Walks in Nawton, North Yorkshire
From easy city strolls to challenging trails, discover the best of Nawton, North Yorkshire on foot.
Walk: Helmsley and Riccal Dale
Helmsley and Riccal Dale is a 13.0 kilometer loop trail located near Helmsley, North Yorkshire, England that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and running. The Route what3words for start point: ///caked.appraised.lunge Start / Finish Point: Helmsley, York YO62 5BH Distance: 8 Miles GPX Route Map helmsleyandriccaldaleDownload Walk Description A circular walk from the market town of Helmsley in Ryedale. The route heads out across sheep pastures and open fields to explore the woodland ravine of Riccal Dale, in the company of the beautiful River Riccal. The walk has several climbs and descents throughout, including a couple of steep sections within the woodlands. Whilst some of the tracks are firm stone, many of the other stretches through woodland can be very muddy in winter and after periods of rain so good boots are a must. You will need to negotiate several single bridle gates throughout plus one stile (with adjacent dog gap within the fence) and two footbridges with steps on the return leg. If necessary, you can avoid the stile and bridges by simply using the same paths for the outward and return leg. You will be sharing a few of the fields with sheep (and maybe horses) so take particular care with dogs. Allow 4 hours. There are public toilets in Borogate (just south of Helmsley Market Place at the start and end of the walk). If you are looking for refreshments, you will be spoilt for choice with pubs, cafes and restaurants in Helmsley at the start or end of the walk. OS Map: Explorer OL26 North York Moors Western Area. This walk follows public footpaths and bridleways which cross private and public land. Please respect people's privacy, keep dogs under control and remember the Countryside Code.
Ryedale Market Towns Trail: Part 6 Kirkbymoorside to Helmsley
Ryedale Market Towns Trail: Part 6 Kirkbymoorside to Helmsley is a 14.3 kilometer point-to-point trail located near Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire, England that offers scenic views and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching. The Route what3words for start point: ///dividers.taped.pothole Start Point: Kirkbymoorside Finish Point: Helmsley Distance: 9 Miles GPX Route Map ryedalemarkettownstrailpart6kirkbymoorsidetohelmsleyDownload A linear walk from Kirkbymoorside to Helmsley in North Yorkshire, forming the sixth and final part of the Ryedale Market Towns Trail. The route heads west through a mixture of open crop fields, sheep pastures and woodland valleys with gorgeous views from the hilltops. Along the way there are several interesting landmarks including Kirkdale Cave (where a fascinating set of fossilised bones were discovered), St Gregory's Minster, the predominantly thatched village of Pockley and the magical woodland ravine of Riccal Dale. ABOUT The Ryedale Market Towns trail is a 67 mile (108km) long-distance circular trail, created to allow walkers to enjoy the highlights of Ryedale, visiting each of the five market towns along the way. It is published through a collaboration with the Ryedale District Council. For more visitor information on the area including events and accommodation, go to www.VisitRyedale.co.uk ACCESS The walk has several steady climbs and descents throughout, plus a couple of steeper sections through Riccal Dale. The paths are mostly unmade and can get very muddy after periods of rain and in winter. You will need to negotiate several gates and kissing gates, two footbridges (one of which has steps each end) plus 5 stiles (a couple of which have tight fence surrounds so dogs will need a lift over). You will be sharing many of the pastures with sheep, so take particular care with dogs. There are only a few short sections along country lanes. Allow 4.5 hours. LOGISTICS If you are completing the whole 67 mile trail, you can arrange accommodation at both ends of this stretch, in Kirkbymoorside and in Helmsley. If you are walking this stretch as a stand-alone 9-mile walk, you can catch a bus for the return leg. Bus 128 will take you from Helmsley Market Place to Kirkbymoorside Market Place, taking just 20 minutes. The buses usually run hourly Mon-Sat and every two hours on Sundays. FACILITIES There are public toilets at each end of the walk. If you are looking for refreshments, there are lots of shops (including two bakeries) in Kirkbymoorside if you want to buy picnic supplies and you will be spoilt for choice in Helmsley at the end of the walk. OS Maps: OL26 North York Moors Western Area. This walk follows public footpaths and bridleways which cross private and public land. Please respect people's privacy, keep dogs under control and remember the Countryside Code. Access a list of all the segments that make up this walk here.
