Breathtaking Scenery on the Best Walks in North Yorkshire and Cumbria
From this page, you can access maps and photographs of walking routes in Yorkshire, Cumbria, and elsewhere in Northern England. The areas I have covered include the Lake District, North York Moors, and Yorkshire Dales National Parks, as well as the Howardian Hills, Nidderdale, and North Pennines AONBs (Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty), showcasing the best walks in North Yorkshire and Cumbria.
Howardian Hills Walking Routes
The Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) covers 79 square miles of the North Yorkshire countryside, nestled between the North York Moors National Park, the Yorkshire Wolds, and the Vale of York. This area offers some of the most picturesque walking routes in the region.
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Lake District Walking Routes
Entirely located within the county of Cumbria, in North West England, the Lake District National Park covers an area of over 900 square miles. Established as a national park in 1951, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017, making it a must-visit for enthusiasts of the best walks in Cumbria.
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Nidderdale Walking Routes
Bordering the Yorkshire Dales National Park to the east and south, the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in North Yorkshire covers an area of 233 square miles. It comprises most of Nidderdale itself, as well as small parts of Wharfedale, the Washburn Valley, and Wensleydale, offering diverse walking experiences.
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North Pennines Walking Routes
One of the most remote and unspoilt areas in England, the North Pennines AONB lies between the Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland National Parks. Covering almost 770 square miles, it is the second-largest AONB in the United Kingdom and is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes.
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North York Moors Walking Routes
An upland region in North Yorkshire, the North York Moors National Park covers an area of 554 square miles. It is defined by the impressive cliffs of the North Sea coast to the east, the steep slopes of the Cleveland Hills to the west and north, and the Tabular Hills and the Vale of Pickering to the south, presenting a wide range of walking opportunities.
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Yorkshire Coast Walking Routes
Spanning over 100 miles, the Yorkshire Coast is a unique and beautiful stretch of Northern England’s coastline. From the River Tees Mouth north of Middlesbrough to the Mouth of the Humber south-east of Hull, it features a string of lovely seaside resorts such as Redcar, Saltburn, Whitby, Scarborough, Filey, Bridlington, and Hornsea.
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Yorkshire Dales Walking Routes
Primarily located in North Yorkshire, the Yorkshire Dales National Park covers 841 square miles, with a significant area in Cumbria and a small part in Lancashire. Its national park status was designated in 1954, and it was extended westward into Lancashire and Cumbria in 2016. Many of the best walks in North Yorkshire are within the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
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Northern England Walking Routes
Northern England’s landscape has been significantly shaped by the Pleistocene ice sheets thousands of years ago, creating a diverse and fascinating landscape that offers some of the best walks in North Yorkshire and Cumbria.
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All the Yorkshire and Cumbria Walking Routes
Below, I’ve listed all the best walks in North Yorkshire and Cumbria in alphabetical order. Click or tap on a route name for more information. The tables include approximately 200 walks I’ve described in detail on my website, plus many more I’ve written about on my blog.
The approximate length of each walking route is shown in miles and kilometres, and its duration is calculated by allowing one hour for every 2½ miles walked, plus additional time for the ups and downs. Factors such as bad weather or boggy ground can further lengthen the time taken, but this is not accounted for in my figures.
Also displayed are the titles of the appropriate Ordnance Survey Explorer maps, which you can purchase from Amazon at a very reasonable price. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Your support enables me to continue sharing free content. Thank you for your help!
