Best trails in North York Moors National Park
North York Moors National Park boasts one the largest areas of heather moorland and reaches to the impressive cliffs of the North Sea Coast. The park is a moorland plateau, intersected by a number of deep dales or valleys containing cultivated land or woodland, and provides visitors with an incredible landscape to explore. Here you can enjoy almost 2,300 km of Public Rights of Way winding across moorlands, through valleys, along coastlines, and over farmlands with beautiful scenery and views. North York Moors includes famous trails such as the Cleveland Way, which circles the moors, and has a section along the coast; the Lyke Wake Walk, which leads directly across the heart of the moors; and the White Rose Way, a long distance walk from Leeds to Scarborough.
Top trails
1
(1307)
•Moderate
•4.8 mi
•Est. 2h 34m
Enjoy beautiful views and historical sites as you make your way to Easby Moor and Roseberry Topping, passing through the farmlands and woodlands.
Starting at the car park on Dikes Lane, the trail heads south and climbs up to Easby Moor. After about 1 km, you will arrive at Captain Cook's monument dedicated to the navigator, sailor, explorer, and captain who attended school nearby in Great Ayton.
The trail then descends, crossing Fir Brook and Dikes Lane. Take Aireyholme Lane and continue...
2
(955)
•Moderate
•7.3 mi
•Est. 3h 24m
Enjoy excellent views as you make your way along the cliff tops from Whitby to Robin Hood's Bay, taking in winding scenic paths, sandy beaches, and historic sites.
Starting at the train station in Whitby, the trail heads past the famous abbey and joins the coastal path above the high cliffs passing Saltwick Bay, the old lighthouse, Pursglove Stye, and White Scar on the way to Robin Hood's Bay.
Smugglers and press gangs would have been at home in Robin Hood's Bay's small cobblestone lanes...
3
(1050)
•Moderate
•7.0 mi
•Est. 3h 22m
This trail takes in one of the most intriguing features in the North Moors National Park, Horcum Hole, an amphitheatre-like valley formed by thousands of years of spring-sapping.
Starting at the Saltergate car park (pay and display), the trail heads over Levisham Moor, a site of ancient human occupation, where you keep an eye out for wildlife.
The trail then continues through the village of Levisham, and returns to the start through the woodlands and beside Levisham Beck.
There are steep...
4
(1002)
•Moderate
•6.2 mi
•Est. 2h 55m
This circular trail starts from the village of Osmotherley in the Hambleton Hills in North Yorkshire, at the western edge of the North York Moors. There are expansive views as you make your way across the farmlands, through the woodlands, and over Scarth Wood Moor, with chances to spot wildlife.
Most of the paths are well-defined and easy to follow, with some steeper climbs. There are rougher sections where care is needed in wetter conditions.
Much of the route is along the well-marked...
5
(828)
•Moderate
•2.6 mi
This is a scenic trail from the famous village of Goathland in the heart of the North York Moors. The route gives you a chance to explore the village itself (made famous as the set of the TV drama "Heartbeat") before descending into the valley to visit the Mallyan Spout waterfall and an enchanting stretch of the West Beck. At the end, it joins a section of the old railway for the climb back to the village.
There are several climbs and descents throughout, including long flights of steps,...
6
(806)
•Moderate
•2.8 mi
•Est. 1h 26m
This is a beautiful circular trail from Lord Stones in the North York Moors, near Chop Gate in North Yorkshire. The route begins at Lord Stone, where there is a cafe-restaurant and shop, and visits the standing stones which give the site its name.
Setting out, the route crosses a beautiful section of remote moorland before joining the Cleveland Way to climb steeply to the top of Cringle Moor, the third highest hill in the North York Moors which offers spectacular views, before a gentler...
7
(703)
•Moderate
•9.0 mi
•Est. 4h 25m
Enjoy this challenging but rewarding trail taking in great views as you make your way to Roseberry Topping, Hanging Stone, and Highcliffe, passing through Thomas's Wood, Hutton Lowcross Woods, and Harrison Close Wood.
Keep an eye out for wildlife and enjoy the scenic paths, but take care on the rougher and steeper sections, especially in wetter conditions when the paths become more difficult.
Please note, this forest is popular with mountain bikers so care is needed along the shared paths...
