Five Epic walks across North Yorkshire
A Hiker’s Guide to Yorkshire’s Most Breathtaking Routes
- Stories & Inspiration
- Five Epic Walks North Yorkshire
If you're the kind of walker who craves something with a little more grit than a gentle afternoon stroll, North Yorkshire has just the trails for you. We're talking about serious walks, the kind that demand sturdy boots, a well-stocked flask, and a spirit of adventure. From windswept moors to dramatic coastlines, these five long-distance routes will test your stamina while rewarding you with some of England's most breath-taking landscapes.
Tighten those laces, pack a trusty map, and let's explore North Yorkshire's most epic walks.
The Dales Way: An 80-Mile Journey Through Yorkshire's Heart
Imagine following the gentle curves of the River Wharfe, the air fresh with wildflowers and the sound of bleating sheep your only soundtrack. This is the Dales Way, an 80-mile masterpiece stretching from the charming market town of Ilkley all the way to the shimmering shores of Lake Windermere.
Along the way, you'll pass Bolton Abbey, where the ruins of a 12th-century priory stand guard over the river, and Grassington, a picture-perfect Dales village where stone cottages cluster around cobbled streets. Then comes Malham Cove, a colossal limestone amphitheatre that feels plucked from a fantasy novel.
By the time you reach the Lake District, you'll have earned that lakeside pint and the bragging rights that come with conquering one of Britain's most beloved long-distance walks.
The White Rose Walk: 35 Miles from Industry to Sea
Yorkshire's emblem is the white rose, and this 35-mile trek is a fitting tribute. It begins in Middlesbrough's industrial heartland and ends with the salty shores of the North Sea in Scarborough.
Your first challenge is Roseberry Topping, a mini-mountain with a distinctive crooked peak offering panoramic views. Then comes the North York Moors, where purple heather stretches to the horizon and your only companions are the occasional grouse.
The grand finale? Strolling into Scarborough, where the scent of fish and chips mingles with the sea breeze, and the cry of seagulls signals the end of an unforgettable adventure.
The Esk Valley Walk: A 35-Mile Moorland Fairytale
If you prefer your walks with a touch of mystery, the Esk Valley Walk is your perfect match. Starting in Castleton, this 35-mile trail winds through deep woodlands, across open moorland, and alongside the tranquil River Esk, a hidden gem in the North York Moors.
Highlights include Danby, home to the North York Moors National Park Centre and some excellent scones, and the gothic splendour of Whitby, where the ruins of the abbey loom over the town like something from a Bram Stoker novel.
Finish with a well-deserved feast of Whitby's famous kippers or a hearty portion of fish and chips. After all that walking, you've earned it.
The Six Dales Trail: 38 Miles of Hidden Valleys
For those who like variety, the Six Dales Trail is a smorgasbord of Yorkshire's finest landscapes. Over 38 miles, you'll pass through Wharfedale, Nidderdale, Coverdale, and more, each valley with its own unique charm.
You'll wander through Kettlewell, where colourful cottages cling to the hillside, and cross the wild heights of Great Whernside if you're feeling bold. The trail ends in Middleham, a town famed for its racehorses and the dramatic ruins of its castle, a fitting end to a walk that feels like a journey through time.
The Yorkshire Coast Path: 76 Miles of Sea and Sky
Forget rolling dales. This walk is all about the drama of the coastline. The Yorkshire Coast Path stretches for 76 miles from Saltburn-by-the-Sea to Bridlington, showcasing some of Britain's most spectacular seaside scenery.
You'll clamber down to Robin Hood's Bay, a smuggler's paradise where narrow alleys twist down to the shore, and stand in awe at Bempton Cliffs, where thousands of seabirds wheel and cry in the wind. When you finally reach Filey, with its wide sandy beach and old-school charm, you'll understand why Yorkshire's coastline is one of its best-kept secrets.
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