10 Circular Walks In North Yorkshire: Scenic Routes for Every Explorer
North Yorkshire is home to some of the most picturesque landscapes in England, making it an ideal destination for walking enthusiasts. The region boasts a variety of trails, each offering unique views of rolling hills, serene woodlands, and historic sites.
Exploring these routes allows visitors to experience both natural beauty and cultural heritage.
For those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying a round trip, circular walks provide an excellent opportunity. These paths are designed to lead walkers back to their starting point, ensuring convenience and the chance to uncover new experiences along the way.
From the rugged beauty of the North York Moors to charming coastal paths, North Yorkshire's circular walks cater to a wide range of interests and abilities.
1) Ravenscar and Robin Hood's Bay
Ravenscar and Robin Hood's Bay offer one of the most captivating coastal walks in Yorkshire. This scenic route is renowned for its dramatic sea views and rich history.
The path incorporates lush woodland and winds through charming coastal villages, providing a varied walking experience.
The trail is roughly 11 miles long, making it ideal for a day walk for those seeking a moderately challenging route.
Walkers encounter a mix of terrains, from sandy shores to high cliffs adorned with ferns and heather. This diversity adds to its allure.
Key highlights include the craggy heights and picturesque scenery of the North York Moors. Walking here showcases the characteristic landscapes of this national park.
The trail is popular for its clear paths and well-marked routes, ensuring a rewarding journey for hikers of all levels.
If you're planning to explore this delightful walk, details about the Robin Hood's Bay and Ravenscar Coastal Walk can be found online. Walking enthusiasts will appreciate this trail's combination of natural beauty and intriguing local culture.
2) Kettlewell Circular
The Kettlewell Circular is a picturesque walk located in the Yorkshire Dales. This trail is ideal for walkers seeking serene landscapes and well-maintained paths.
Skirting the slopes of Great Whernside and Buckden Pike, the trail offers a variety of natural views.
Walking through Kettlewell, individuals encounter charming village scenes and lush green fields. The route is adorned with traditional dry stone walls and offers glimpses of local wildlife.
This circular walk is a blend of moderate ascents and gentle declines.
For those who walk with family, this trail offers several kid-friendly features such as ice cream stops and spots for paddling. Combining both ease and beauty, it's a popular choice for many visitors.
The full experience of Kettlewell Circular provides a rewarding exploration of North Yorkshire. With its combination of natural beauty and village charm, it's a must-visit for walking enthusiasts.
For more details on this trail, explore A Kettlewell Circular for additional insights and resources.
3) Hole of Horcum Circular
The Hole of Horcum Circular offers a captivating 5-mile walk through the North Yorkshire Moors. Starting at Saltergate Car Park, walkers are immediately greeted with breathtaking panoramic views.
This route is well-loved for its stunning natural scenery and unique landscape.
Along the way, the path leads through charming spots like Levisham. It's an ideal route for nature enthusiasts seeking a moderately challenging trek.
The circular trail stretches for around 8.5 km and typically takes about two and a half hours to complete.
The Hole of Horcum itself is a spectacular geological feature, often described as a natural amphitheatre approximately 400 feet deep.
For more details on this trail, including maps and guides, check out the walking guide at Think Adventure.
Visitors to this walk enjoy both the natural beauty and the historical interest it provides.
Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just out for a leisurely walk, this circular promises an enriching experience in the picturesque setting of the North Yorkshire Moors.
4) Roseberry Topping Circular
The Roseberry Topping Circular walk offers a moderately challenging yet rewarding route through North Yorkshire. This popular trail, approximately 4 kilometres in length, winds near Guisborough and is renowned for its picturesque views across the North York Moors and Middlesbrough (AllTrails).
Set against a backdrop of distinctive terrain, Roseberry Topping features a unique half-cone shape and jagged cliff.
Walkers enjoy exploring the trail’s blend of natural beauty and history. Nearby, the walk also connects to Captain Cook’s Monument, adding an extra element of interest for those keen to experience more of the area (National Trust).
Ideal for families and individual explorers alike, this route is a custodian of North Yorkshire's dramatic landscapes.
It's a perfect choice for anyone seeking a shorter circular walk that still promises awe-inspiring scenery and a healthy dose of fresh air (Forest Holidays).
5) Brimham Rocks Circular
Brimham Rocks offers an exciting circular walk in North Yorkshire, famous for its distinctive rock formations. It's a popular destination for those who enjoy exploring natural landscapes and geological marvels.
The trail showcases panoramic views and varied terrain. It includes highlights such as the dramatic rock structures nestled within the Heather Moorland.
These formations, shaped over centuries, captivate visitors with their unique shapes.
A walking route around the boundary of Brimham Rocks gives visitors an opportunity to enjoy the surrounding Yorkshire countryside.
This particular boundary walk covers a gentle yet engaging terrain, making it a suitable choice for all levels of walkers.
With its manageable length of around 5.5 kilometres, this trail is considered easy and typically takes around one and a half hours to complete.
The walk not only offers breathtaking vistas but also a glimpse into the geological history of this remarkable area.
6) Rievaulx Abbey Walk
Rievaulx Abbey Walk offers an enchanting journey through the historical landscapes near Helmsley, North Yorkshire. This circular route is popular for its stunning views and rich history.
The trail takes you around the majestic Rievaulx Abbey, a key historical site, surrounded by beautiful countryside.
The walk spans approximately 3.3 miles (5.2 km) and features mild elevation changes, making it suitable for walkers of various skill levels. With an estimated completion time of about 1 hour and 20 minutes, it's a perfect opportunity for a leisurely stroll.
