Yorkshire brings together limestone valleys, open moorland, rugged coastline and historic walking towns, making it one of England’s most varied regions for hiking.
Why Go Hiking in Yorkshire?
With two sprawling national parks, wild moorland, rolling dales, dramatic coastline, and chocolate-box villages, it’s the kind of place where the walking boots never quite get unpacked!
It’s also a region that has something for every kind of walker (like solo adventurers, families with little legs, long-distance enthusiasts, and those of you who simply want a good pub at the end of the trail).
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about hiking in Yorkshire, from choosing the right base to picking up a spare pair of socks when yours inevitably soaks through.
Yorkshire is one of the country’s premier hiking destinations, and if you’re planning a broader trip, our ultimate guide to hiking in England covers the best regions across the country.
“Avoid rookie mistakes. Our free ebook Hiking for Beginners shows you how.”
Yorkshire’s Main Walking Areas
North York Moors
The North York Moors offer a dramatic and wilder feel with vast open landscapes, purple heather in August, and crumbling abbeys tucked into hillsides.
They’re perfect for those of you who are solitude seekers and coastal cliff wanderers.
Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales, on the other hand, are all about valleys, waterfalls, limestone pavements, and quaint villages with low-slung stone cottages.
They feel more pastoral and gentler underfoot. For variety and long-distance treks, the Dales often win, but if it’s dramatic skylines and sea views you want, then head for the Moors.
Yorkshire Coast
Yorkshire’s coastline adds a completely different feel to the region, with high cliffs, fishing villages and long views across the North Sea.
The Cleveland Way links places such as Whitby, Robin Hood’s Bay, Staithes and Runswick Bay, making it easy to combine shorter coastal walks with longer point-to-point sections.
Towns, Villages and Useful Bases
Whitby
This is a coastal gem that’s mainly famous for its abbey, Dracula connection, and fish and chips.
The clifftop walk south to Robin Hood’s Bay is one of the best in the country.
Haworth
This is Brontë country with rolling moors and atmospheric paths inspired by Wuthering Heights.
Malham
Malham Cove is a stunning limestone amphitheater with a winding staircase path up the side. It was featured in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
York
Not a hiking spot per se, but it’s a charming historic city that makes for a great cultural detour or rainy-day plan.
Types of Hiking in Yorkshire
You’ll find everything from short woodland walks to full-on multi-day challenges.
- Day hikes are the most popular and accessible, and they often lead through valleys, along rivers, or across moor tops.
- Inn-to-Inn hiking is also big here. Routes like the Coast to Coast Walk and Cleveland Way pass through towns and villages and they have places to stay and eat.
- Overnighters can be done with a bit of planning, and especially if you’re wild camping legally or using hostels.
- There aren’t bothies like in Scotland, but bunk barns, pub inns, and farm stays fill that role nicely.
Best Time to Visit
Yorkshire wears every season well, but some wear better than others depending on how much rain you’re willing to dodge.
Spring (April to June) is a firm favorite because the blossoms are out, the lambs are bouncing, and the trails are dry enough to trust.
Summer brings longer days and lusher landscapes, although you may have to share the paths a bit more.
Autumn is stunning too (and especially in the Dales) when golden leaves blanket the valleys.
Winter hikes can be magical (particularly in the Moors under a dusting of snow) but remember to be ready for muddy paths and shorter daylight hours.
Yorkshire weather changes quickly, so using a proper layering system will help you stay comfortable throughout the day.
Explore More of the UK on Foot
Planning to take your walking adventures beyond Yorkshire? These country guides cover standout hiking regions, long-distance trails and practical trip-planning advice.
Hiking in England
Explore national parks, coastal paths, countryside walks and classic long-distance routes across England.Hiking in Scotland
Discover Highland trails, island walks, dramatic mountain scenery and some of the UK’s wildest hiking landscapes.Hiking in Ireland
Plan walks through green valleys, rugged coastlines, mountain ranges and traditional towns across Ireland.
Planning Your Yorkshire Hiking Trip
Best Way to Get Around – Do You Need a Car?
If you’re sticking to one area, you can manage with buses and trains. The DalesBus and MoorsBus run to trailheads on weekends and holidays.
The trains connect major towns like York, Harrogate, and Whitby.
But if you’re planning to hike in different parts of the region, then renting a car will definitely be a huge advantage.
That’s because some trailheads are remote and public transport can be limited (especially in winter or mid-week).
Special Accommodation for Walkers
While Yorkshire doesn’t have Alpine huts or bothies, it does have:
- Bunk barns and hostels, especially in the Dales.
