With the scenic dales and moody moors, dramatic coastlines and atmospheric ruins, Yorkshire is an incredible destination for those who like to explore on foot. Whether you want solitude or to mingle with the hardcore hikers, a leisurely stroll or epic to test your abilities, this part of England has got it all. Looking for inspiration? Here are some of the best walks in Yorkshire that showcase the stunning surroundings.
7 Scenic Walks in Yorkshire
1. Malham Cove
The Yorkshire Dales National Park is one of the most popular places to go for a walk in the region. One of our favourite walks in the Dales is to Malham Cove. This 4.4-mile circular route starts just north of the village of Malham. On this walk, not only will you see the impressive curved limestone formation, but you’ll also see malhamdale, Gordale Scar and Janet’s Foss. Keep your eyes peeled for Peregrine Falcons that visit the area.
2. Ravenscar to Robin Hoods Bay
Start at the Ravenscar National Trust Coastal Centre and make your way across Howdale Moor. You’ll be surrounded by beautiful moorland before descending to the old Scarborough-to-Whitby railway line. From here, make your way to the infamous smugglers’ haunt of Robin Hood’s Bay. On the way back to Ravenscar, take the cliff-top walk that makes up part of the Cleveland Way National Trail. Take your time and enjoy the breathtaking sea views.
3. The Cleveland Way National Trail
The Cleveland Way National Trail is a 109mile (175km) walking route through the romantic and ever-changing landscape of the North York Moors National Park. This route starts in the town of Helmsley and crosses the heather-covered moorland before reaching the coast at Saltburn-by-the-Sea and continuing along the North Yorkshire coastline to Filey. The whole route takes 9 days to complete and if you want to do it when the heather is in full bloom, then plan your walk for late August and early September.
4. Bronte Waterfalls Circular route
The Bronte sisters lived, wrote and set much of their work in the small village of Haworth in West Yorkshire. Take a walk through this literary landscape by following the 6-mile (10km) Bronte Waterfalls Circular route. This easy walk will take you about 3 hours to complete and you’ll pass the Bronte Waterfalls and Lower Laithe Reservoir. You’ll also see Top Withens, a farmhouse ruin. Apparently, this is the inspiration of Heathcliff’s home in Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights.
5. Flamborough Head
Looking for a walk to blow away the cobwebs? This bracing clifftop route should do the trick. Follow the path along the striking chalky white cliffs that line the coast and enjoy the sweeping views of the Yorkshire coast. Flamborough Head is 400 feet (121 metres) high and one of the most spectacular areas of chalk cliffs in Britain. The 8-mile (13km) walk takes you between the Filey and Bridlington bays of the North Sea.
6. The Pennine Way – Marsden Moor
The Pennine Way is one of the UK’s most famous long-distance walks. It stretches for 268 miles (431km) along the Pennine hills, and some of the Way passes through Yorkshire. A lovely section of this route in West Yorkshire is the Marsden Moor. This moderate walk is 8 miles (12.8km) and will take around 4 hours 30 minutes to complete. You’ll walk across the rugged moorland landscape that is synonymous with Yorkshire. Climb up above the Wessenden Valley and you’ll be rewarded with sweeping scenic views.
7. Ribblehead Viaduct Walk
Ribblehead Viaduct Walk is a looped route around this famous Yorkshire Dale’s landmark. The 4-mile (6.5km) walk starts from the car park just south of the viaduct. The Grade II listed structure is a marvel of Victorian engineering and stands over Batty Moss bog. Under its arches, you can still see the remains of the settlements where railway line workers used to live.