For those looking for more of a challenge, a longer version covers 16.7 km and demands around 5 hours of walking. The trail here is considered more challenging, offering a deeper exploration of the North Yorkshire landscape.
Rievaulx Abbey itself is one of the country's best-preserved abbeys, situated amidst picturesque woods and near a tranquil river.
The area surrounding the abbey includes fish ponds and the charming village of Old Byland, providing plenty of scenic variety.
Maps and guides are readily available, including walking resources that outline the various paths you can take. This ensures walkers stay on course and make the most of their visit to this historical gem.
7) Goathland Loop
The Goathland Loop offers walkers a charming route in the North York Moors, showcasing the village of Goathland and its scenic surroundings. This circular walk is popular for its picturesque views and varied landscapes, making it a delightful choice for those exploring the area.
One notable highlight of the route is the Mallyan Spout waterfall. This waterfall is a serene spot to pause and enjoy the natural beauty of the woodland setting.
The walk also takes in open moorland, offering a rich tapestry of colours and vistas.
For those interested in a moderately challenging experience, the Mallyan Spout and Goathland Circular provides an engaging path with an average walking time of just under three hours.
This route allows hikers to fully immerse themselves in the tranquil and diverse scenery the area is renowned for.
Walkers can expect a rewarding and refreshing outing when embarking on the Goathland Loop, with opportunities to appreciate both wildlife and the unique charm of the North Yorkshire Moors.
8) Redmire Force Circular
The Redmire Force Circular is a delightful walk nestled in the enchanting landscape of the Yorkshire Dales. This route offers scenic views as it follows the River Ure.
Walkers can enjoy the beautiful surroundings, and the peaceful atmosphere provides a perfect escape from the bustle of everyday life.
This circular walk is popular for its lack of challenging climbs, making it accessible for those seeking a leisurely experience.
Along the way, walkers can take in diverse landscapes, from lush riverbanks to expansive fields, adding variety to the journey.
It's a wonderful option for families and individuals of all walking abilities.
One of the highlights of this trail is its proximity to Redmire Force, a picturesque waterfall.
The presence of this natural feature enhances the trail, offering opportunities for photography and moments of reflection amidst nature. Walkers passing by can enjoy the soothing sounds of cascading water.
9) River Ure & Nutwith Common
The River Ure & Nutwith Common walk presents a delightful journey through North Yorkshire. The circular path begins in the quaint town of Masham and follows the banks of the River Ure.
This route offers walkers scenic views and a peaceful atmosphere. It's a popular choice for those wanting to experience the natural beauty of the area.
Visitors can enjoy the lush greenery along the trails and the tranquil sounds of the river.
The route spans multiple landscapes, making it an engaging walk suitable for a range of abilities.
It's known for its diverse terrain, providing a moderately challenging experience for walkers.
Those looking for a nature escape can find detailed information about the walk on platforms such as Visorando and Walking Britain.
10) Hardcastle Crags Woodland
Hardcastle Crags Woodland offers visitors an enchanting landscape to explore. Featuring 15 miles of paths, it provides a perfect setting for walkers of all skill levels.
Whether preferring a gentle stroll or a more challenging hike, the area accommodates various preferences and offers scenic beauty throughout.
One popular route is the Gibson Mill Walk, which takes you through wooded valleys and alongside tranquil water features.
This trail allows walkers to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings and experience the diverse wildlife that inhabits the woodland.
For those seeking a moderate challenge, the Hardcastle Crags and Hebden Water Circular provides an ideal option.
This 4-km trail is appreciated for its relaxing yet invigorating routes through some of the most picturesque sections of the woodland.
The area is not just for hikers; families can also enjoy a family-friendly walk that showcases key features of this stunning location.
Whether the interest lies in natural beauty or peaceful strolls, Hardcastle Crags Woodland is a gem in North Yorkshire's landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Circular walks in North Yorkshire offer a range of experiences, from family-friendly paths to captivating waterfall views. This section provides details on accessing some of the top trails and scenic village routes in the region.
Where can one find the top circular trails in the Yorkshire Dales?
The Yorkshire Dales is home to some of the most acclaimed circular trails. These include the Kettlewell Circular, known for its tranquil beauty.
Trails in this area provide varied landscapes, ranging from lush valleys to serene riversides, offering an enjoyable walking experience.
Which circular walks in North Yorkshire are suitable for families?
Families will appreciate routes such as the Roseberry Topping Circular and Brimham Rocks Circular.
These trails are accessible, with manageable distances and engaging landscapes, making them ideal for a day out with children. They offer easy navigation and plenty of opportunities to explore.
Are there any circular routes in North Yorkshire with waterfall views?
For those seeking waterfalls, the region offers several circular walks with stunning water features.
While specific waterfall trails are not mentioned in the earlier items, visitors might explore nearby attractions known for showcasing the rugged beauty of Yorkshire.
Can you recommend some easy circular walks on the North Yorkshire Moors?
The Hole of Horcum Circular provides an easy walk on the North York Moors. Known for its dramatic scenery, this trail is perfect for those looking for a relaxing yet visually arresting experience.
It offers a gentle terrain that suits walkers of most levels.
What are some of the most scenic village walks in North Yorkshire?
Ravenscar and Robin Hood's Bay are noted for their picturesque village settings.
Walking through these areas allows one to experience quaint local charm against a backdrop of stunning coastal views. Trails incorporate historical landmarks and beautiful architecture, making each step a pleasure.
Which circular walks in North Yorkshire offer the best overlooks of Malham Cove?
While Malham Cove itself is not directly covered, the Yorkshire Dales region provides trails that offer spectacular views of similar landscapes.
Walkers often explore adjacent circular routes for stunning geological features and panoramic views, highlighting the natural splendour unique to this area.
