We love getting out into nature, and these circular walks in the North York Moors are a great way to get into all that the national park has to offer.
The moors, woodlands, coastal views anre more are incredible. They’ll inspire you like no TikTok, Instagram post or Netflix binge ever did. Let these walks quench your love for hiking around the UK’s countryside.
1. Kilburn White Horse & Gormire Lake
Near Thirsk in the North York Moors national park, you’ll find the famous Kilburn White Horse where you’ll start one of the great 6-mile circular walks in the North York Moors.
The walk takes in some lush forests and the glistening Gormire Lake among other natural wonders. It takes in part of the famous Cleveland Way coastal walk as well as some of the finest views the Hambleton Hills region has to offer.
Visit Thirsk home of the famous Skeldale practise made famous by author James Herriot otherwise known as Alf Wight. Kilburn White Horse, Low Town Bank Rd, Kilburn, Thirsk YO61 4AN
2. Farndale Daffodil Walk
Farndale in the spring is one of the most spectacular places in Yorkshire. Flooded with the yellow of tens of thousands of daffodils, guests can expect a walk packed with stunning scenery in the months of March and April.
A place that can only be described as a pocket of serotonin nestled within the stunning North York Moors, Farndale – or Daffodil Valley as it’s known – finds itself completely carpeted with happy-hued daffodils every single spring, providing an unbeatable landscape that can’t be found anywhere else.
It’s preferable in summer due to the yellow hue of the daffodils but still makes for a great walk at other times of year.
3. Goathland, Mallyan Spout and The Roman Road
Goathland is not just a home for classic soap Heartbeat. For hundreds of years, travellers have been drawn to the picturesque settlement in the North York Moors National Park.
The distinctive and stunning Mallyan Spout waterfall is one of the attractions that has drawn visitors to the picturesque area.
The 3-mile North Yorkshire circular walk begins at Scar Wood and follows the River Esk, passing by the Mallyan Spout, which has captivated visitors since the Victorian era.
4. Falling Foss Waterfall Walk
and tucked away in the North York Moors is the mystical woodland Falling Foss tea garden. Take a walk through magical woodland to this idyllic tea garden that sits above a 30ft waterfall by following babbling May Beck. The pool below is perfect for taking a dip on a cool summer’s day.
You can either take an excursion through the woods on a two-mile walk or park up in the Falling Foss car park.
Found just 6 miles outside of Whitby, Falling Foss Tea Gardens is situated right next to the stunning waterfall of the same name. The area provides a natural play area, becks to paddle in and woodland trails for you and your kids to enjoy in the woodlands of North Yorkshire.
5. Bridestones and Dove Dale
This forest trail to a crazy sandstone natural sculpture walk in North Yorkshire is for you. Created by nature the ‘Brink-Stones’ all have fascinating formations that have been created over 150 million years.
The splendid circular walk starts in Dalby Forest in a car park near Staindale beck along Dalby Forest drive. Set off along the track up High Staindale and beside Grain Slack. You’ll keep climbing until you’re greeted by the fabulous views of the moors from Crossbow cliff brow.
One of the great circular walks in the North York Moors, you follow the footpath through the Bridestone nature reserve and take in the woodland wildflower meadows and panoramic views.
7. Black Hambleton
Head out on the trail near Osmotherley that around 13km circular and takes in some of the most fantastic sights that the North York Moors has to offer,
The walk takes an average of four hours and is a popular route among hikers. It starts at the Gold Cup Inn in Nether Silton, and heads towards Black Hambleton.
It offers fantastic views of the are before taking you back to the Gold Cup Inn for a nice pint.
Read More: 9 Idyllic North York Moors Villages To Visit
8. Staithes, Port Mulgrave and Hinderwell
This North Yorkshire circular walk, which is located along the Yorkshire coast not far from Whitby, is around 4.3 miles and provides some breathtaking views of the charming seaside community.
The route departs from the settlement and travels south along the North Yorkshire coast to Port Mulgrave, before turning inland to Hinderwell. Following there, there is a nice forest trail that leads through a nature reserve before returning to Staithes.
Once you get to Staithes have a drink and some food in the famous Cod & Lobster. Staithes, Saltburn-By-The-Sea, TS13 5EA
9. Helmsley and Rievaulx Abbey
Helmsley is a picturesque market town on the River Rye, which is sheltered by the remains of a medieval castle making it the perfect place to visit.
You can enjoy a walk from the town out towards the historical Rievaulx Abbey taking in amazing countryside and history before returning to the town for a nice pint.
With this pub walk in Yorkshire, there are a few options for a pint which include the traditional Royal Oak Hotel to the more modern microbrewery Helmsley Brewing Company.
10. Levisham & Hole of Horcum
One of Yorkshire’s most spectacular features, this incredible natural amphitheatre in the North York Moors is the perfect antidote for those who are used to getting their dose of nature further afield. Usually called the ‘Devil’s Punchbowl’ the Hole of Horcum walk takes you through the mysterious crater steeped in purple heather as well as myths and legends.
Named The Hole of Horcum, this natural wonder is Yorkshire’s answer to the Grand Canyon. It is 400 feet deep and over half a mile across. The legend behind this huge gouge in the earth is that Wade the Giant was having a furious argument with his wife, and in a fit of rage, he ripped out a handful of earth and tossed it at his wife.
Levisham’s station is such a picturesque place to visit as well that the two together make for one of the best circular walks in the North York Moors.
11. Ravenscar and Robin Hood’s Bay
The village of Ravenscar, high on the cliffs between Scarborough and Whitby, is worth a visit, as is the old coastguard station at Robin Hood’s Bay village.
We love a walk along the cliffs in this area usually starting off at the Ravenscar National Trust Coastal Centre on the rugged cliffs of Ravenscar and heading Howdale Moor where there is some beautiful moorland.
Then, drop down to the old Scarborough-to-Whitby railway line and finish at the renowned smugglers’ haunt of Robin Hood’s Bay. And keep your camera handy, too, because the sights are simply stunning.
12. Roseberry Topping and Cook’s Monument
One such adventure is the amazing Roseberry Topping in the North York Moors, which is found between Great Ayton and Newton Under Roseberry. Although it isn’t the highest hill to climb in the National Park, it is definitely the most unique.
The walk starts in the amazing village of Great Ayton and passes from woodland and farmland before climbing Captain Cook’s monument.
Follow the Cleveland Way up to the summit of Roseberry Topping where you can take in the amazing panoramic views from the top.
Read More: 13 Of The Cosiest North York Moors Cottages For A Weekend Away
Feature Image Credit: Photo © Gordon Hatton (cc-by-sa/2.0)