- Inns and pubs that cater to walkers with drying rooms and hearty breakfasts.
- Shepherd’s huts, yurts, and glamping pods for those of you who like your wilderness with a touch of comfort
Best Place to Get Last Bits of Equipment
Not sure you’ve packed everything? Our guide on what to bring on a day hike covers the essentials before you hit the trail.
Forgot your waterproofs or blister plasters? Most towns have an Alpkit, Cotswold Outdoor, or a Go Outdoors nearby.
Richmond, Skipton, and York are solid towns for gear shopping, and even smaller villages often have a walking shop or two.
Local outdoor shops like The Walking Shop in Helmsley are well stocked and know exactly what you’ll need for local conditions.
Is It Safe to Travel Alone?
Generally, yes. Yorkshire is considered very safe for solo travellers, including women.
The trails are well-used and the signage is decent, and the locals are famously friendly.
Standard solo travel advice applies: let someone know your route, carry a map, and keep a charged phone with you at all times.
Do you want a full list of top trails? Check out our companion article because it’s packed with day hikes, family walks, and long-distance routes for every level!
🗒️ Free Checklist: “Pack light, pack right — download The Ultimate Hiking Packing List.”
Quieter Walks and Lesser-Known Areas
- Upper Swaledale. It’s Quiet, remote, and breathtaking.
- The Esk Valley in the Moors, which have rolling hills and sleepy villages with hardly another walker in sight.
- The Hole of Horcum has a quieter midweek and is one of the most striking moorland walks.
Walking Holiday in Yorkshire
Are you planning a walking holiday in Yorkshire? Well, it’s a classic choice for a reason.
You can stay in a market town, hike by day, and soak in a pub by night. Then you can explore a national trail like the Dales Way, Ribble Way, or Cleveland Way.
Or you could just build your own route through the national parks and coast. You’ll find cosy beds and welcoming locals, along with landscapes that make every mile worth it.
So grab a map and lace up your boots, and just like that you’ll see why walking in Yorkshire is the kind of trip people take once…and then again and again.
“From Alps to coastlines, our free Walking Holiday guide helps you plan smarter.”
FAQ’s About Hiking in Yorkshire
Can you walk freely on the Yorkshire moors?
Large areas of moorland are open access, but that does not mean every piece of land can be crossed without restriction.
Stick to recognised paths where appropriate, follow local signs, keep dogs under control around livestock and ground-nesting birds, and be prepared for poor visibility on exposed sections.
What is the largest waterfall in Yorkshire?
Hardraw Force, near Hawes in the Yorkshire Dales, is widely known as England’s highest single-drop waterfall above ground.
The walk to it is short, so it works well as part of a wider day exploring the Dales.
What are the best viewpoints in Yorkshire?
Roseberry Topping, Sutton Bank and the higher ground around Ilkley Moor are among the best-known viewpoints.
Buttertubs Pass also offers dramatic scenery in the Yorkshire Dales, although it is better treated as a scenic stop combined with a nearby walk.
Is Yorkshire good for beginner hikers?
Yes. Yorkshire has plenty of shorter and well-used routes, including Sutton Bank, sections of Ilkley Moor and family-friendly waterfall walks. Beginners should still check distance, elevation and weather before setting out, as even straightforward routes can become more difficult in poor conditions.
Conclusion
Hiking in Yorkshire is less about choosing one perfect trail and more about deciding which landscape you want to explore first.
The Dales offer limestone scenery, waterfalls and traditional villages, while the North York Moors bring open horizons, heather-covered hills and access to the coast.
With a little planning, it is easy to combine day walks, longer trails and time in Yorkshire’s towns and villages.
Whether you are visiting for a weekend or building a full walking holiday, the region has enough variety to support both a focused trip and several return visits.
Where to Next?
Continue planning your Yorkshire trip with these more focused regional guides and route collections.
Explore More of Yorkshire
Best Walks in Yorkshire
Compare a varied selection of family walks, coastal routes, moorland hikes and full-day options across the county.
Best Circular Walks in Yorkshire
Find convenient routes that return to the same village, town or trailhead.
Hiker’s Guide to the North York Moors
Explore open moorland, coastal sections, historic villages and practical planning information for the national park.
More Yorkshire Trails
Best Walks in the Yorkshire Moors
Discover more short walks, viewpoints and longer routes across Yorkshire’s moorland landscapes.
Best Waterfall Hikes in Yorkshire
Find routes through wooded gorges, limestone valleys and some of the county’s best waterfall scenery.
Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge
Plan a more demanding day across Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough.