Walk: Kirkdale Minster
This walk takes in Kirkdale Minster, Sleightholme Dale and Robin Hood’s Howl, skirting past Kirkdale Cave and Hodge Beck. A civilised 5.5 miles, with inclines and uneven paths. The Route what3words for start point: ////proof.survey.perused Start Point: Kirkdale, nr Kirkbymoorside Finish Point: Kirkdale, nr Kirkbymoorside Distance: 5.5 Miles GPX Route Map kirkdaleDownload Walk Description Kirkdale cuts a deep wooded valley through the Tabular Hills of the southern North York Moors. Here you will find hidden away one of England’s ecclesiastical gems - St Gregory’s Minster. Founded in the 7th Century as a monastic mission house, the church was attacked by Danes and Vikings only to be rebuilt in the years just before the Norman Conquest. It boasts the most complete Saxon inscription in the world on its sundial, which can be dated to around 1055. Nearby is Kirkdale Cave, where bones of various long extinct animals were found in the 19th Century including lion, elephant, tigers and hyenas that date from before the last Ice Age when this area was a swamp. This walk explores the wooded valleys of Kirkdale, Sleightholme Dale and Robin Hood’s Howl, a beautiful dry valley.
Walk: Tabular Hills
The Tabular Hills Walk is a scenic long-distance footpath in North Yorkshire, England, stretching approximately 48 miles from Scalby to Helmsley. This route traverses the picturesque landscapes of the North York Moors National Park, offering walkers a mix of hills, ancient woodlands, and historic villages. The trail is named after the distinctive tabular, or flat-topped, hills that characterize the region. Along the way, hikers can enjoy breath-taking views, diverse wildlife, and historic sites, making it a popular choice for those seeking a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage in their walking adventures. The Route what3words for start point: Start Point: Scalby Finish Point: Helmsley Distance: 48 Miles GPX Route Map Tabular-Hills-Walk_0Download Walk Description The Tabular Hills Walk is a captivating journey through the North York Moors National Park, offering diverse landscapes and stunning views. Here’s a detailed description of the route: Scarborough to Hackness Starting from the coastal town of Scarborough, the route heads inland, passing through wooded valleys and scenic countryside. Walkers will traverse Raincliffe Woods and Forge Valley, a National Nature Reserve known for its rich flora and fauna. Hackness to Thornton-le-Dale The path continues through the picturesque village of Hackness, with its charming stone buildings and historic church. It then crosses the undulating landscape towards Thornton-le-Dale, a quintessential English village featuring thatched cottages, a beck, and the famous chocolate-box scene of Beck Isle Cottage. Thornton-le-Dale to Levisham From Thornton-le-Dale, the trail moves through Dalby Forest, offering tranquil forest paths. Exiting the forest, the route reaches Levisham, a quaint village with a traditional pub and access to the dramatic landscapes of Levisham Moor. Levisham to Cropton The walk continues across Levisham Moor, providing expansive views over the surrounding moorlands and valleys. Following paths through open countryside and small woodlands, hikers arrive at Cropton, known for its brewery and welcoming pub. Cropton to Hutton-le-Hole Leaving Cropton, the route meanders through fields and woodlands, passing by the serene village of Lastingham with its historic church and crypt. The next destination is Hutton-le-Hole, a picturesque village with a stream running through its centre. Hutton-le-Hole to Helmsley The final leg of the journey takes walkers across the open moorland and through charming villages such as Gillamoor and Fadmoor. The walk concludes in Helmsley, a vibrant market town with a medieval castle, beautiful walled garden, and a variety of shops and eateries. Where to eat Throughout the Tabular Hills Walk, hikers are treated to a feast of natural beauty, and, after 48 miles, you'd be forgiven for wanting a heart meal to finish up. These venues in Helmsley are great for dinner and a bed: The Black Swan, The Feversham Arms, The Royal Oak Hotel, The Feathers Hotel.