It’s the time of year when dark mornings are in full swing and the frost on the cars on a morning becomes a mild annoyance. This time of year, it’s easy to hibernate indoors and wait out the first signs of spring, but here at The Yorkshireman we love our winter days and have come up with some of the best Yorkshire winter walks to enjoy.
So, dust off the old scarf and pull on your wellies as it is time to get out into the frosty air and enjoy the unique landscapes that the winter days create. We are sure your body and mental health will thank you.
1. Bolton Abbey
Found on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, Bolton Abbey was voted as one of the best winter walks in the UK. So, it is only fitting that we begin with it. the amazing 2th-century Augustinian monastery, the babbling River Wharfe and the vast landscape to explore. And. it’s has been named 6th in Country Living’s spots to take a walk in this winter.
The Bolton Abbey walk has something for everyone with a bridge over the River Wharfe, or if you dare the popular stepping stones, although we can imagine it’s a bit nippy falling in this time of year.
You can then walk either up the steep hill into the trees and walk under the winter canopy, or you can choose the lower route following the river. Either way head back and visit the cafe for a lovely coffee, a cup of tea and a cake or something hotter.
2. Filey Beach
Another one of the top-voted places in the UK. Filey beach has been voted as one of the top UK beaches due to its sandy beach and the fact it stretches all the way from Brigg down to Hunmanby Gap. Get parked up at Brigg and take in the view over the amazing bay.
A very popular tourist spot in the summer, the beach hits differently in the wintertime. There is something about taking a brisk walk along the coast wrapped up warm that revitalises you. And with this beach comes incredible views which haven’t changed over the hundreds of years.
Enjoy the incredible views of the brilliant cliffside along with the vast sways of sandy beach that seem to be endless. You can venture for a warm drink
3. Malham Circular
It’s hard to not include the 4-mile Malham circular in any top walks list. Whether it be summer, spring, autumn and winter. The unique walk takes into two of Yorkshire’s top waterfalls along with the must-see Malham Cove.
Malham Cove’s unique limestone formation is one of the wonders left over from the ice age forged by glaciers thousands of years ago.
Start from the village of Malham and head out towards Janet’s Foss, a magical fairy waterfall that is even better in the winter as it is in full flow. After that head towards Gordale Scar a tiered waterfall that people a little bit braver than us sometimes climb up.
As a winter walk on a cloudy day, there is something more epic about the look of Gordale. You could almost imagine it as part of the Lord of the Ring’s landscape.
Read More: 12 Of The Best And Most Scenic Forest Walks In Yorkshire
4. Roseberry Topping – Yorkshire Winter Walks
Found in the North York Moors between Great Ayton and Newton Under Roseberry it’s one of the most uniquely shaped hills in the national park sitting at 1,049 feet high.
Its summit is half-cone shaped with a jagged cliff edge which is sometimes why it’s given the name the Yorkshire Matterhorn after the Matterhorn in the Swiss-Italian Alps. . The cone shape is a result of the hill’s hard sandstone cap protecting the shales and clay from erosion by the effects of weathering.
The natural wonder is great with a dusting of snow making it a grand family winter walk in Yorkshire. From the nearby public car park, it is only around 2 miles if you do the National Trust walk. Please bear in mind there are some steep parts.
5. Ilkley Moor
Found in West Yorkshire on the edge of Leeds is Ilkley Moor. The immense moorland overlooks the market town of Ilkley and has the perfect photography opportunities with the likes of the incredible rock formation Cow & Calf Rocks.
There is usually plenty of sheep lolling about and there is a great spot to grab a cup of tea or a coffee sat roadside underneath the rock formation.
The walk can take up to an hour and takes you from the car parking place along the roadside up onto the windswept moors. The winter walk path leads up to the quarry entrance where it is worth taking a look into the quarry before continuing along the path as it begins to rise before levelling out. Make your way around the route, which you can find here.
6. Studley Royal To Fountains Abbey
Fountains Abbey is an 18th-century monastery that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The landscape offers breathtaking views perfect for winter walks in Yorkshire.
It’s the largest and best-preserved ruined monastery in England where you can explore vaulted ceilings, grand columns and imposing towers.
Studley Royal is one of the best surviving Georgian water gardens. It features elegant ornamental lakes, canals and temples. The landscaped gardens and Fountain abbey make for a great family walk and you can check out the route herehe.
