks lead back down to the start, completing a loop of around six and a half miles.

Guisborough Forest Walk: Woodland Trails and a Roseberry Topping Option

This walk starts at the Guisborough Forest and Walkway Visitor Centre in Pinchinthorpe, where there is a café and toilets. Woodland trails lead through High Bousdale Wood, with Roseberry Topping coming into view ahead, before a steep stone-stepped path climbs past Little Roseberry onto open moorland. There are fine views over the Cleveland Hills, and an optional detour takes you to the top of Roseberry Topping itself. The route returns downhill on waymarked trails and finishes along a disused railway line back to the visitor centre. The full loop is around seven miles.

Guisborough Woods Walk: Hutton Moor and the Highcliff Nab Viewpoint

Starting on Hutton Village Road, this walk passes through Hutton Wood before emerging onto the open heather of Hutton Moor. A path beside a dry stone wall leads to the Cleveland Way, which climbs to Highcliff Nab, a sandstone crag with wide views over Guisborough. The trail then follows the ridge and winds through Guisborough Woods, a long strip of woodland on a steep north-facing slope, rich in springs and small gills. A descent to farmland completes the loop. At around seven and a half miles, it combines woodland, moorland and some of the best views in the Cleveland Hills.

Gunnerside Gill Walk: Lead-Mining Heritage in Swaledale

Starting in Gunnerside, this walk follows Gunnerside Beck north through woodland and farmland into one of Swaledale’s great lead-mining valleys. The route passes the remains of the Sir Francis Dressing Floor and Bunting Mine, reminders of the industry that once filled the gill. Higher up, Silver Hill and Jingle Pot Edge give wide views over Swaledale before the route loops south through the hamlet of Ivelet and across peaceful fields back to Gunnerside. At around seven miles, it is one of the top North Yorkshire walks for industrial history in a classic Dales setting.

Hawes Mosaic Walk: An Art Trail Among the Top North Yorkshire Walks

This walk from the Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes follows an unusual theme, seeking out twenty mosaic artworks that celebrate local wildlife, farming life and culture. The route links the villages of Burtersett, Gayle, Hardraw and Sedbusk, crossing open fields past stone barns with wide views across Upper Wensleydale. Other highlights include the waterfall at Aysgill Force and the tall arches of Appersett Viaduct. The walk finishes beside St Margaret’s Church in Hawes, where the mosaic project began. At around eleven miles, it makes a full day with plenty to look out for.

Hayburn Wyke Walk: A Beach Waterfall, Ravenscar and the Cinder Track

Starting from the small car park by the Hayburn Wyke Inn, an eighteenth-century coaching inn, this walk drops through National Trust woodland to a rocky cove where Hayburn Beck falls straight onto the beach. Steps climb to the clifftop, and the Cleveland Way leads north past Petard Point to the remains of the Ravenscar Second World War radar station. Beyond Ravenscar, a path below the Raven Hall Hotel opens up a wide view across Robin Hood’s Bay. The return follows the Cinder Track south, past the old Ravenscar and Staintondale stations and through stone tunnels, back to the start. The full circuit is around nine and a quarter miles.

Hebden Circular Walk: An Easy Family Route Among the Top North Yorkshire Walks

This gentle loop from Hebden suits families and anyone looking for a shorter day in Wharfedale. From Main Street, a path crosses the flower-rich Grassington Park Estate meadows and follows High Lane down into Grassington, with its cobbled square and independent shops. The route then drops to Linton Falls, where the River Wharfe pours through deep limestone channels, before following the Dales Way beside the river to Hebden Suspension Bridge. A quiet valley path completes the circuit, finishing near The Old School Tea Room in Hebden. The full loop is around four and three-quarter miles on easy terrain.

Hebden Walk: Grass Wood, the River Wharfe and Linton Falls

This longer walk from Hebden follows the meadow path into Grassington, then heads out along quiet lanes to Grass Wood Nature Reserve, an ancient woodland of limestone scars and clearings cared for by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. The route passes the remains of an Iron Age settlement and the hill fort of Fort Gregory before dropping to the River Wharfe. Riverside paths then lead past Ghaistrill’s Strid, where the river squeezes through a narrow rocky channel, to Linton Falls and its restored hydroelectric station. The Dales Way continues to Hebden Suspension Bridge, and fields bring you back to the village after around eight and a half miles.