Howardian Hills Walks: Historic Paths and Landmarks
Howardian Hills Walks | Miles | Kilometres | Time | Map |
---|---|---|---|---|
Castle Howard Walk | 12.3 miles | 19.9 kilometres | 5½ hours | OS Explorer 300 |
Coneysthorpe Walk | 14.7 miles | 23.7 kilometres | 6½ hours | OS Explorer 300 |
Hovingham Walk | 9.1 miles | 14.8 kilometres | 4 hours | OS Explorer 300 |
Howardian Hills Walk | 12.5 miles | 20.2 kilometres | 5¼ hours | OS Explorer 300 |
Sheriff Hutton Walk | 9.9 miles | 16.0 kilometres | 4½ hours | OS Explorer 300 |
Lake District Walks: The Ultimate Hiking Experience
Lake District Walks | Miles | Kilometres | Time | Map |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ard Crags Walk | 8.2 miles | 13.2 kilometres | 5 hours | OS Explorer OL4 |
Bannerdale Crags Walk | 10.6 miles | 17.0 kilometres | 5¾ hours | OS Explorer OL5 |
Barf Walk | 10.2 miles | 16.4 kilometres | 6 hours | OS Explorer OL4 |
Bowscale Tarn Walk | 11.1 miles | 17.9 kilometres | 6 hours | OS Explorer OL5 |
Carrock Fell Walk | 10.5 miles | 16.8 kilometres | 5¾ hours | OS Explorer OL5 |
Causey Pike Walk | 12.0 miles | 19.3 kilometres | 7½ hours | OS Explorer OL4 |
Coledale Horseshoe | 12.2 miles | 19.6 kilometres | 8¼ hours | OS Explorer OL4 |
Deepdale Horseshoe | 9.4 miles | 15.1 kilometres | 5½ hours | OS Explorer OL5 |
Derwent Water Circular Walk | 9.9 miles | 15.9 kilometres | 4½ hours | OS Explorer OL4 |
Gowbarrow Fell Walk | 6.9 miles | 11.1 kilometres | 4½ hours | OS Explorer OL5 |
Grasmoor Walk | 8.4 miles | 13.5 kilometres | 4¾ hours | OS Explorer OL4 |
Great Dodd Walk | 12.0 miles | 19.3 kilometres | 7 hours | OS Explorer OL5 |
Great Gable Walk | 6.0 miles | 9.7 kilometres | 4 hours | OS Explorer OL4 |
Grisedale Pike Walk | 8.5 miles | 13.6 kilometres | 5 hours | OS Explorer OL4 |
Hart Crag Walk | 8.1 miles | 13.0 kilometres | 5 hours | OS Explorer OL5 |
Helvellyn Circular Walk | 11.3 miles | 18.1 kilometres | 6½ hours | OS Explorer OL5 |
Helvellyn Walk Glenridding | 11.8 miles | 19.0 kilometres | 6½ hours | OS Explorer OL5 |
Helvellyn Walk Striding Edge | 10.5 miles | 16.9 kilometres | 5¾ hours | OS Explorer OL5 |
Helvellyn Walk Thirlmere | 6.9 miles | 11.1 kilometres | 4¼ hours | OS Explorer OL5 |
High Stile Walk | 7.5 miles | 12.2 kilometres | 4¼ hours | OS Explorer OL4 |
Kentmere Horseshoe | 12.6 miles | 20.3 kilometres | 7 hours | OS Explorer OL7 |
Loughrigg Fell Walk | 7.7 miles | 12.4 kilometres | 4½ hours | OS Explorer OL7 |
Mellbreak Walk | 8.1 miles | 13.0 kilometres | 4¼ hours | OS Explorer OL4 |
Newlands Horseshoe | 9.5 miles | 15.3 kilometres | 5½ hours | OS Explorer OL4 |
Newlands Horseshoe Walk | 10.5 miles | 16.6 kilometres | 6 hours | OS Explorer OL4 |
Place Fell Walk | 8.6 miles | 13.8 kilometres | 4¾ hours | OS Explorer OL5 |
Red Pike Walk | 8.6 miles | 13.8 kilometres | 5 hours | OS Explorer OL4 |
Stony Cove Pike Walk | 8.7 miles | 14.0 kilometres | 5½ hours | OS Explorer OL5 |
Stybarrow Dodd Walk | 10.0 miles | 16.1 kilometres | 5¾ hours | OS Explorer OL5 |
Ullswater Walk | 12.2 miles | 19.6 kilometres | 6½ hours | OS Explorer OL5 |
Walla Crag Walk | 10.5 miles | 16.8 kilometres | 5 hours | OS Explorer OL4 |
Nidderdale Walks: Breathtaking Trails to Explore
North Pennines Walks: Unforgettable Routes to Enjoy
