Enjoy Panoramic Views with the Hawnby Hill Walk in North Yorkshire
Begin your Hawnby Hill walk by parking in the Newgate Bank Forestry Commission car park, located on the B1257 between Great Broughton and Helmsley, approximately five miles north of Helmsley. This car park is positioned on a bend at the top of Newgate Bank, so exercise caution when entering or leaving due to the busy road. Before setting off, take a moment to find the viewpoint, which offers breathtaking vistas over the moors and towards Easterside Hill.
Leave the car park and turn left onto the B1257. Carefully cross the road to find a path heading south, which you will follow for about a quarter of a mile. Then, turn right and follow the forestry track downhill through Newgate Plantation. The track zigzags down to Broadway Foot. From there, head south to reach the minor road at Shaken Bridge.
Next, continue west along this road, crossing the bridge, and proceed until you see a footpath on your right just before Ristbrow Farm. Take this path and walk west across the farmland until you reach Hawnby Bridge over the River Rye. After crossing the bridge, follow the road north into the charming village of Hawnby.
At the village crossroads, go straight on and pick up the path that starts your ascent to the top of Hawnby Hill. This trail will lead you across the ridge to the hill’s highest point at the northern end. Pause to enjoy the panoramic views before descending the northern slopes to meet a minor road at the bottom.
Cross this road and walk north-east along the track leading to the farm at Sportsman’s Hall. Walk around the northern side of the farm and descend into the valley. Use the footbridge to cross Ladhill Beck, then, after a short climb, follow the path south through the valley, passing Low Banniscue and Little Banniscue, until you reach the minor road near Ladhill Beck Bank.
Turn left and walk up the road, known as Easterside Lane. This road circles around the southern slopes of Easterside Hill. After about three-quarters of a mile, take the path on your right through the woods and across fields to reach a footbridge over the River Seph. After crossing the river, head south towards Fair Hill Farm and continue south to return to Broadway Foot, where you were earlier in the day.
Retrace your steps uphill through Newgate Plantation to return to the main road, then turn left to get back to your car park. This nine-mile Hawnby Hill walk in the North York Moors offers a delightful blend of stunning landscapes and challenging paths, making it a truly memorable hike.
Hawnby Hill Walk: Maps and Tools
Visit either the OS Maps website or the Outdooractive website to view this walking route in greater detail. Both platforms offer a range of features, including the ability to print the route, download it to your device, and export the route as a GPX file. You can also watch a 3D fly-over and share the route on social media.
Hawnby Hill Walk: Distance, Duration, Statistics
Distance: 9¼ miles
Distance: 14¾ kilometres
Duration: 4½ hours
Ascent: 1728 feet
Ascent: 527 metres
Type: Circular walk
Recommended Ordnance Survey Map
The best map to use on this walk is the Ordnance Survey map of the North York Moors Western Area, reference OS Explorer OL26, scale 1:25,000. It clearly displays footpaths, rights of way, open access land and vegetation on the ground, making it ideal for walking, running and hiking. The map can be purchased from Amazon in either a standard, paper version or a weatherproof, laminated version, as shown below.
About Hawnby Hill
Hawnby Hill, situated in the North York Moors of North Yorkshire, Northern England, rises just north of the village of Hawnby. The hill’s peak, at its northern end, reaches an elevation of 298 metres (978 feet).
Viewed from above, Hawnby Hill resembles an elongated oval, with a ridge running north to south for approximately half a mile. A footpath traverses this ridge, offering a scenic route for walkers. Surrounding the hill, picturesque farmland and woodland provide stunning views of the countryside.
To the North and South of Hawnby Hill
To the north, the landscape transitions into Hawnby Moor, an expansive moorland. Nestled at the base of the hill’s north-east slopes, Nova Scotia Farm adds to the area’s charm. South of the hill lies the village of Hawnby. The northern and southern slopes are gentler compared to the steeper eastern and western slopes.
The Eastern Side of Hawnby Hill
On the eastern side, a blend of moorland and woodland covers the steep slopes. At the base of the south-eastern flanks sits Long Acres Farm. A minor road runs along the eastern boundary in a north-south direction, connecting Hawnby to Square Corner, just east of Osmotherley, approximately seven miles away. This road is part of the National Cycle Network Route 656, a challenging route that primarily runs on-road and connects Coxwold to Hawnby via Sutton Bank National Park Centre.
The Western Side of Hawnby Hill
The western slope features Hawnby Hill Crag, a striking geological formation. The terrain here is more rugged, with areas of moorland and woodland similar to those on the eastern side. A bridleway and two footpaths run north to south below the western slope, providing excellent walking routes.
The Eastern Valley of Hawnby Hill
On the eastern side of the hill, a valley cradles Ladhill Beck, which flows from north to south before joining the River Rye. Opposite this valley stands Easterside Hill, a neighbouring elevation slightly higher than Hawnby Hill but with a broader plateau.