Hole of Horcum Circular Walk: Around the Rim and Through Levisham

This walk starts at Saltergate car park beside the A169, looking straight into the Hole of Horcum, a huge hollow in the moors that legend says Wade the Giant scooped out in a rage. The route follows the Tabular Hills Walk around the upper rim across Levisham Moor before descending to the village of Levisham. A peaceful woodland section through Levisham Brow leads back via Horcum Slack and Low Horcum, passing grazing sheep and a stone barn at the foot of the hollow. A final steady climb returns you to the rim, completing a loop of around seven miles.

Hole of Horcum Walk: Skelton Tower on One of the Top North Yorkshire Walks

Also starting from Saltergate, this route drops straight into the Hole of Horcum, a vast bowl formed over thousands of years as springs slowly wore away the hillside. From the valley floor, it climbs through the wooded ravine of Dundale Griff onto open moorland and follows lanes into Levisham. The walk then heads across Levisham Moor to Skelton Tower, a ruined shooting lodge with far-reaching views over Newton Dale, where the North Yorkshire Moors Railway runs through the valley below. Crossing Levisham Bottoms, the route returns to Saltergate after almost eight miles.

Hutton-le-Hole Walk: Three Moorland Villages and an Ancient Crypt

This walk begins at the National Park car park in Hutton-le-Hole and links three attractive villages on the southern edge of the moors. After crossing Jennie’s Bridge over Hole Beck, the route heads over fields and moorland to Lastingham, where St Mary’s Church has a remarkable ancient crypt. Quiet lanes and tracks then lead to Appleton-le-Moors, passing stone cottages and open dale views, before the return to Hutton-le-Hole. At just over nine miles, with its mix of village charm, history and varied terrain, it stands out among the top North Yorkshire walks.

Ingleborough Walk: A Limestone Classic Among the Top North Yorkshire Walks

Starting in the village of Clapham, this walk explores some of the finest limestone scenery in the Yorkshire Dales. Tracks beside Clapham Beck lead past Ingleborough Cave and through the dramatic ravine of Trow Gill to Gaping Gill, where Fell Beck plunges into a vast underground chamber. A steady climb over Little Ingleborough brings you to the broad, flat summit of Ingleborough, one of the Yorkshire Three Peaks. The return crosses limestone pavement and follows Long Lane and Thwaite Lane back to Clapham. At around ten and a half miles, it is a challenging and memorable day on the fells.

Kettlewell Walk: Littondale, Arncliffe and the River Wharfe

This walk from Kettlewell links two classic Dales valleys, Wharfedale and Littondale. After climbing through woodland and meadow, the route drops into Littondale at the hamlet of Hawkswick and follows the River Skirfare to Arncliffe, a filming location for All Creatures Great and Small. It then climbs steeply over Old Cote Moor before descending into Wharfedale near Starbotton. A gentle stretch of the Dales Way beside the River Wharfe leads back to Kettlewell. At around nine miles, it combines riverside paths, quiet villages and a real sense of history.

Leyburn Shawl Walk: Terrace Views, Preston-under-Scar and Wensley

Starting in Leyburn, this walk soon reaches Leyburn Shawl, a raised limestone terrace with far-reaching views across Wensleydale. The route continues through woodland and open fields before descending to Preston-under-Scar along quiet lanes and farmland. Paths then cross the valley to Wensley, a village beside the River Ure, before a varied return to Leyburn. At around six and three-quarter miles, it offers big views and plenty of village character without being strenuous, which makes it one of the top North Yorkshire walks for a gentler day.

Leyburn Shawl Walk: Castle Bolton, Redmire and Bolton Hall

This longer walk also begins in Leyburn, setting off from the Market Place and following the Shawl west with wide views across Wensleydale. After dropping towards Preston-under-Scar, it passes through woodland to reach quiet country lanes and continues through Castle Bolton, where the late fourteenth-century castle is well worth a look, and on to Redmire, crossing Apedale Beck. Fields and woodland near Bolton Hall then lead to Wensley, and a final stretch returns to Leyburn. At around eleven miles, it links historic villages, a medieval castle and classic Dales countryside in one full day.