North Pennines Walks | Miles | Kilometres | Time | Map |
---|---|---|---|---|
Barnard Castle Walk | 13.2 miles | 21.2 kilometres | 6 hours | OS Explorer OL31 |
Bowes Walk | 13.1 miles | 21.1 kilometres | 6 hours | OS Explorer OL31 |
Cross Fell Walk | 12.4 miles | 20.0 kilometres | 6½ hours | OS Explorer OL31 |
High Cup Nick Circular Walk | 11.3 miles | 18.2 kilometres | 5¾ hours | OS Explorer OL19 |
High Cup Nick Walk | 11.5 miles | 18.5 kilometres | 5¾ hours | OS Explorer OL19 |
High Force Walk | 8.2 miles | 13.2 kilometres | 4 hours | OS Explorer OL31 |
High Force Waterfall Walk | 7.2 miles | 11.6 kilometres | 3¼ hours | OS Explorer OL31 |
Low Force to High Force Walk | 5.5 miles | 8.8 kilometres | 2¾ hours | OS Explorer OL31 |
North York Moors Walks: Ancient Woodlands and Scenic Paths
Yorkshire Coast Walks: Exploring Seaside Towns
Yorkshire Coast Walks | Miles | Kilometres | Time | Map |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bridlington and Flamborough Head | 18.0 miles | 29.0 kilometres | 8½ hours | OS Explorer 301 |
Burniston and Hayburn Wyke | 14.1 miles | 22.7 kilometres | 7¾ hours | OS Explorer OL27 |
Burniston and Ravenscar | 13.7 miles | 22.0 kilometres | 7¾ hours | OS Explorer OL27 |
Filey and Scarborough | 10.9 miles | 17.5 kilometres | 5 hours | OS Explorer 301 |
Ravenscar and Cloughton | 11.9 miles | 19.2 kilometres | 6 hours | OS Explorer OL27 |
Robin Hood’s Bay and Ravenscar Beach | 10.0 miles | 16.1 kilometres | 5¼ hours | OS Explorer OL27 |
Robin Hood’s Bay and Ravenscar | 8.7 miles | 14.0 kilometres | 4½ hours | OS Explorer OL27 |
Sandsend and Hutton Mulgrave | 13.5 miles | 21.7 kilometres | 7 hours | OS Explorer OL27 |
Sandsend and Whitby Abbey | 14.0 miles | 22.5 kilometres | 7 hours | OS Explorer OL27 |
Staithes and Kettleness | 12.2 miles | 19.6 kilometres | 6¼ hours | OS Explorer OL27 |
Yorkshire Dales Walks: Picturesque Hikes for Adventurers
Northern England Walks: Scenic Countryside Routes
Best Walks in the North York Moors: 17 Scenic Routes to Explore
Best Walks North York Moors | Miles | Kilometres | Time | Map |
---|---|---|---|---|
Beck Hole Walk | 8.9 miles | 14.4 kilometres | 4¼ hours | OS Explorer OL27 |
Black Hambleton Walk | 11.0 miles | 17.8 kilometres | 5¼ hours | OS Explorer OL26 |
Bridestones Walk | 10.3 miles | 16.5 kilometres | 4¾ hours | OS Explorer OL27 |
Castleton and Danby Walk | 9.7 miles | 15.7 kilometres | 4¾ hours | OS Explorer OL26 |
Cropton Forest Walk | 11.4 miles | 18.4 kilometres | 5¼ hours | OS Explorer OL27 |
Falling Foss Walk | 9.7 miles | 15.7 kilometres | 4½ hours | OS Explorer OL27 |
Farndale Walk | 11.0 miles | 17.7 kilometres | 5¼ hours | OS Explorer OL26 |
Glaisdale Walk | 9.8 miles | 15.9 kilometres | 4¾ hours | OS Explorer OL27 |
Goathland Walk | 10.7 miles | 17.1 kilometres | 5 hours | OS Explorer OL27 |
Grosmont Walk | 11.3 miles | 18.2 kilometres | 5¼ hours | OS Explorer OL27 |
Guisborough Woods Walk | 10.8 miles | 17.3 kilometres | 5 hours | OS Explorer OL26 |
Littlebeck Walk | 9.7 miles | 15.7 kilometres | 4¾ hours | OS Explorer OL27 |
Ravenscar Walk | 10.0 miles | 16.2 kilometres | 4¾ hours | OS Explorer OL27 |
Robin Hood’s Bay Walk | 8.7 miles | 14.1 kilometres | 4 hours | OS Explorer OL27 |
