Summer is here – kind of. We’ve seen signs of sun anyway. And, that’s good enough for us. So we are looking for the best things to in Yorkshire whilst the warmer months are here. Getting out in nature is one of them. We’ve scoured our favourite walking spots to find the best summer hikes in Yorkshire perfect for enjoying the vitamin D we so sorely need.
From beautiful walks surrounded by rock formations created by nature, to river walks with the chance to cool off in some great wild swimming spots along the way. Yorkshire’s landscape is so varied, so you get to experience a variety of walks whilst exploring our beautiful county.
Hiking has huge mental health benefits as well as good for you physically. So, you can feel those benefits whilst you’re exploring nature. Not only that but, these walks take in some Yorkshire idyllic market towns and villages where you can visit independent cafes and shops and maybe even enjoy a few beers at one of the many pubs. So enjoy our guide that may just act as inspiration for your summer outdoor adventures for 2024.
Don’t miss the best Summer hikes in Yorkshire
Brimham Rocks
The natural rock formations are an amazing collection of crazy rock formations that are perfect to climb and one of the more unique of our Yorkshire hiking trails that we’ve selected. You can explore the area that is like a nature-made playground.
The shorter route around the rocks from the National Trust car park is quite easy – and takes around 1 h 19 mins to complete the 2.5 mile walk, which is pretty flat also. Or, you can head around the 9-mile walk which should take around 4 to 5 fours taking you through a varied woodland path, graveled tracks and fields. This route takes you from the famous Pateley Bridge village, up to the National Trust sight and is quite a steep walk.
Ingleton Waterfall Trail
This breathtaking waterfall walk, found on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, is home to the Ingleton waterfall trail, which has falls of all shapes and sizes, which is why it is so popular with locals and tourists alike all year round.
The four-mile Ingleton Falls route, which takes between two and four hours to complete, and be aware that it is a one-way clockwise walk. It starts off pretty strong – and budding photographers will be keen to get some stunning shots of Thornton Force, which is part of the first half of the trail. Some parts of the trail offer a chance to have a paddle and a dip in the water making it one of the summer hikes in Yorkshire that offers a perfect cool down experience.
The trail follows the River Twiss and the River Doe from the Ingleton starting point, where, along the way, you’ll also be treated to spectacular sights of one of Yorkshire’s Three Peaks, Ingleborough. Add this to you summer hikes in Yorkshire bucket list for this year.
Sutton Bank
Sutton Bank with its famous landmark, the Kilburn White Horse was proclaimed by the author of the famous novels All Creatures Great and Small, Alf Wight, more commonly known as his author name James Herriot as ‘the finest view in England.
And if it’s one of the best Yorkshire walks for Alf, it’s good enough for us. Found on the edge of the North York Moors National Park the area overs dramatic views, a hidden lake and deep woodland all of which curate an excellent walk to be enjoyed all year round – but especially this time of year with the autumnal hue taking over the trees and the leaves littering the ground.
The look-over has views over Garbutt Wood and Gormire Lake, both a haven for wildlife and a great place to head of adventure for the day. Gormire Lake, otherwise known as ‘the gateway to hell’ was carved out during the last ice age when a gigantic ice sheet scraped out the deep hollow between the crags and rocks creating the magnificent sight we see today.
Malham Circular
The 4-mile scenic hiking route is probably the one we’ve done the most and will do the most in the Dales as it always provides such epic and varied views including two of the most fantastic waterfalls. Malham Cove is a unique limestone formation that was created in the last ice age thousands of years ago and sits overlooking the village of Malham.
There is something mythical about Janet’s Foss too, which is a popular wild swimming spot although we’ve only managed. to get up to our knees when we’ve tried it.
When you finish your walk, you can head to Malham village and visit one of its traditional pubs that serve great food and ales for you to recharge.
Flamborough Head
Flamborough Head located near Bridlington, is always a delight to see, with the circular walk being a fantastic choice for those looking to take in some fresh, sea air on their route.
The 7-mile walk is fairly challenging but well worth it for the views you get from the top of the cliffs! Starting in Flamborough village, the route heads by Thornwick Bay (a great photo opp), before descending on the beautiful Flamborough Cliffs Nature Reserve. Following the coastline on top of the cliffs, trekkers will get glorious views out to sea – perfect for a mild day.
The route is one of the most stunning summer hikes in Yorkshire and also runs past the Lighthouse, before circling back around to the village and the remains of Flamborough Castle.
Hawes to Hardraw Force
Pass through the stonewalled, patchwork countryside, quaint villages and immense natural beauty with lush greenery and wildflowers waiting to be enjoyed. The Dales is full of hidden gems and this seven-mile walk showcases some of its best hits.
The Hawes to Hardraw Force waterfall walk starts in the Dales miniature market town of Hawes, which has a waterfall running through its picture-postcard streets – right between houses carrying on its journey from the River Ure.
Taking a walk from Hawes to Hardraw Force will be one of the most rewarding things you do this summer. You can take in a series of waterfalls, including the one that sits in the middle of this market town. Initially you follow the famous Pennine Way before heading behind the Green Dragon pub to visit England’s highest single-drop waterfall.
Goathland Waterfall Walk
Located near Whitby, you can park up in the picturesque village of Goathland and explore the your surroundings before heading out on the Mallyan Spout waterfall walk. The walk allows you to explore the village itself, including the famous Goathland train station, made famous by Harry Potter.
Hiking in Yorkshire is an experience like no other – and the 3-mile Mallyan Spout Waterfall that takes in Scar Wood, following the River Esk, along which you’ll find the Mallyan Spout, has had visitors captivated since the Victorian era. There are signs along the way so, you shouldn’t find it too difficult to find.
In Goathland, the initial section of the walk follows the pavement alongside the village road. On the way down into the wooded valley, there are steps. Before heading off and descending into the spectacular wooded valley en route to the Mallyan Spout waterfall, there are several lesser-known lovely sites in the area.
Ilkley Moor
Sitting on the outskirts of Ilkley is the vast moorland – there are plenty of walking options to choose from which will keep you busy. A few points of interest on the moor are the Twelve Apostles, Cow & Calf and Ilkley Tarn.
We tend to park up at the Cow & Calf free car park and take it from there. It’s a short walk up the hill to the Cow & Calf gritstone. You can then head out to Ilkley Tarn where you’ll find on the walk rocky streams and the plunge pool of White Wells. If you’re hiking in Yorkshire this summer, then you will want to add this one to your list.
Read More: 15 Incredible Waterfall Walks In Yorkshire To Discover
Feature Image Credit: Cowcalf/Wikimedia Commons/T.J Blackwell/licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