Lordstones Walk: A Long Moorland Day Among the Top North Yorkshire Walks

This walk begins at Clay Bank car park beside the B1257, a couple of miles south-east of Great Broughton. The route follows the Cleveland Way west over White Hill, Cold Moor and Cringle Moor, passing the Wain Stones and enjoying wide moorland views along the way. After a break at Lordstones Country Park, the return heads south through the quiet valleys of Raisdale and Bilsdale, passing through the village of Chop Gate and along the western slopes of Urra Moor. At around eleven miles, it makes a longer and quieter alternative to the Cleveland 4 Peaks walk.

Muker Walk: Kisdon, Keld and the Swaledale Waterfalls

From the village of Muker, this walk climbs the slopes of Kisdon and skirts round the hill before dropping to Keld. Here the route visits a string of waterfalls, including East Gill Falls, Currack Force, Wain Wath Force and the hidden Kisdon Force, set in protected woodland. The return passes through Rukin Wood and follows the River Swale south, finishing on the stone-flagged paths through the celebrated Muker hay meadows. At around eight and a quarter miles, it pairs traditional Swaledale scenery with more waterfalls than almost any of the top North Yorkshire walks.

North York Moors Walk: Whisper Dales, Broxa Forest and Harwood Dale

Starting in the village of Hackness, about six miles west of Scarborough, this walk follows quiet lanes and bridleways into Low Dales and Whisper Dales beside Whisperdales Beck. The bridleways are easy to follow, with blue waymarkers guiding you through the valleys. A steady climb through Broxa Forest brings a change of scenery before the views open out from Barns Cliff End across Harwood Dale. The return through High Dales completes a loop of around eight and a quarter miles, combining gentle valleys, forest tracks and wide upland views.

North Yorkshire Walk: Middleham, Jervaulx Park and East Witton

This walk from Middleham follows the Six Dales Trail beside the River Cover, passing Middleham Castle on the way to the stepping stones and the Cover Bridge Inn. It then joins the River Ure and continues through the parkland of Jervaulx Park, with glimpses of the abbey ruins. Paths lead on to East Witton before open fields and riverside tracks bring you back to Middleham. At around twelve miles, it is one of the longer routes among the top North Yorkshire walks, but much of it follows easy riverside and parkland paths.

Osmotherley Walk: Lady Chapel and Sheepwash on One of the Top North Yorkshire Walks

Setting off from the village green in Osmotherley, on the western edge of the North York Moors, this walk climbs Ruebury Lane and enters woodland on the way to the historic Lady Chapel. After an optional detour along the Rosary Path, the route follows the Cleveland Way across the open expanse of Scarth Wood Moor and down to Sheepwash beside Cod Beck. It then loops south past Chequers and into Oak Dale before returning to Osmotherley through quiet valleys and moorland fields. At around six and three-quarter miles, it packs a lot of interest into a moderate distance.

Pateley Bridge Walk: Nidderdale Lead Mines and Riverside Paths

Starting beside the River Nidd in Pateley Bridge, this walk explores a quieter corner of Nidderdale shaped by lead mining. The route follows the Nidderdale Way across fields to the remains of the Prosperous and Providence lead mines, where old workings still mark the hillside. It then descends to the village of Wath and passes Wath Mill before a riverside return leads back to Pateley Bridge. At around eight and a half miles on well-defined paths, it combines open countryside, history and gentle riverside walking. Pateley Bridge is also the starting point for the Brimham Rocks walk on this page.

Pen-y-ghent Walk: A Three Peaks Summit From Horton in Ribblesdale

This walk from Horton in Ribblesdale climbs Pen-y-ghent, the lowest of the Yorkshire Three Peaks but one of the most distinctive hills in the Dales. Sections of the Pennine Way lead past limestone pavement and open hillside, with views opening up across Ribblesdale. A short rocky section near the top adds interest before the broad summit plateau gives far-reaching views. The descent follows a gentler line back to Horton, completing a loop of around seven and a half miles. It is one of the top North Yorkshire walks for a first taste of the Three Peaks.