Rosedale Abbey Walk | 11.7 miles | 18.9 kilometres | 5½ hours | OS Explorer OL26 |
Thornton-le-Dale Walk | 11.1 miles | 17.8 kilometres | 5 hours | OS Explorer OL27 |
Whisper Dales Walk | 8.8 miles | 14.2 kilometres | 3¾ hours | OS Explorer OL27 |
Best Walks in the Yorkshire Dales: Discover 23 Breathtaking Trails
Best Walks Yorkshire Dales | Miles | Kilometres | Time | Map |
---|---|---|---|---|
Aysgarth Falls Walk | 7.9 miles | 12.7 kilometres | 3¾ hours | OS Explorer OL30 |
Barden Moor Walk | 10.4 miles | 16.7 kilometres | 5 hours | OS Explorer OL2 |
Bolton Abbey Walk | 9.0 miles | 14.2 kilometres | 4¼ hours | OS Explorer OL2 |
Catrigg Force Walk | 11.2 miles | 17.9 kilometres | 5½ hours | OS Explorer OL2 |
Crackpot Hall Walk | 9.2 miles | 14.8 kilometres | 4¾ hours | OS Explorer OL30 |
Dent Head Viaduct Walk | 10.7 miles | 17.3 kilometres | 5¼ hours | OS Explorer OL2 |
Fremington Edge Walk | 9.0 miles | 14.5 kilometres | 4½ hours | OS Explorer OL30 |
Grassington Walk | 9.9 miles | 16.0 kilometres | 4¾ hours | OS Explorer OL2 |
Gunnerside Walk | 8.9 miles | 14.3 kilometres | 4½ hours | OS Explorer OL30 |
Ingleborough Reserve Walk | 11.2 miles | 18.2 kilometres | 5½ hours | OS Explorer OL2 |
Ingleborough Walk | 9.5 miles | 15.3 kilometres | 5 hours | OS Explorer OL2 |
Langthwaite Walk | 9.6 miles | 15.4 kilometres | 4¾ hours | OS Explorer OL30 |
Leyburn Shawl Walk | 9.7 miles | 15.7 kilometres | 4¼ hours | OS Explorer OL30 |
Malham Cove Walk | 9.2 miles | 14.9 kilometres | 4¼ hours | OS Explorer OL2 |
Semer Water Walk | 8.8 miles | 14.2 kilometres | 4¼ hours | OS Explorer OL30 |
Settle Walk | 8.9 miles | 14.4 kilometres | 4¼ hours | OS Explorer OL2 |
Stainforth Force Walk | 8.0 miles | 12.8 kilometres | 4 hours | OS Explorer OL2 |
Swaledale Walk | 9.5 miles | 15.3 kilometres | 4½ hours | OS Explorer OL30 |
Trollers Gill Walk | 8.4 miles | 13.4 kilometres | 4 hours | OS Explorer OL2 |
Wensleydale Walk | 9.6 miles | 15.5 kilometres | 4½ hours | OS Explorer OL30 |
West Burton Waterfall Walk | 9.7 miles | 15.7 kilometres | 4¾ hours | OS Explorer OL30 |
Whernside Walk | 10.0 miles | 16.2 kilometres | 5 hours | OS Explorer OL2 |
Yockenthwaite Walk | 7.0 miles | 11.3 kilometres | 3¼ hours | OS Explorer OL30 |
BBC Winter Walks: Series 1 and 2 with Maps and Walking Routes
BBC Winter Walks | Miles | Kilometres | Time | Map |
---|---|---|---|---|
Alastair Campbell’s Walk | 5.3 miles | 8.5 kilometres | 2¾ hours | OS Explorer OL2 |
Amanda Owen’s Walk | 5.7 miles | 9.1 kilometres | 2¾ hours | OS Explorer OL30 |
Kate Bottley’s Walk | 5.5 miles | 8.8 kilometres | 2½ hours | OS Explorer OL30 |
Lemn Sissay’s Walk | 6.5 miles | 10.4 kilometres | 3 hours | OS Explorer OL2 |
Nihal Arthanayake’s Walk | 4.9 miles | 7.9 kilometres | 2¼ hours | OS Explorer OL6 |
Richard Coles’ Walk | 6.4 miles | 10.3 kilometres | 2¾ hours | OS Explorer OL26 |
Sayeeda Warsi’s Walk | 6.2 miles | 10.0 kilometres | 2¾ hours | OS Explorer OL2 |
Selina Scott’s Walk | 6.4 miles | 10.3 kilometres | 2¾ hours | OS Explorer OL2 |
Simon Armitage’s Walk | 4.1 miles | 6.5 kilometres | 2 hours | OS Explorer OL27 |
Top Lake District Walking Guides for Exploring the Fells
