Osmotherley might look like a sleepy stone village on the edge of the North York Moors, but it also has a secret.
This is one of the finest spots in Yorkshire for walkers who love variety. Within minutes of the cobbled streets you can be following an ancient ridge path where you’ll be exploring a ruined priory, or otherwise you’ll find yourself gazing across a moor that looks like it has not changed in centuries.
Set on the western fringe of the Moors, Osmotherley is where big views meet small village charm. If you’re exploring more destinations around the country, these are some of the best hikes in England worth adding to your list.
There is a timeless quality here, regardless of whether you are grabbing a post-hike pint in one of its pubs or striding out across the Hambleton Hills. If you’re planning a longer hiking trip around the country, our ultimate guide to hiking in England includes more destinations, planning tips, and regional inspiration.
What follows is a round-up of six of the best walks from Osmotherley, from family-friendly loops to full-day routes that will leave you happily worn out.
- Cod Beck Reservoir Circuit (Best Day Hike for Families)
- Mount Grace Priory and Cleveland Way Loop (Best Day Hikes from Osmotherley)
- Scarth Wood Moor and Sheepwash (Best Beginners Hike near Osmotherley)
- Osmotherley to Swainby via the Cleveland Way (Best Quick Walks out of Osmotherley)
- Osmotherley to Carlton Bank (Best Full Day Hike from Osmotherley)
- The Lyke Wake Walk in the Western Section (Best Overnight Hike from Osmotherley)
- Why Osmotherley Makes a Perfect Base
- Where to Next?
Cod Beck Reservoir Circuit (Best Day Hike for Families)
If there was ever a walk that suits everyone from grandparents to energetic kids, the loop around Cod Beck Reservoir is it. Just a few minutes north of Osmotherley, this easy-going circuit has water views on one side and moorland on the other.
The path is level and straightforward, which means families like your own can enjoy a gentle stroll without worrying about navigation. For those of you who like a picnic with a view, there are plenty of grassy spots by the reservoir.
- Average time: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Distance: 3 km (2 miles)
- Altitude Gain: Very minimal overall
- Highlights: Peaceful waters, birdlife, easy paths
- Don’t miss: The reflections on a still day when the sky and trees double themselves in the water
“First time on the trail? Hiking for Beginners has your back.”
Mount Grace Priory and Cleveland Way Loop (Best Day Hikes from Osmotherley)
For a walk that mixes history with classic moorland views, this loop is a real beauty. Starting from Osmotherley, the path heads south to the ruins of Mount Grace Priory, which is a 14th century Carthusian monastery hidden in the woods.
From there, it joins the Cleveland Way National Trail. If you enjoy classic National Trails, you’ll probably also love The Cotswolds Way, another iconic long-distance walk in England.
- Average time: 4 to 5 hours
- Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
- Altitude Gain: 250 m (820 ft)
- Highlights: The ruins of Mount Grace Priory, woodland and open moor
- Don’t miss: The museum and gardens at the Priory, a perfect excuse for a break
Scarth Wood Moor and Sheepwash (Best Beginners Hike near Osmotherley)
For those just getting into walking, the gentle paths around Scarth Wood Moor are a welcoming introduction. The route heads out from the village through farmland and into a broad moorland with wide tracks that are easy to follow.
The air feels lighter out here, and you’ll hear the sound of curlews calling overhead and the view of rolling moorland that’s stretching away in all directions.
- Average time: 2 to 2.5 hours
- Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
- Altitude Gain: 150 m (500 ft)
- Highlights: Open moorland, heather blooms in late summer
- Don’t miss: The Sheepwash car park area, which is a favorite local picnic spot with views over Cod Beck
“Plan less, walk more.” Pick a route, set your pace, and let Europe unfold under your boots: grab your free Walking Holiday ebook today”
Osmotherley to Swainby via the Cleveland Way (Best Quick Walks out of Osmotherley)
If there is a route that feels like a sampler of everything the western edge of the North York Moors has to offer, it’s probably the stretch of the Cleveland Way between Osmotherley and the neighboring village of Swainby.
Starting in Osmotherley, the path climbs gently through woodland and out onto the moor. After a ridge walk with long views across the Vale of Mowbray, it descends into the quiet charm of Swainby. A pint or a cup of tea there will make for an excellent mid-walk treat before you head back the same way or arranging transport.
- Average time: 3 to 4 hours (one way)
- Distance: 9 km (5.5 miles) one way
- Altitude Gain: 300 m (1,000 ft)
- Highlights: Ridge views, farmland, and quiet villages
- Don’t miss: The view back to Osmotherley as you reach the top of the ridge, it’s epic!
Osmotherley to Carlton Bank (Best Full Day Hike from Osmotherley)
This longer section of the Cleveland Way takes the ambition up a notch. It is a full day on the trail, and it heads east from Osmotherley across the Hambleton Hills and along the dramatic escarpment.
The route undulates with a series of climbs and drops, which makes it feel like a proper mountain day even though the highest points are not especially tall. The views along here are huge, and they often stretch to the Pennines on one side and deep into the Moors on the other.
- Average time: 7 to 8 hours
- Distance: 21 km (13 miles)
- Altitude Gain: 650 m (2,130 ft)
- Highlights: Long ridge walking, heather-covered moors, panoramic views
- Don’t miss: The section above Scugdale, where the land seems to drop away beneath your feet
🗒️ Free Checklist: “Never forget the essentials — grab your free Ultimate Hiking Packing List.”
The Lyke Wake Walk in the Western Section (Best Overnight Hike from Osmotherley)
The Lyke Wake Walk is one of England’s classic endurance hikes. If long-distance historic trails appeal to you, walking Hadrian’s Wall is another unforgettable experience. While the full 40-mile route is usually tackled over one or two days by hardy walkers, the first section from Osmotherley to Clay Bank makes for a superb stand-alone long-distance walk.
This is a wild, open walk that takes you deep into the heart of the Moors, so planning how much water to take on a hike becomes especially important during warmer months. It is best suited to experienced walkers or those of you who have a guide, as the terrain can be exposed in bad weather. Many choose to split the route and stay overnight at a campsite or bunkhouse before tackling the rest another day.
- Average time: 10 to 12 hours for the first 22 miles, or split over 2 days
- Distance: 35 km (22 miles) for the western section
- Altitude Gain: 900 m (2,950 ft)
- Highlights: A sense of wilderness and isolation, big moorland views
- Don’t miss: Watching the light change over the moor in early morning or late evening (it is hauntingly beautiful)
Where to Next?
- Ultimate Guides – your gateway to hiking across Europe
- Hikes & Trails – curated lists of the best hikes and local gems
- Walking Holidays – extended journeys for when a single day just isn’t enough
- General Blog – all the extras: gear reviews, planning tips, and personal stories
Before setting off, make sure you’ve packed all the essentials for a day hike, especially if you’re tackling the longer Cleveland Way or Lyke Wake Walk routes.
Why Osmotherley Makes a Perfect Base
All in all, with its cobbled streets, the cosy pubs, and a handy outdoor shop in the area, Osmotherly is a village that has learned how to look after its walking visitors.If this trip inspires bigger adventures, our guide to planning a trek in Europe will help you prepare for your next hiking holiday.
