Yorkshire is blessed with many great views and this is never more true than in Winter.
With three world-famous National Parks, three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, wild moors, rolling hills, rugged coastline and stunning views around every turn. Yorkshire is made for walking. Here are some routes you might want to head for this winter:
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
Wrap up warm, pull on your walking boots and explore Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. Find your own way through this beautiful landscape, from paths to open parkland- we’ve got plenty of options for you to enjoy. Go ‘On the Hoof’ and trot along to the deer park to watch the wild deer munching through their winter feed. There are three different breeds of deer on the estate, Red, Sika and Fallow.
Skipton Castle
Over 900 years old, Skipton Castle is one of the most complete and best-preserved medieval castles in England and is well worth a visit, particularly at Christmas. A great place to enjoy a winter walk surrounded by heritage.
Grimwith Reservoir
For a nice 4.5 mile circular walk, head to Grimwith Reservoir – This walk in North Yorkshire that makes an anti-clockwise circuit of Grimshaw Reservoir which is located off the Pateley Bridge to Grassington Road. The walk provides stunning views of the adjacent moors together with some wonderful panoramas of the Yorkshire Dales. It’s also one of the best places in the Yorkshire Dales to see wildfowl such as wigeon, teal and Canada and Greylag geese. Free parking and toilets are available at the start.
North York Moors National Park
The walks are as stunning around the North York Moors National Park, with around 2,300 km of paths and tracks, it’s a walker’s and cyclist’s paradise. Hidden in the heart is the sublime village of Rosedale, where time apparently stopped a century ago. Above it, on Spaunton Moor, wide paths scamper amongst heathery tufts, medieval crosses mark epic viewpoints.
Rotunda Festive Walk
Rotunda Festive Walk, Scarborough. A great Christmas tradition! Chance for all the family to wrap up warm and walk off the seasonal excesses whilst learning about the fascinating geology of the South Bay. Start at the Rotunda with an introduction to the fascinating unique Dinosaur Coast then head off to explore the remains of Jurassic Scarborough including dinosaur footprints! Suitable for all ages.
The Standedge Trail
The Standedge Trail is located in the heart of the Pennine countryside. A challenging 10 mile circular trail covering open moorland and reaching an altitude of 425 metres, this route gives you an insight into the county’s industrial heritage and follows some of the original roads across the moor. The trail begins at Standedge Visitor Centre car park – walking boots and an OS map are essential on this route.
National Trails
We’re lucky to have four of Britain’s finest National Trails here in Yorkshire. So take your pick. The Cleveland Way roller-coasts around the North York Moors from Helmsley to the coast. The Yorkshire Wolds Way rambles through peaceful fields and over gentle chalk-hills. Or for something more strenuous, the Pennine Way strides through the Yorkshire Dales on its mammoth journey from the Peak District to Scotland. Or maybe the purpose built Pennine Bridleway is your kind of walk, bike or horse ride?
Turner Trails
Finally, for fans of Yorkshire’s most famous artist, Joseph Turner, we have a selection of Turner Trails that carry plenty of appeal.
For other suggestions on great walks to try out this winter, here’s our Walkshire section and our Walkshire Map.