Penhill Walk: Knights Templar History on One of the Top North Yorkshire Walks

This walk starts in West Witton and climbs steadily onto Penhill, a distinctive flat-topped ridge above Wensleydale. Field paths and woodland tracks lead to open ground, with wide views across the dale and into Coverdale. Near the summit, the route passes a stone shelter before descending past the remains of Penhill Preceptory, a medieval site of the Knights Templar. The return crosses mixed farmland to complete a loop of around eight and a quarter miles. It is best saved for a clear day, when the views from the top are at their finest.

Ravenscar Walk: Alum Works, Boggle Hole and Robin Hood’s Bay

Beginning on Raven Hall Road in Ravenscar, high above the North Sea, this walk descends through woodland to the ruins of Peak Alum Works, now cared for by the National Trust. The Cleveland Way then follows the clifftops north past a Second World War pillbox to Boggle Hole, where a former corn mill is now a youth hostel, and on to Robin Hood’s Bay. After exploring the village, the route returns inland along the Cinder Track, passing old railway bridges and the remains of Ravenscar Brickworks. The full circuit is around eight and three-quarter miles, with a real change of pace between the two halves.

Rievaulx Abbey Walk: Helmsley, Rye Dale and Old Byland

This walk starts at the Cleveland Way car park in Helmsley and follows the first miles of the Cleveland Way west past Blackdale Howl Wood and Griff Lodge. Woodland paths then drop to Rievaulx Bridge, and a quiet road leads past the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey into the village, with its thatched cottage and St Mary’s Church. From here the route continues through Rye Dale and climbs to Old Byland before looping back to Helmsley. At around eleven and a half miles, it brings together history and peaceful countryside as well as any of the top North Yorkshire walks.

Ripon Walk: Studley Royal Deer Park Among the Top North Yorkshire Walks

This walk starts near Ripon Cathedral and follows the River Skell out of the city to Hell Wath Nature Reserve, where rusted silhouette soldiers recall Ripon’s First World War army camp. The Ripon Rowel bridleway then leads into Studley Royal Deer Park through the Seven Bridges Valley, and the route continues to The Lake before following the old Abbey Wall. Fountains Abbey is glimpsed from the free, open paths, so no admission charge is needed. The return passes St Mary’s Church and the village of Studley Roger before a final riverside stretch leads back to the cathedral. The full loop is around ten and a quarter miles.

Robin Hood’s Bay Walk: Clifftops, Narrow Streets and High Hawsker

This circuit starts at Station Car Park in Robin Hood’s Bay and heads south along the Cinder Track before cutting across to the Cleveland Way for a first view of the red-roofed village tumbling down to the sea. After exploring the narrow streets, once a busy haunt of smugglers, the route climbs back to the clifftops and follows the coast north past Rain Dale and Limekiln Slack. It then turns inland to High Hawsker and rejoins the Cinder Track, where a small stone bridge gives one of the finest views south across the bay. The full loop is around nine and a quarter miles.

Roseberry Topping Walk: A Cleveland Landmark Among the Top North Yorkshire Walks

This walk from Great Ayton climbs through woodland to the summit of Roseberry Topping, whose jagged profile comes from a partial collapse of the hill in 1912. From the top, the views stretch across the Cleveland Hills and the Tees Valley. The route continues across open moorland to Captain Cook’s Monument on Easby Moor, which honours the explorer who spent his boyhood in Great Ayton. It then returns on quieter woodland paths and beside the River Leven. At around six and a half miles, it packs big scenery into a compact loop.

Rosedale Abbey Walk: Lastingham, Ana Cross and Chimney Bank

This walk begins in Rosedale Abbey and climbs beside Spaunton Moor, with broad views opening across the valley. Quiet moorland paths lead towards High Askew before descending into Lastingham, one of the oldest religious sites in the North York Moors, known for its ancient church and crypt. The return crosses exposed moorland near Ana Cross, an old stone cross on the skyline, before descending Rosedale Chimney Bank, one of the steepest roads in England, back to the village. The full loop is around nine and a quarter miles.

