The top 12 walks in Yorkshire

The diverse landscapes of Yorkshire are some of the best settings for walks, which is why so many people venture to this region for their UK holidays. Ranging from rugged coastlines to rolling dales, you’ll find some of the most scenic walks in Yorkshire to make your trip unforgettable.

Whether you're looking for a real active trip full of challenging hikes, or a casual break full of tranquil strolls, this region has something for everyone. You could be walking along the golden sands of the Yorkshire coast, or hiking across the magnificent cliff tops for picturesque views. From the Circular walk at Brimham Rocks to the Semerwater and Raydale circular, there are so many options to choose from. In this guide, we'll explore 12 of the best walks in Yorkshire, showcasing the natural beauty and rich history of this captivating county.

The best walks in North Yorkshire

The beautiful north of Yorkshire is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the region that are a must-see for your family trip. Here are some excellent walks in Yorkshire that showcase the beauty of the northern part of the county:

Circular walk at Brimham Rocks

The Circular walk at Brimham Rocks is one of the most unique walks in Yorkshire, and is also a short and easy walk. The trail features bizarre rock formations that have been sculpted by wind and rain over millions of years.

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Starting from the visitor centre, the trail winds through heather moorland and woodland, providing excellent views of the surrounding Yorkshire countryside. Along the way, you'll encounter intriguing rock shapes with names like the Sphinx, the Turtle, and the Dancing Bear, so your little ones will certainly be entertained.

Also, if you’re staying at Woodland Lakes Holiday Park, you can reach this amazing walk in around a 40-minute drive.

Distance: 1.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy

Ravenscar easy walk

For those seeking a gentler stroll, as the name suggests, the Ravenscar easy walk is a great option. This walk in Yorkshire takes you along the clifftops of the North York Moors National Park, offering breathtaking views of Robin Hood's Bay and the surrounding coastline.

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Starting from the National Trust Coastal Centre, the well-marked path takes you through peaceful fields and along the scenic cliff edge. You'll also pass the remains of the alum works, a reminder of the area's industrial past, adding a touch of history to your trip.

Distance: 2.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy

Beningbrough Woodland Larch walk

For a tranquil woodland experience, the Beningbrough Woodland Larch walk offers a peaceful retreat. This gentle walk in Yorkshire lets you explore the grounds of Beningbrough Hall, a magnificent Georgian mansion that’s managed by the National Trust

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This short and easy trail meanders through mixed woodland, featuring a variety of tree species – such as the titular larches. If you’re visiting in the spring, the woodland floor is carpeted with bluebells, creating an even more magical atmosphere.

Distance: 1 mile
Difficulty: Easy

Horse Head Moor and Deepdale walk

For those seeking a more challenging walk in Yorkshire, the Horse Head Moor and Deepdale walk offers a rewarding experience in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. This circular route takes you through some of the most dramatic landscapes in the whole region.

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Starting from Yockenthwaite, the trail climbs steeply up onto Horse Head Moor, offering panoramic views of the surrounding dales. Due to its hilly nature, this path is more be suitable for older and more experienced walkers. Also, keep an eye out for birds of prey soaring overhead and the distinctive dry-stone walls that crisscross the landscape.

Distance: 5.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

Studley Royal Deer Park walk

For all the animal lovers out there, the Studley Royal Deer Park walk combines natural beauty with historical intrigue and wildlife spotting. This walk in Yorkshire takes you through the expansive grounds of the Studley Royal estate, a UNESCO World Heritage site that includes the ruins of Fountains Abbey.

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You’ll get to see ancient woodland and open parkland, home to herds of red, fallow, and sika deer. You'll also pass by the impressive neo-Gothic St Mary's Church, letting you enjoy views of the 18th-century water garden.

If you’re staying at Woodland Lakes Holiday Park, you can reach the deer park in only 25 minutes by car.

Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Buckden to Kettlewell

Enjoy the Buckden to Kettlewell walk, which is a classic Yorkshire Dales route showcasing the best of Wharfedale. This linear walk takes you through picturesque limestone countryside, offering stunning views of the surrounding fields.

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Starting in the charming village of Buckden, the path follows the Dales Way along the River Wharfe before climbing up onto the hillside. This also provides a great opportunity for some family-fun dipping your feet in the river, which can help cool you off before you continue your walk.

The walk ends in the delightful village of Kettlewell, known for its traditional stone cottages and welcoming pubs – why not stop for a bite to eat in The Blue Bell Inn, for example?

