Best trails in North York Moors National Park
North York Moors National Park boasts one the largest areas of heather moorland and reaches to the impressive cliffs of the North Sea Coast. The park is a moorland plateau, intersected by a number of deep dales or valleys containing cultivated land or woodland, and provides visitors with an incredible landscape to explore. Here you can enjoy almost 2,300 km of Public Rights of Way winding across moorlands, through valleys, along coastlines, and over farmlands with beautiful scenery and views. North York Moors includes famous trails such as the Cleveland Way, which circles the moors, and has a section along the coast; the Lyke Wake Walk, which leads directly across the heart of the moors; and the White Rose Way, a long distance walk from Leeds to Scarborough.
Top trails
- (1414)•Moderate•4.8 mi•Est. 2.5–3 hrEnjoy beautiful views and historical sites as you make your way to Easby Moor and Roseberry Topping, passing through the farmlands and woodlands. Starting at the car park on Dikes Lane, the trail heads south and climbs up to Easby Moor. After about 1 km, you will arrive at Captain Cook's monument dedicated to the navigator, sailor, explorer, and captain who attended school nearby in Great Ayton. The trail then descends, crossing Fir Brook and Dikes Lane. Take Aireyholme Lane and continue...
- (1077)•Moderate•7.3 mi•Est. 3.5–4 hrEnjoy excellent views as you make your way along the cliff tops from Whitby to Robin Hood's Bay, taking in winding scenic paths, sandy beaches, and historic sites. Starting at the train station in Whitby, the trail heads past the famous abbey and joins the coastal path above the high cliffs passing Saltwick Bay, the old lighthouse, Pursglove Stye, and White Scar on the way to Robin Hood's Bay. Smugglers and press gangs would have been at home in Robin Hood's Bay's small cobblestone lanes...
- (1146)•Moderate•7.0 mi•Est. 3.5–4 hrThis trail takes in one of the most intriguing features in the North Moors National Park, Horcum Hole, an amphitheatre-like valley formed by thousands of years of spring-sapping. Starting at the Saltergate car park (pay and display), the trail heads over Levisham Moor, a site of ancient human occupation, where you keep an eye out for wildlife. The trail then continues through the village of Levisham, and returns to the start through the woodlands and beside Levisham Beck. There are steep...
- (929)•Moderate•2.6 miThis is a scenic trail from the famous village of Goathland in the heart of the North York Moors. The route gives you a chance to explore the village itself (made famous as the set of the TV drama "Heartbeat") before descending into the valley to visit the Mallyan Spout waterfall and an enchanting stretch of the West Beck. At the end, it joins a section of the old railway for the climb back to the village. There are several climbs and descents throughout, including long flights of steps,...
- (1120)•Moderate•6.2 mi•Est. 3–3.5 hrThis circular trail starts from the village of Osmotherley in the Hambleton Hills in North Yorkshire, at the western edge of the North York Moors. There are expansive views as you make your way across the farmlands, through the woodlands, and over Scarth Wood Moor, with chances to spot wildlife. Most of the paths are well-defined and easy to follow, with some steeper climbs. There are rougher sections where care is needed in wetter conditions. Much of the route is along the well-marked...
- (913)•Moderate•2.8 mi•Est. 1.5–2 hrThis is a beautiful circular trail from Lord Stones in the North York Moors, near Chop Gate in North Yorkshire. The route begins at Lord Stone, where there is a cafe-restaurant and shop, and visits the standing stones which give the site its name. Setting out, the route crosses a beautiful section of remote moorland before joining the Cleveland Way to climb steeply to the top of Cringle Moor, the third highest hill in the North York Moors which offers spectacular views, before a gentler...
- (763)•Moderate•9.0 mi•Est. 4.5–5 hrEnjoy this challenging but rewarding trail taking in great views as you make your way to Roseberry Topping, Hanging Stone, and Highcliffe, passing through Thomas's Wood, Hutton Lowcross Woods, and Harrison Close Wood. Keep an eye out for wildlife and enjoy the scenic paths, but take care on the rougher and steeper sections, especially in wetter conditions when the paths become more difficult. Please note, this forest is popular with mountain bikers so care is needed along the shared paths...
- (557)•Moderate•5.3 mi•Est. 2.5–3 hrThis is a lovely circular route in North York Moors National Park that explores Levisham Moor. This route is relatively flat and suitable for a wide range of ages and fitness levels. You may encounter livestock along this route so leads are advised if you bring your dog. Enjoy the rolling green fields and scenic countryside.
- (613)•Moderate•2.5 mi•Est. 1.5–2 hrThe distinctive shape of Roseberry Topping is clearly visible from a good distance away and whilst not the highest point in the North York Moors, it is much more recognizable. It is 320m above sea level, some 130m lower than the nearby Urra Moor and makes a fine trail on its own or as part of a longer trail in the area. The views from the top are big and broad making it a popular destination. It is quite a steep climb to get to the top but not difficult - the walk here takes the shortest...
- (717)•Moderate•7.4 miEnjoy the beautiful waterfalls of Mallyan Spout and Thomason Foss as you make your way through the varied landscape and terrain, from quaint woods to fast flowing rivers and a waterfall to wild moorland. Starting in Grosmont, the trail heads through the town and Smithy Holme Wood, to Craig Cliff Wood, past Thomason Foss, an on to Goathland. The trail then continues to Mallyan Spout, take great care on the slippery rocks, and heads back to the start beside Wheeldale Beck and Murk Esk. It is...
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Frequently asked questions
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Activities
- Backpacking trails in North York Moors National Park
- Bike touring trails in North York Moors National Park
- Birding trails in North York Moors National Park
- Camping trails in North York Moors National Park
- Fishing trails in North York Moors National Park
- Hiking trails in North York Moors National Park
- Mountain biking trails in North York Moors National Park
- Road biking trails in North York Moors National Park
- Running trails in North York Moors National Park
- Walking trails in North York Moors National Park
Attractions
- Beach trails in North York Moors National Park
- Cave trails in North York Moors National Park
- Hard trails in North York Moors National Park
- Easy trails in North York Moors National Park
- Forest trails in North York Moors National Park
- Historic site trails in North York Moors National Park
- Lake trails in North York Moors National Park
- Long trails in North York Moors National Park
- Moderate trails in North York Moors National Park
- Pub walk trails in North York Moors National Park
- Rails trails in North York Moors National Park
- River trails in North York Moors National Park
- Short trails in North York Moors National Park
- Scenic viewpoint trails in North York Moors National Park
- Waterfall trails in North York Moors National Park
- Wildflowers trails in North York Moors National Park
- Wildlife trails in North York Moors National Park
Suitability
- Dog-friendly trails in North York Moors National Park
- Dogs on leash trails in North York Moors National Park
- Kid-friendly trails in North York Moors National Park
- Partially paved trails in North York Moors National Park
- Paved trails in North York Moors National Park
- Stroller-friendly trails in North York Moors National Park
- Wheelchair-friendly trails in North York Moors National Park
