A historic goldmine and wilderness wonderland, Yorkshire is a place filled with the promise of adventure. The largest county in England, it is home to 800 conservation areas, sprawling National Parks, and two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Carved by limestone gorges, swathed in ancient woodland, and carpeted with heather-tufted moorland, its vast landscapes set the perfect backdrop for scenic walks - from day-long hikes to gentle strolls.
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in Yorkshire’s abundant natural beauty, we have curated an inspiring collection of trails. Perfect for walks with your dog and hikes with family and friends, we’ve picked out some of the best walks in Yorkshire for you to savour throughout the year.
Malham Cove
Malham Cove is a huge, 230ft limestone cliff in North Yorkshire creating its own spectacular natural amphitheatre. A magnificent sight, it was formed by a vast waterfall at the end of the last Ice Age and, when there’s been a lot of rain, a tumbling surge of water still pours over the top of its cliffs to this day. When considering walks in Yorkshire, this scenic wander is high on the list. One of the best ways to get there involves a 5-mile walk from the National Park Centre in Malham village and takes in Gordale Scar and Janet’s Foss waterfall en route too. Weaving through the spectacular scenery of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, it is a fantastic circular walk with access to facilities in Malham village. If the area seems familiar, you may recognise Malham Cove as the film location for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.
Attermire Scar and Victoria and Jubilee Caves
Above the picturesque town of Settle, the vast limestone façade of the Attermire Scar overlooks sweeping landscapes. Formed over 330 million years ago, this striking natural landmark is etched with caves and formations that make for enchanting discovery during walks. For one of the best walks in Yorkshire, follow the 4.5-mile circular route from Settle’s marketplace, gaining ground along the Dales Highway and tracing the Attermire Scar. Along the way, pass the history-rich Victoria and Jubilee Caves. The largest cave in the Attermire range, Victoria Cave, was rediscovered by Victorian explorers in 1837 and, through various excavations, has revealed the 120,000-year-old remains of hippo, rhino, elephant, hyena, and lion, as well as fascinating evidence of both Neolithic and Romano-British human activity.
Marsden Moor
The Marsden Moor Estate is home to a rich expanse of moorland in West Yorkshire. Covering 5,000 acres, this SSI is sprinkled with cotton grass, heather, crowberry, and bilberry and provides a sanctuary for humans and wildlife alike. Woven with well-trodden trails and flagstone footpaths maintained by the National Trust, it offers lots of opportunities for walks. A particularly enjoyable one comes in the form of the 8-mile Marsden Moor Heritage South trail. Moderately challenging, this circular walk runs above the Wessenden Valley and affords breath-taking views as it climbs. Another great circular walk is the 4.5-mile Marsden Deer Hill walk, which follows country lanes, pebble tracks, and moorland footpaths and skirts the Butterley and Deer Hill Reservoirs.
Yorkshire Wolds Way
The Yorkshire Wolds Way is a famous long-distance trail that cuts through the chalky landscapes of the Yorkshire Wolds. From Hessle in East Riding to Filey in North Yorkshire, it flows from the banks of the Humber river and navigates tree-covered slopes, open fields, and peaceful valley basins before ascending to the top of lofty hills where the views roll seamlessly on. Running for 79 miles in total, this National Trail offers a unique opportunity to walk as little or as far as you'd like, following your own rhythmic footfall until the promise of rest and repose beckons you back to your luxury retreat.
Pen-Y-Ghent
Pen Y Ghent is the inspiration behind a popular fell walk in the Yorkshire Dales, covered by Julia Bradbury’s round up of the best walks in Britain. A magnet for hikers in Yorkshire, this modest but magical peak is the smallest of Yorkshire’s fells featured in the county’s Three Peak Challenge, yet still promises a memorable challenge with steep sections and views of Whernside and Ingleborough. A Yorkshire classic, there is a 6-mile loop that starts in Horton-in-Ribblesdale and directs walkers to the summit. En route, this circular walk wends past the striking open scars of two collapsed underground caverns - Hunt Pot and Hull Pot - the latter of which is decorated with a thundering waterfall in wet weather.