The Western Valley of Hawnby Hill
The western valley of Hawnby Hill hosts the River Rye, which flows from the north and passes under Hawnby Bridge, just south of the village. A network of paths and tracks crisscrosses the area, allowing walkers and hikers to explore the hill’s eastern and western valleys and their scenic surroundings.
Hawnby Hill’s varied landscape and extensive network of trails make it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and walkers alike. Whether you prefer a challenging hike or a leisurely stroll, the beauty and diversity of Hawnby Hill and its surroundings will not disappoint.
Hawnby Hill Walk: My Photos
Looking north-west towards Easterside Hill from the car park viewpoint at Newgate Bank.
The forestry track through Newgate Plantation soon after the start of our Hawnby Hill walk.
Easterside Hill comes into view as we make our way down through Newgate Plantation.
Easterside Hill as seen from the minor road between Shaken Bridge and Hawnby.
Hawnby Hill is visible in the distance as we walk along the minor road towards Hawnby.
Hawnby Bridge which crosses the River Rye, just south of Hawnby village.
The River Rye near Hawnby Bridge. The river rises in the Cleveland Hills at an elevation of 200 meters, just south of Osmotherley. It flows through several towns and villages including Hawnby, Rievaulx, Helmsley, Nunnington, West and East Ness, Butterwick, Brawby, and Ryton before eventually meeting the River Derwent near the town of Malton. The total size of the River Rye’s basin is 330 square miles, and it forms part of the River Derwent’s larger river system in Yorkshire.
The lower area of Hawnby, home to Hawnby Stores & Tea Room.
Find out more at http://www.hawnbytearoom.co.uk
Gypsy pony in Hawnby, roughly one-third of the way round our Hawnby Hill walk.
The Owl, Hawnby, a 19th-century country pub and restaurant with ensuite accommodation.
Check out their website at https://www.theowlhawnby.co.uk
The view south towards Hawnby from the southern slopes of Hawnby Hill.
Cairn at the top of Hawnby Hill, height 294 meters (965 feet). Across the valley to the east is Easterside Hill.
Looking west from Hawnby Hill across the River Rye valley towards the tree-covered Coomb Hill.
Time for a coffee on Hawnby Hill and a chance to admire the scenery.
The path across the Hawnby Hill ridge. The highest point is at the northern end of the hill, at 298 meters (977 feet).
Lovely views across the River Rye floodplain during the descent of Hawnby Hill. Arden Great Moor can be seen behind North Moor to the north-west.
The track across the moorland to Sportsman’s Hall is easy to spot from Hawnby Hill.
Footbridge across Ladhill Beck, the halfway point of our Hawnby Hill walk.
Ancient woodland at Low Banniscue.
An old barn by the side of the path between Wass House and Fair Hill Farm. A rather muddy section of our Hawnby Hill walk.
Amazon’s Top Walking Boots: Four Standout Choices for Men and Women
For walking and hiking, the right boots are essential for both comfort and safety. While Amazon boasts a wide range, certain boots emerge as top-sellers. From those, here are four I personally favour. As an Amazon affiliate, I may earn a small commission from any purchases made through the links provided. This helps support the upkeep of this website. Rest assured, you won’t pay a penny extra, but your purchase will contribute to keeping my site running smoothly. Happy walking!
Berghaus Men’s Hillmaster II Gore-Tex Walking Boots
These fully waterproof leather walking boots feature a Gore-Tex lining, ensuring no water enters whilst allowing feet to breathe and stay cool. Made from full-grain leather, they promise unmatched durability and comfort. The boots come with memory foam tongues and cuffs that mould to your feet for a tailored fit, and the Vibram Hillmaster outsoles offer confidence on challenging terrains.
Salewa Men’s Mountain Trainer Mid Gore-Tex Walking Boots
Made from durable suede and abrasion-resistant textile, these men’s hiking boots are both lightweight and sturdy. The upper material is enhanced by a 360° full rubber sheath. Their dual-layer midsole with Bilight technology ensures ergonomic cushioning and grip, especially on extended hikes. The Vibram Wrapping Thread Combi outsoles allow a natural walking feel, and the Gore-Tex lining provides waterproofing, breathability, and optimal weather protection. Furthermore, the patented Salewa 3F system ensures flexibility, a secure heel grip, and a blister-free fit.
Berghaus Women’s Supalite II Gore-Tex Walking Boots
Specially designed for women, these hiking boots offer waterproofing and breathability, thanks to their Gore-Tex lining. Crafted from full-grain abrasion-resistant leather, they’re durable enough for the toughest hikes. The Supalite soles ensure stability and traction, and the EVA midsoles add comfort for extended walks.
Merrell Women’s Moab 3 Mid Gore-Tex Walking Boots
These hiking boots incorporate a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane, blending breathability with superior waterproof performance. The combination of pigskin leather and mesh on the uppers, along with the suede outer material, ensure durability and style. Enhancements include 100% recycled laces, webbing, and mesh lining. Additionally, bellows tongues, protective toe caps, and Vibram TC5+ rubber soles ensure protection and ease on any terrain.