8
(498)
•Moderate
•5.3 mi
•Est. 2h 33m
This is a lovely circular route in North York Moors National Park that explores Levisham Moor. This route is relatively flat and suitable for a wide range of ages and fitness levels. You may encounter livestock along this route so leads are advised if you bring your dog. Enjoy the rolling green fields and scenic countryside.
9
(656)
•Moderate
•7.4 mi
•Est. 3h 24m
Enjoy the beautiful waterfalls of Mallyan Spout and Thomason Foss as you make your way through the varied landscape and terrain, from quaint woods to fast flowing rivers and a waterfall to wild moorland.
Starting in Grosmont, the trail heads through the town and Smithy Holme Wood, to Craig Cliff Wood, past Thomason Foss, an on to Goathland.
The trail then continues to Mallyan Spout, take great care on the slippery rocks, and heads back to the start beside Wheeldale Beck and Murk Esk.
It is...
10
(538)
•Moderate
•2.5 mi
•Est. 1h 27m
The distinctive shape of Roseberry Topping is clearly visible from a good distance away and whilst not the highest point in the North York Moors, it is much more recognizable. It is 320m above sea level, some 130m lower than the nearby Urra Moor and makes a fine trail on its own or as part of a longer trail in the area. The views from the top are big and broad making it a popular destination.
It is quite a steep climb to get to the top but not difficult - the walk here takes the shortest...
Showing results 1–10 of 387
Trail reviews for North York Moors National Park
This is an amazing art installation in the North York Moors. There is a charge per head (£10 at time of writing) and you need to collect a key to access the installations. Cafe and pub near the start but nothing on route so would strongly recommend taking a picnic.
Rosedale Abbey, Northedale Beck Circular
A long day. A quick ascent at Chop Gate followed by a long glorious walk over the North York Moors. Blessed by the weather gods again.
Coast to Coast Walk Segment 11: Clay Bank Top To Glaisdale
Easy, plentiful car park, with an immaculate free public toilet facility, situated in a picturesque village with a museum, pub, cafe, tea room and ice cream. Varied terrain and a few steep climbs allow for fantastic views of the North York Moors. Free-roaming sheep and other farm animals and wildlife.
Hutton-le-Hole and Lastingham
A nice trail with fantastic scenery and views of the north York moors. The final climb back to the village was a challenge!
Parking: Entry fee, Paid, Medium lot
Paid parking at Chop Gate village Hall, inital section after village church is very muddy and wet, would avoid if raining in the days before your walk. Very windy across the ridge bit amazing views across the North York Moors and overlooking Teesside. Was a lovely clear day though so I'd expect views to be much more restricted in worse weather.
Parking: Entry fee, Paid, Medium lot
Chop Gate to The Wainstones
Parks
Headed to a park?
Take AllTrails with you
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in North York Moors National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in North York Moors National Park is Captain Cook's Monument and Roseberry Topping, which has a 4.7 star rating from 1,307 reviews. This trail is 4.8 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,138 ft.
What is the longest trail in North York Moors National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in North York Moors National Park is Coast To Coast Walk. This trail is estimated to be 208.3 mi long.
How many trails are in North York Moors National Park?
There are 387 trails in North York Moors National Park. These trails have an average 4.4-star rating from 38,073 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in North York Moors National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, North York Moors National Park has you covered. Coast To Coast Walk boasts the most elevation gain with 33,910 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Coast to Coast Walk (Complete): St Bees to Robin Hood's Bay, which will get you 33,254 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in North York Moors National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 29 camping trails in North York Moors National Park and the most popular is Cleveland Way: Osmotherley to Clay Bank Top with an average 4.6 star rating from 218 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in North York Moors National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 302 running trails in North York Moors National Park and the most popular is Captain Cook's Monument and Roseberry Topping with an average 4.7 star rating from 1,307 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in North York Moors National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 69 biking trails in North York Moors National Park and the most popular is Osmotherley and the Cleveland Way Circular with an average 4.7 star rating from 1,002 community reviews.
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in North York Moors National Park?
Yes, there are 128 trails with scenic mountain peak views in North York Moors National Park, including Captain Cook's Monument and Roseberry Topping, Osmotherley and the Cleveland Way Circular, Lord Stones Walk, Guisborough Three Peaks Circular, and Roseberry Topping Circular.
Are there any trails with waterfalls in North York Moors National Park?