Distance: 4 miles
Difficulty: Easy

The top Yorkshire Dales walks

Some of the best walks in Yorkshire, including a few mentioned above, are part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. This comes as no surprise, since this beautiful location is a walker's paradise, offering a diverse range of landscapes from windswept moors to lush river valleys. Here are a few of the top Yorkshire Dales walks to explore on your trip:

Semerwater and Raydale circular

The Semerwater and Raydale circular walk is a delightful route that takes you around Yorkshire's largest natural lake. You and your loved ones can have a peaceful stroll alongside the calm water, recharging in the natural environment.

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This scenic walk offers a perfect blend of water, woodland, and moorland landscapes. The farmlands will also provide lots of entertainment as you spot some of the animals in their habitat. As you circle the lake, you'll enjoy stunning views of the surrounding hills and the chance to spot a variety of waterfowl, too.

Distance: 6 miles
Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Aysgarth woods and waterfalls

The Aysgarth woods and waterfalls walk is one of the most popular Yorkshire Dales walks, and for good reason. This easy route lets you explore beautiful woodland and the famous Aysgarth Falls, a series of three spectacular waterfalls on the River Ure.

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You’ll start your walk at the National Park Centre, where the trail leads you through ancient woodland, rich in flora and fauna. The path then follows the river, offering several viewpoints of the Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls.

These cascades are a true sight to behold, and they can be particularly impressive after heavy rain when the river is in full spate.

Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Easy

Muker walk

The Muker walk is a classic Yorkshire Dales route that takes you through the heart of Swaledale, one of the most picturesque dales in the region. This circular walk offers a great introduction to the area's distinctive landscape and farming heritage.

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First, you’ll get to see the charming village of Muker, before heading through the traditional hay meadows – which are bursting with wildflowers in late spring and early summer. Another highlight of this walk is where you get to cross the River Swale via an ancient packhorse bridge.

The route then descends back into Muker, passing old field barns and drystone walls that are characteristic of the Yorkshire Dales. If you want to immerse yourself in the fascinating agricultural history of Yorkshire, then this is a great choice.

Distance: 6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

Sedbergh to Stone Hall

You can try out the Sedbergh to Stone Hall walk, which offers a perfect blend of history and natural beauty in the western Yorkshire Dales. This circular route takes you from the book town of Sedbergh into the surrounding countryside, offering stunning views of the Howgill Fells.

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As you begin the trail, it starts to climb gradually up onto the lower slopes of Winder, one of the distinctive rounded hills that characterise this part of the Dales. Although a much shorter walk compared to others, the climbs and rough terrain in some areas make it more suited to experienced walkers.

If you embark on this trail in the late afternoon, you can watch as the low sun bathes the landscape in a warm golden light.

Distance: 2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

Keld to Tan Hill Inn

For those seeking a more challenging yet rewarding walk in Yorkshire, the Keld to Tan Hill Inn route offers the perfect experience. This circular route takes you from the village of Keld and through some beautiful landscapes along the Pennine Way, including some steep climbs.

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But one of the best parts of this walk is the fantastic Tan Hill Inn pub, where you can stop for a refreshing beverage and tasty bite to eat to refuel you on your journey. What’s more exciting than getting to dine at the highest pub in Britain, standing in splendid isolation at 1,732 feet?

Distance: 11 miles
Difficulty: Challenging

Whernside walk

No list of Yorkshire Dales walks would be complete without mentioning one of the famous Three Peaks. The Whernside walk takes you on a fantastic journey to the summit of the highest point in all of Yorkshire, offering unparalleled views across the Dales and beyond.

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Starting from the impressive Ribblehead Viaduct, a masterpiece of Victorian engineering, the path climbs up the western flank of Whernside, offering scenic views as you ascend.

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of reaching the summit at 2,415 feet on a clear day when you can see across to the Lake District and Morecambe Bay. This challenging walk offers a true sense of achievement and showcases the raw beauty of the Yorkshire Dales.

Distance: 7.5 miles
Difficulty: Challenging

Enjoy the most breathtaking walks in Yorkshire on your next adventure

From scenic and gentle strolls to challenging hikes, these 12 walks in Yorkshire offer some great experiences for every level of walker. Each route showcases a different aspect of the region's diverse landscapes, from the dramatic coastline of North Yorkshire to the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales.

Whether you're looking to explore the unique rock formations at Brimham Rocks, marvel at the waterfalls of Aysgarth, or conquer the summit of Whernside, these walks in Yorkshire promise unique adventures and breathtaking views.

To make your break away even more special, why not stay at one of the amazing holiday parks in Yorkshire, so you have the perfect rest and recharge spot to compliment your exciting walks? Start planning your trip now, and get ready to explore the best that Yorkshire has to offer. Happy walking!