Torside Reservoir to Black Hill
The highest point in West Yorkshire, Black Hill makes for an alluring destination for walkers and enjoys far-reaching panoramas across the Dark Peak and Holme Valley. If you’re an experienced hiker pursuing hours spent in wild tranquillity, consider the 12.5-mile walk from Torside Reservoir. Beginning at the south side of the Torside Reservoir with its glassy waters and sylvan crown of trees, this challenging route follows a steep route above Laddow Rocks towards Black Hill’s summit. The return then follows part of the original line of the Pennine Way through Hey Moss and back down to the head of Torside Reservoir. As this route encompasses areas of hilly moorland and uneven terrain, this is a particular favourite for blue-sky days, before finishing with an alfresco picnic of artisan treats on the shores of the reservoir.
Brontë Waterfall Circular
In the depths of Brontë Country is a lovely 3.5-mile walk around Penistone Hill Country Park. Wending through beautiful landscapes surrounding Stanbury village in West Yorkshire, it invites you to retrace the famous footsteps of the Brontë sisters and take in some of the area’s highlights. From the Brontë waterfall and the Brontë bridge, to the Lower Laithe Reservoir, there is beauty at every turn. That said, if you are seeking something a little more challenging, you can also pick up sections of the Brontë Way, a long-distance trail cutting through the Pennine Hills. Calling to the seasoned and the game, this rambling 44-mile trail encourages all generations of walkers to adorn a pair of sturdy boots and head out into the fresh Yorkshire air.
Flamborough Head
Just a stone’s throw from the North York Moors on the Yorkshire Coast is Flamborough Head. With towering cliffs overlooking the North Sea, this striking promontory is traced by the 21-mile Headland Way that runs from Bridlington to Filey - creating year-round walking opportunities. With that in mind, the Flamborough Head walk makes for one of the best ways to stretch your legs. A circular loop that navigates the county’s sea-kissed boundaries, it encompasses both countryside and heritage coast to provide a dreamy setting for a coastal ramble. Along the way, you’ll pass Danes Dyke, a Scheduled Ancient Monument and Nature Reserve home to a wooded ravine, ancient earthworks, and all kinds of flora and fauna.
Ilkley Moor
A well-known walking destination favoured by locals is Ilkley Moor. The inspiration behind the unofficial folk anthem of Yorkshire, ‘On Ilkley Moor baht ‘at’, it is a peaceful place that broods with atmosphere and holds a special place in the heart of many. If you’d like to discover Ilkley for yourself, there is a great 5-mile walk which promises a beautiful introduction to the moors. As you follow the route, keep an eye out for the Cow and Calf, a well-known outcrop of rocks and boulders protruding from the earth, from which you can admire far-reaching views.
Digley Reservoir Circular
In the bewitching realms of West Yorkshire resides the beautiful Digley Reservoir. One of a peppering of reservoirs in the area, this picturesque jewel mirrors breathtaking views of the Holme Valley and Peak District National Park. A stunning backdrop for walks, it’s somewhere that invites slow spells in nature, framed by reaching moorland and lush woodland. For a serene introduction to the area, follow the 1.5-mile circular around the reservoir, making use of the plethora of benches to sit and savour the moment. To extend your walk, pick up one of the meandering trails through the landscapes nearby, from neighbouring Bilberry Reservoir and beyond along the 73-mile Kirklees Way, which passes Digley Reservoir.