Yes, there are 30 trails with waterfalls in North York Moors National Park, including Mallyan Spout and Beck Hole, Grosmont, Mallyan Spout, and Thomason Foss Circular, Cloughton and Hayburn Wyke, Goathland to Grosmont Circular, and Old Meggison and Captain Cooks Monument.
Are there any trails with castles in North York Moors National Park?
Yes, there are 32 trails with castles in North York Moors National Park, including Helmsley to Rievaulx Abbey, Helmsley and Rievaulx Abbey, Helmsley and Beck Dale, Helmsley - Duncombe Park Woodland Circular, and Sandsend, Mulgrave Wood and Castle.
Are there any trails with cliffs in North York Moors National Park?
Yes, there are 51 trails with cliffs in North York Moors National Park, including Lord Stones Walk, Sutton Bank, White Horse of Kilburn, and Gormire Lake Circular, Coldmoor, The Wainstones and White Hill, Cleveland Way: Osmotherley to Clay Bank Top, and White Horse Walk.
Are there any trails with archaeological sites in North York Moors National Park?
Yes, there are 56 trails with archaeological sites in North York Moors National Park, including Captain Cook's Monument and Roseberry Topping, Roseberry Topping - Captain Cook's Monument, Robin Hood's Bay to Ravenscar Circular, Cleveland Way: Osmotherley to Clay Bank Top, and Coast to Coast Walk Segment 12: Glaisdale To Robin Hood's Bay.
Are there any trails with rivers in North York Moors National Park?
Yes, there are 70 trails with rivers in North York Moors National Park, including Grosmont, Mallyan Spout, and Thomason Foss Circular, Goathland to Grosmont Circular, Ravenscar and Robin Hood's Bay, Whitby and Hawsker Circular, and Robin Hood's Bay to Ravenscar Circular.
Are there any trails with historical ruins in North York Moors National Park?
Yes, there are 26 trails with historical ruins in North York Moors National Park, including Whitby to Robin Hood's Bay, Blakey Ridge and Hill Farm Circular, Whitby and Hawsker Circular, Robin Hood's Bay and Whitby Circular, and Rosedale Abbey Calcining Kilns and Iron Mines Circular.
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in North York Moors National Park?
Yes, there are 41 trails with scenic viewpoints in North York Moors National Park, including Whitby to Robin Hood's Bay, Coldmoor, The Wainstones and White Hill, Whitby and Hawsker Circular, Cleveland Way: Osmotherley to Clay Bank Top, and Robin Hood's Bay and Whitby Circular.
Are there any trails with historical monuments in North York Moors National Park?
Yes, there are 46 trails with historical monuments in North York Moors National Park, including Captain Cook's Monument and Roseberry Topping, Sutton Bank, White Horse of Kilburn, and Gormire Lake Circular, Roseberry Topping - Captain Cook's Monument, Old Meggison and Captain Cooks Monument, and White Horse Walk.
Are there any trails with picnic areas in North York Moors National Park?
Yes, there are 22 trails with picnic areas in North York Moors National Park, including Captain Cook's Monument and Roseberry Topping, Roseberry Topping - Captain Cook's Monument, Old Meggison and Captain Cooks Monument, Roseberry Topping to Captain Cook's Monument, and Great Ayton, Roseberry Topping, Easby Moor, and Ayton Bank Wood.
Are there any trails with lakes in North York Moors National Park?
Yes, there are 2 trails with lakes in North York Moors National Park, including Oswaldkirk, Kilburn, Coxwold and York, and Brandsby to Easingwold.
Are there any trails with ponds in North York Moors National Park?
Yes, there are 15 trails with ponds in North York Moors National Park, including Hole of Horcum Circular, Hole of Horcum Short Circular, Levisham and Newton Dale, Levisham Moor and the Hole of Horcum, and Bridestones and Hole of Horcum Circular.
Are there any trails with springs in North York Moors National Park?
Yes, there are 15 trails with springs in North York Moors National Park, including Clay Bank, Round Hill and Greenhow Plantation Circular, Coast to Coast Walk Segment 11: Clay Bank Top To Glaisdale, Wainstones Walk, Farndale Railway: B1257 to Blakey Ridge, and Osmotherley to Over Silton Circular.
Are there any trails with dams in North York Moors National Park?
Yes, there is 1 trail with a dam in North York Moors National Park: Scaling Dam Resevoir Circular.