Walking

Long Distance Walks | National Trails | Walkers Welcome | Walking Festivals

Somewhere in Yorkshire is the perfect walk for you. There’s more than 1,000 square miles of National Park, more than 130 miles of coastline and many of Britain’s most appealing market towns, villages and countryside. From mighty moorland to rolling dales, there’s an enormous variety of walks.

From challenging hikes to casual strolls, there’s a walk for everyone in Yorkshire. Once you step outside, it’s easy to find a bit of Yorkshire to make your own. Saunter round a bluebell wood or take a ramble across a breath taking seaside clifftop; march along an exhilarating long distance trail or potter around a pretty village.

With wild moors, rugged cliffs, rolling hills and stunningly beautiful coastline – Yorkshire’s landscapes are world famous. There are three world-famous National Parks to explore: the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors and the Peak District. And there are more wonderful walking areas to discover, like the Yorkshire Pennines, Yorkshire Wolds and the Yorkshire Coast.

In between those, you’ll find miles and miles of charming country lanes, unspoilt villages, canal towpaths, lush valleys, archaeological sites, wildflower meadows and seaside adventures. Yorkshire’s varied landscape caters for all walkers. If you’re not in the mood for a long distance walk, you can enjoy shorter snatches of the long distance paths at your own pace. Wander circular walks, waymarked trails or take guided walks like Harrogate Town Trails or a Ghost Walk in York or Whitby. Or, just make your own exploration wherever and whenever you feel like it. Yorkshire can be as mild or as wild as you want!

Long Distance Walks

If you are an experienced walker, there are lots of long distance routes running through the Yorkshire area, from the famous Wainwright’s Coast to Coast walk and the Dales Way, to the Trans Pennine Trail which links the Irish and North seas.

The Coast to Coast walk starts in Cumbria and finishes in Robin Hood’s Bay, near Whitby and incorporates the stunning and beautiful scenery of both the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors.

The Trans Pennine Trail is an exciting new route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders that links the North and Irish seas. Part of the National Cycle Network, it passes through the hills of the Pennines, alongside rivers and canals, and through some of the best towns and cities in the North of England. It is mapped and signed all the way, mainly traffic free and is surprisingly level considering the dramatic scenery along the way.

Running from Ilkley to Bowness on Windermere in the Lake District, the Dales Way follows 84 miles/135km of spectacular scenery through Wharfedale, Langstrothdale and Dentdale in the Yorkshire Dales.

National Trails

There are four highly acclaimed National Trails in Yorkshire. They make it really straightforward for long distance walkers to find all the adventure and challenge they need. Take your pick from the Cleveland Way, Yorkshire Wolds Way, the Pennine Way and the Pennine Bridleway – a horse riding trail that makes an exciting alternative for walkers.

The Cleveland Way National Trail offers a route of great variety and a wealth of history, as most of it follows the moors and coast of the North York Moors National Park. The Cleveland Way National Trail is 110 miles (177 km) long, with points of interest every step of the Way. As well as being a National Trail, sections of it also form part of the European E2 route. The whole route can be walked over 8 or 9 days.

The Yorkshire Wolds Way National Trail is a National Trail to savour. Its 79 miles (128 km) is not too strenuous and offers a route where the peace and quiet of country life still dominate and the gentle charm of the Yorkshire Wolds leaves the walker refreshed in body and spirit. As well as being a National Trail, the Wolds Way National Trail forms part of the E2 European walking route. In 2007, the Yorkshire Wolds Way celebrated its 25th anniversary.

The 268 miles (429km) Pennine Way National Trail chases the Pennine hills along the backbone of England from Derbyshire, through three National Parks, over Hadrian's Wall and into the Scottish Borders. The trail takes on average 16 days to complete and is 100% suitable for walkers with 30% available for cyclists and horse riders too. The highest point is Cross Fell at 893m (2947ft). The Start Point is The Nags Head pub in Edale and the Finish Point is The Border Inn, Kirk Yetholm.
On route it takes in Northern England's finest moorland scenery and spectacular natural features. A grand traverse up the Backbone of England. 17% of the Trail is within the Peak District National Park, 20% in the Yorkshire Dales National Park and 24% within the Northumberland National Park.  Highlights include: Kinder Scout, Stoodley Pike, Top Withins, Malham Cove, Pen-y-ghent, Tan Hill, High Force, Cauldron Snout, High Cup Nick, Cross Fell, Hadrians Wall and The Cheviot.

Further information on National Trails

Walkers Welcome

When it comes to booking accommodation for your walking holiday or short break, look out for the Walkers Welcome logos. You’ll spot this quality standard all over Yorkshire and it’s a guarantee that a hotel, B&B, cottage or hostel has special facilities specifically for walkers, like space for drying outdoor clothes and cleaning boots, local maps and weather news ad a chance to pre-order groceries.  To search for accommodation, click here.

Walking Festivals

One of the best ways to get out and about in Yorkshire is to take part in one of the many festivals and events taking place throughout the year. They provide the opportunity to discover the delights that the region has to offer. Click here to search for other events in the region.

Rotherham Walking Festival, 30th June - 13th July

Once again Rotherham is host to the ever popular Walking Festival, with two weeks of guided walks throughout the Rotherham borough. There are many different walks to choose from, each with varied theme - boat trips, historic buildings and faith buildings to name a selection. The walks vary in length of time and miles, catering for numerous abilities. The Rotherham Walking Festival Guide is out in April. Email tic@rotherham.gov.uk or call 01709 382121 for further details.

 

Richmond Walking & Book Festival, 26th September - 5th October

Enjoy ten days filled with activities and events that are good for the body, intellect and soul. Whether you are attracted by the walking or the boots, Richmond is a great place to stay. There are walks from 12 mile hikes to literary and historical strolls. You can meet some of your favourite writers, hear tales of adventure or take armchair trips through the Dales past and present. Or you could enjoy a literary lunch or afternoons with children's storytellers, listen to great music or watch fascinating films. For more information visit http://www.richmondwalking.com/