Rosedale Walk: Lime Kilns, Ironstone and the River Seven

Starting in Rosedale Abbey, this walk explores a valley shaped by both natural beauty and industry. Quiet lanes and field paths lead up to the old railway line high above the dale, where wide views open across Rosedale. Passing lime kilns and the remains of ironstone workings, the route then descends into the valley, crosses the River Seven and returns via the hamlet of Thorgill. At around eight miles, it is a well-balanced walk with plenty of history along the way, and a good companion to the Blakey Ridge walk, which starts high above the dale at the Lion Inn.

Runswick Bay Walk: Fishing Villages on One of the Top North Yorkshire Walks

Starting at Runswick Bank Top, this walk drops into the lower village of Runswick Bay, rebuilt after a great landslide in 1682, before joining the Cleveland Way north. The clifftop path passes Port Mulgrave, once busy shipping ironstone, and the headland of Old Nab before descending into Staithes, a fishing village packed tightly around its harbour. The return heads inland through Dalehouse and along a former ironstone tramway into Oakrigg Wood Nature Reserve, then passes St Hilda’s Church and its holy well in Hinderwell. The full circuit is around eight and a quarter miles, with a number of short climbs.

Scarborough Walk: Clifftops, the Old Railway and Peasholm Glen

This walk begins at the Burniston Road car park near Scarborough’s North Bay and follows the promenade past Scalby Mills before climbing onto the cliffs. The Cleveland Way then leads north along easy clifftop paths above Scalby Ness Sands to Crook Ness, where the route turns inland towards Burniston. The return follows the Cinder Track through fields and woodland to Scalby, then drops through Peasholm Glen, with its ponds and stone bridges, to the boating lake and island bandstand in Peasholm Park. The full loop is around eight and a quarter miles, blending coast, countryside and parkland.

Semer Water Walk: Raydale, Marsett and the Roman Road

This walk begins in Bainbridge and crosses open countryside to Semer Water, the second-largest natural lake in North Yorkshire. The route follows part of the long-distance trail known as A Pennine Journey through the nature reserve beside the lake and on to the hamlet of Marsett, before climbing onto Wether Fell along an old Roman road. Wide views across Raydale open up before a long descent back to Bainbridge. At around twelve and a quarter miles, it is one of the longest of the top North Yorkshire walks on this page, with lake, fell and valley scenery all in one day.

Sutton Bank Walk: Escarpment Views Among the Top North Yorkshire Walks

This walk follows the Cleveland Way along the top of Sutton Bank, starting near the Yorkshire Gliding Club and passing above the Kilburn White Horse. The escarpment gives dramatic views west across the Vale of Mowbray, and woodland sections and clifftop viewpoints add variety along the way. Landmarks include Gormire Lake, far below the edge, and High Paradise Farm. Unlike most of the routes on this page, this is a there-and-back walk, covering around twelve miles on well-maintained paths, so it is easy to turn round sooner for a shorter day.

Swaledale Walk: Harkerside Moor and the River Swale From Reeth

Reeth, with its large village green lined with pubs, cafés and shops, makes a good base for this walk. The route crosses the River Swale and climbs steadily onto Harkerside and Whitaside moors, where wide views and old lead-mining remains shape the landscape. The route then descends beside Haverdale Beck and returns along the river to Reeth. At around ten and a quarter miles, it combines open moorland, riverside paths and a strong sense of Swaledale’s mining past, making it one of the top North Yorkshire walks for a varied day in the northern Dales.

Tupgill Park Walk: Middleham Castle, Low Moor and the Tupgill Estate

Starting from Wensley Bridge, this walk links the villages of Wensley, Middleham and West Witton. Riverside paths lead towards Middleham, whose castle was once a home of Richard III, before the route crosses Middleham Low Moor, famous for its racehorse gallops. It then enters the Tupgill Park estate, home to The Forbidden Corner, a garden maze of tunnels and follies. Quiet tracks, woodland and open fields provide plenty of variety before the return to Wensley. At around eleven and a quarter miles, it is a full day with lots of village character and changing scenery.

