Yorkshire is one of the best places in England for walking. There are long-distance trails across moors and dales, coastal paths and gentle riverside strolls. Here are the best walks near our holiday homes, from short afternoon walks to week-long trails.
Shorter walks from the door
- Studley Royal and Fountains Abbey, near Ripon: walk through the water garden to the abbey ruins and the deer park.
- The Nidd Gorge, Knaresborough: riverside and woodland paths below the castle and the viaduct.
- The Stray and Valley Gardens, Harrogate: 200 acres of open parkland on the edge of the town centre.
- Ilkley Moor: climb up to the Cow and Calf rocks for big views over Wharfedale.
- Dalby Forest, near Pickering: waymarked trails through the forest.
- Morndyke Farm, near Thirsk: rural walks straight from the doorstep.
Long-distance trails
The Nidderdale Way
A 53-mile circular route around Nidderdale, centred on Pateley Bridge. It runs close to our Loft 11 apartment in Glasshouses.
The Cleveland Way
Crosses the North York Moors and then follows the coast past Whitby, Robin Hood’s Bay and Scarborough. You can join it on a day out from Pickering, or near Thirsk at Sutton Bank, which is famous for its views.
The Dales Way
Follows the River Wharfe through some of the prettiest villages in the Yorkshire Dales. It’s a great choice if you’re staying in Ilkley, where it begins.
The Yorkshire Wolds Way and the Pennine Way
The Wolds Way crosses the rolling chalk hills of East Yorkshire, while the Pennine Way runs along the hills of the western Dales past Malham.
Walking tips
- Check the weather before you set off, and take waterproofs and an extra layer, especially on the moors.
- Carry a paper map as well as your phone, as signal can be patchy in the Dales and on the moors.
- Keep dogs on a lead near livestock and during ground-nesting season.
Where to stay for walking
- Loft 11, near Pateley Bridge, for Nidderdale.
- Moor View in Ilkley, for Ilkley Moor and the Dales Way.
- Our cottages at Sands Farm near Pickering, for the North York Moors and the coast.
- The Morndyke Shepherds’ Huts and Morndyke Cottage, near Thirsk, for Sutton Bank and the western moors. See our Thirsk accommodation.
Walking with a dog? See our pet-friendly properties.
