Best walks in North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire is the largest county in England and contains the majority of the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales national parks – which account for 40% of the land surface area.

Explore this vast landscape – from is upland moors and rocky tors to its deep gorges and spectacular forests – on foot with some of our favourite walks.

Forge Valley Woods, North Yorkshire

The beautiful nautre reserve on the banks of the River Derwent in the North York Moor National Park was once home to iron smelting. Today it's a peaceful spot – go quietly and you may see an otter. Map and route.

Sutton Bank, North Yorkshire

Discover dramatic views, a white horse, a hidden lake and deep woodland on the edge of the North York Moors National Park. Map and route.

Rievaulx Abbey, North Yorkshire

Walk from the market town of Helmsley in the North York Moors National Park to one of the most important monastic centres in Britain. Map and route.

Roseberry Topping, North Yorkshire

Quilted with banks of bluebells, sorrel and stitchwort, Yorkshire’s Matterhorn in the North York Moors National Park is a spring masterpiece. Map and route.

Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire

Steep stairwells, pitched roofs, an intriguing past and windy clifftop walks make this village in the North York Moors National Park the perfect rural getaway. Map and route.

Osmotherley, North Yorkshire

Stride out on the Lyke Wake walk as it follows the ancient journey of the dead across the North York Moors National Park, starting and finishing in the village of Osmotherley. Map and route.

Malham Tarn, North Yorkshire

This short and easy walk around the wildlife-rich waters of Malham Tarn and beneath the cliffs of Great Close Scar is a Yorkshire Dales classic. Map and route.

Upper Wharfedale, North Yorkshire

Head to the Yorkshire Dales in search of three of the national park’s finest attributes: limestone uplands, enchanting valleys and picturesque waterfalls. Map and route.

River Wharfe and Bolton Priory, North Yorkshire

Stroll along the sylvan banks of a Yorkshire river on this moderate six-mile walk. Enjoy sights ranging from the dramatic ruins of a 12th-century priory to the grandiose arch of an old stone bridge. Map and route.

Parcevall Hall Gardens, North Yorkshire

The bountiful terraces, countryside views and mossy woodlands of Parcevall’s hillside gardens rejoice in the summer months with vibrant colours, floral fragrances and stirring birdsong. Map and route.

How Stean Gorge, North Yorkshire

This limestone gorge is a green oasis for marsh marigolds and lime-loving plants. Ancient ferns, cuckoopints and horsetails will give you a sense of having entered a lost world. Your soundtrack will be the thunderous gushing of the River Nidd as it forces its way through this thin canyon, a fascinating insight into the effects of water erosion on limestone. Try your hand at rock climbing, via ferrata, caving and canoeing. Be prepared to get wet. Route.