Wensleydale Walk: Redmire Force on One of the Top North Yorkshire Walks

This walk begins in Wensley and leads through classic Dales scenery to the peaceful waterfalls at Redmire Force on the River Ure. Paths cross Wensley Park and open fields to Preston-under-Scar, a small village tucked below a limestone scar, before reaching the woodland approach to the falls, which are far quieter than Aysgarth Falls upstream. The return follows riverside tracks and woodland near Bolton Hall back to Wensley. At around nine and a quarter miles, it offers a varied day beside one of Wensleydale’s less-visited stretches of river.

Wensleydale Walk: West Witton, Aysgarth Falls and West Burton

Starting in West Witton, this walk follows riverside paths beside the River Ure before a gentle climb through fields and woodland to Aysgarth Falls, which can be busy in summer, so an early start gives you a quieter visit. The route continues to West Burton, known for its large village green, passing Cauldron Falls close to the village, before returning via quiet lanes and field paths. At around ten and a half miles, it takes in classic dale views, two sets of waterfalls and plenty of village character, making it a satisfying full day in the heart of Wensleydale.

Wharfedale Walk: A Figure-of-Eight Through Starbotton and Kettlewell

Starting in Buckden, near the head of Wharfedale, this walk follows a figure-of-eight route through the upper dale, using sections of the Dales Way, riverside paths and quiet bridleways. It visits the villages of Starbotton and Kettlewell, both with pubs that make good places to break the day, before a scenic return along the River Wharfe. With valley walking, open hillsides and traditional stone villages, this loop of around nine and a half miles gives a fine picture of Upper Wharfedale. Buckden’s car park and village pub make it a handy base for the day.

Whernside Walk: The Highest Summit Among the Top North Yorkshire Walks

This walk starts near Ribblehead Viaduct and climbs to the summit of Whernside, the highest peak in the Yorkshire Dales. The route follows the Three Peaks path beside the Settle to Carlisle railway, past Blea Moor signal box and the Force Gill Aqueduct, before a steep climb onto the long summit ridge. On a clear day, the views from the top stretch across to Ingleborough, Pen-y-ghent and the Howgill Fells. A descent across farmland returns you to the viaduct and its twenty-four arches, completing a loop of around ten miles.

Whitby Walk: Robin Hood’s Bay, Whitby Abbey and Larpool Viaduct

This long coastal day starts at Robin Hood’s Bay and follows the Cleveland Way north along the clifftops to Whitby. On the way, the route passes Whitby Lighthouse, the fog signal known as the Hawsker Bull and Saltwick Bay before reaching Whitby Abbey, St Mary’s Church and the 199 Steps. After crossing Whitby Bridge and passing the marina, the return follows the Cinder Track over the thirteen-arch Larpool Viaduct and through Hawsker. At around thirteen and a quarter miles, it is the longest of the top North Yorkshire walks on this page, with open sea cliffs on the way out and a level railway path on the way back.

Yockenthwaite Walk: Buckden Rake, Cray and Hubberholme

This walk from Buckden climbs steadily along Buckden Rake, with wide views over Upper Wharfedale, before descending to the hamlet of Cray. It continues to Yockenthwaite, crossing its well-known packhorse bridge, then follows riverside paths on the Dales Way to Hubberholme, a favourite of the writer J. B. Priestley, where the old church sits beside the river. A final stretch leads back to Buckden, which is also the starting point for the Buckden Pike and Wharfedale walks on this page. At around seven miles, it ranks among the top North Yorkshire walks for riverside scenery and small Dales villages.

Yorkshire Moors Walk: Colsterdale on One of the Top North Yorkshire Walks

Starting near Masham, this walk crosses heather moorland, dale edges and quiet forest trails in Colsterdale, a peaceful valley west of the town. Grassy tracks lead over Masham Moor to Dale Edge, where wide upland views open out. The route then descends into Colsterdale, following Colster Beck and woodland paths, before climbing back onto open hillside and returning to Masham, a market town known for its large square and two breweries. At around ten miles, it blends upland scenery with woodland walking in a quieter corner of North Yorkshire.