Ribblehead Viaduct Walk
The Ribblehead Viaduct is a Grade II listed viaduct in the Ribble Valley in North Yorkshire, carrying the Settle to Carlisle railway. With its impressive aesthetics, this photogenic structure makes for a captivating subject for the eye and lens. Naturally, the best way to appreciate the sheer size and scale of the viaduct is to see it for yourself - especially when combined with a hearty stroll. Fortunately, a wonderful 4-mile walk awaits to provide the perfect opportunity to do just that. A circular route starting and ending close to the foot of the viaduct, it leads you through the dreamy countryside of the Yorkshire Dales and along the banks of gurgling streams and babbling brooks for a truly memorable wander in the wild. One of the best things to do in Yorkshire, you can also take a ride on the Settle to Carlisle railway atop the viaduct.
Langsett Reservoir
Langsett Reservoir in South Yorkshire is the site of a gorgeous 5-mile waterside walk. Found on the north eastern outskirts of the Peak District National Park in Yorkshire, this picturesque reservoir is surrounded by knotted woodland and moorland beyond and offers plenty to see and do. Ideal for cyclists and horseriders, Langsett Reservoir is popular with walkers in Yorkshire too, especially those with children and dogs in tow. Depending on what you’re looking for, you can follow a variety of different paths that criss-cross around the reservoir. The 3-mile Langsett walk and 2.5-mile Langsett accessible walk are two favourites, providing relatively flat, even terrain to tread at your own pace.
Settle Loop
For those yearning for spellbinding hours amidst the emerald, gold, and copper tones of Yorkshire’s peaks, the Settle Loop promises an irresistible challenge. A 10-mile circular route, it can be started from Settle, Malham, or Stainforth and followed on foot, bike, or horseback for a mesmerising way to experience the Dales. To begin from Settle, explore the pretty streets of this historic market town, savouring an aromatic coffee from one of the cute cafés, before setting off along the Pennine Bridleway as it emerges from the town. Take in the enthralling vistas of limestone upland before eventually navigating back towards Settle, where charming pubs and beloved restaurants await to fill plates and satiate appetites.
White Horse Walk
The White Horse walk is an unmissable route in the North York Moors, encompassing both the incredible natural beauty of the York Moors and the intrigue of one of the UK’s most famous hillside landmarks. Beginning and ending at Sutton Bank National Park Centre, it leads you for 3 miles to the 19th-century hillside etching of the Kilburn White Horse and back again. At 314ft long and 228ft high, it’s certainly a sight to behold. Showcasing stunning scenery all the way, the path journeys through verdant woodland and sunken valleys, and along steep hill escarpments to reward walkers with magical vistas. If you’re walking with your dog, just remember to keep them on a lead as you go, as the cliff edges along this route are unfenced.
Aysgarth Falls
The Aysgarth Falls are a series of waterfalls surrounded by leafy woodland and rolling farmland in North Yorkshire. Calling to the wanderers and the wonderers alike, the beauty of these falls has caught the attention of many over the centuries, including the likes of William Wordsworth, John Ruskin, and J.M.W. Turner. For a gentle introduction to the area, there is a 2.5-mile circular walk that follows the mile-long stretch of river where the falls reside, and winds through the surrounding countryside. With only a handful of gradual inclines, this is a walk that can be enjoyed throughout the year as long as you have good footwear on and clothing suitable for the season. Upon return, a scattering of eateries and pubs await nearby in Aysgarth village to reward walkers with flavoursome repasts.
Stainforth and Catrigg Force
For a spellbinding stroll in the Yorkshire Dales, turn your attention to Stainforth and Catrigg Force. From Stainforth’s car park, a 2-mile walk leads walkers through open fields and woodlands, slowly ascending to unveil views across Ribblesdale and the Yorkshire Dales’ three peaks. Follow the route as it curves towards Stainforth Beck and the 65-foot-high Catrigg Force, listening out for the cascading water of this hidden gem. Upon your return to Stainforth village, veer off towards Stainforth Falls for a waterside picnic in the sunshine on balmy days. Or, seek the warmth of the welcoming interiors of the Craven Heifer pub for a fireside repast with a glass of your favourite beverage.
Feeling inspired to explore the trails? Take a look at our luxury cottages in Yorkshire.