The Lake District offers some of the most breathtaking walks in the UK. These four guidebooks stand out for their detailed routes and practical advice, covering everything from high-level fell walks to peak bagging the Wainwrights. Whether you’re exploring lesser-known summits or conquering famous peaks, these guides are essential companions for your adventures in the Lake District. 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!
Lake District High Level Mountain and Fell Walks
Discover the Lake District’s highest peaks with Vivienne Crow’s pocket-sized guide. It features 30 of the best walks on the higher fells, covering both lesser-known summits and favourites like Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, and Skiddaw. Each route is circular and ranges from 4 to 15 miles, with walks graded by difficulty. The guide is illustrated with Ordinance Survey mapping and vibrant colour photography, making it both informative and visually appealing. Crow also includes practical notes on parking, public transport links, and nearby refreshment spots. With easy access from popular centres like Keswick, Ambleside, and Windermere, this guide is an essential companion for your Lake District adventures.
Lake District Classic Lakeland Mountain Routes
Mark Richards’ large-format guidebook showcases 50 classic walks in the Lake District’s mountains. These routes are designed for experienced hillwalkers, with distances ranging from 4 to 13 miles. Richards provides clear route descriptions, accompanied by Harvey mapping and his own hand-drawn illustrations. You’ll find walks covering popular fells such as Scafell Pike and Helvellyn, as well as lesser-known routes that offer a unique challenge. Optional low-grade scrambling adds an adventurous twist to some walks. Practical details, including parking and post-walk refreshment options, are also included to ensure a well-rounded day out in the fells.
Peak Bagging the Wainwright Fells in 45 Walks
Karen and Dan Parker present 45 carefully crafted routes to help you complete all 214 of Alfred Wainwright’s iconic fells in the Lake District. The routes are divided into sections that mirror Wainwright’s original guides. They are designed to be both efficient and enjoyable. Key highlights include the Scafell round and the Glenridding Horseshoe. The Parkers provide detailed maps, elevation profiles, and essential logistics such as parking and transport options. Whether you’re completing the Wainwrights over years or in record time, this guide will be your perfect companion throughout the journey. It’s an indispensable resource for anyone looking to conquer these famous fells.
Climbing the Lakeland Wainwrights in 64 Walks
Graham Uney’s guide offers 64 walks that cover all 214 Wainwright summits in the Lake District. Uney’s approach ensures flexibility, with some summits featured more than once, allowing you to revisit favourite peaks. While Wainwright’s original guides are invaluable, Uney provides a modern perspective. He helps walkers plan full-day routes that cover multiple fells efficiently. This guidebook is filled with detailed, updated routes and practical advice, making it an excellent companion to the classic Pictorial Guides. Whether you’re aiming to complete the Wainwrights or simply explore the fells, this guide will be invaluable.