The 10 Best Scenic Walking Areas in North Yorkshire, England

April 1, 2022 Layne Dawes

Discover the best top things to do in North Yorkshire, United Kingdom including Malham Cove, Penhill, Birk Crag, York City Walls, Ruswarp Bridge, The Moors National Park Centre, Harbour View, River Nidd Waterside Walk, Holbeck Putting Green, Leyburn Shawl.
Restaurants in North Yorkshire

1. Malham Cove

Malham, Yorkshire Dales National Park England http://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/visit-the-dales/discover-the-dales/limestone-features/malham-cove
Excellent
85%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,484 reviews

Malham Cove

Reviewed By ncutts

Not my first visit, but the first time back in decades. Just as stunning as I remember it being, right from the first views at the bottom of the cove. Well worth the climb to the top if you’re fit enough - we enjoyed a lovely picnic once up and great views, plus the limestone pavement is best seen up close from the top and can’t really be viewed any other way. Shame on those tourists who think it’s OK to push their litter in among the rocks. :( just take it home!! It’s lighter when you’ve eaten the contents so much easier and more compact to carry!!! Lovely flora and fauna to be seen along the walk. It’s also nice to continue and make it a circular walk if you have time, returning via Goredale Scar. The walk was quieter away from the cove too. Pity there were a few people who seemed totally unaware of social distancing and ploughed their way through, but for the most part, people were courteous and willing to wait at gates, narrow parts etc. It’s a stunning natural feature and a must if visiting the area.

2. Penhill

West Witton, Leyburn England
Excellent
89%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 18 reviews

Penhill

Reviewed By orace1950 - Stourbridge, United Kingdom

This is a great walk rewarding anyone who does it some fantastic views across the Dales (weather permitting). We did it on a somewhat cloudy and blustery day but still enjoyed marvellous vies from the top. The beacon stones offer cover from the wind and rain and would provide a suitable place to picnic (you will need to take ALL LITTER back with you as there are no bins there). We decided to drive up as far as Penhill Farm (this shortened the walk but meant that we could head for the car should bad weather close in). The walk was just right for us (we are in our sixties) and for our 10 year old lab/retriever

3. Birk Crag

Harrogate HG3 2GH England https://www.harrogate.gov.uk/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5 reviews

Birk Crag

4. York City Walls

York YO1 7HB England +44-1904-621756 [email protected] http://www.yorkwalls.org.uk/?page_id=3697
Excellent
61%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 9,565 reviews

York City Walls

No visit to York is complete without a stroll along part of the 2 miles of historic walls that have protected the city for nearly 2000 years. The walls are completely free to walk, however bespoke guided tours can be booked with your own personal tour guide, meeting you at a time and place to suit you, and showing you the extensive hidden history to be found along the walls.

Reviewed By MKing1982 - Colchester, United Kingdom

One of the best preserved city walls we've been to. Well maintained and well marked - the York city wall walk provides a great progression around the city with plenty to look at (both old and new). The walk is atop the walls themselves and along the kings' pond/moat. The walk goes past the Minster and Shambles for a quick detour. Although there are benches along the walk, the wall portion requires the use of stairs. May be a consideration.

5. Ruswarp Bridge

High Street, Ruswarp, Whitby England http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6276026
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6 reviews

Ruswarp Bridge

Reviewed By brownanthony1

A useful iron construction over the river Esk giving fabulous views up & down the river from the footpath

6. The Moors National Park Centre

Lodge Lane, Danby, North York Moors National Park YO21 2NB England +44 1439 772737 [email protected] http://www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/visiting/see-and-do/attractions/the-moors-national-park-centre
Excellent
52%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 287 reviews

The Moors National Park Centre

For a full day out with the family, head to The Moors National Park Centre, set in an idyllic spot on the banks of the river Esk on the outskirts of the village of Danby. For kids, there's an outdoor adventure play area and mud kitchen, indoor climbing wall, and events every school holiday. There are pushchair and wheelchair friendly woodland and riverside trails around the grounds and plenty of picnic areas and seating if you just want to sit back and soak up the fantastic views across the Esk Valley. There's also interactive exhibits inside and the acclaimed Inspired by... gallery with changing exhibitions by contemporary artists. There's an Information Centre, gift shop specialising in local produce and crafts, and café. Admission is free. Pay & Display parking.

Reviewed By ianinteesside - Redcar, United Kingdom

My friend and i visited last week (16th July 2020). We had a cup of coffee each, and sat outside in the nice sunshine. Social distancing means one at a time at the counter. There were a few seats inside. Quick and friendly service and nice coffee. The centre itself was open but on this occasion we didnt visit, though have done in the past and its well worth a quick look round.

7. Harbour View

West Pier, Scarborough YO11 1PD England
Excellent
54%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 50 reviews

Harbour View

Reviewed By freddiedoncaster

Well that’s what I had whilst staying in Scarborough for a night! The harbour is fascinating, both day and night, there’s always something going on! Certainly worth the effort to visit.

8. River Nidd Waterside Walk

Waterside Pateley Bridge, Knaresborough HG5 8DE England http://www.ifootpath.com/walking/walkshow.php?walkID=6549&username=
Excellent
68%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 337 reviews

River Nidd Waterside Walk

Reviewed By dwilk

Easy walks along the river with a range of differing length. Paths maintained to a high standard. Plenty of parking available close to where walks begin and Lao easy to walk to town centre and castle from here.

9. Holbeck Putting Green

Esplanade South Bay, Scarborough YO11 2AY England +44 1723 383636
Excellent
74%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 27 reviews

Holbeck Putting Green

Reviewed By 243anns

Love the putting green. Great for all the family my kids loved it when they were little , now the grandchildren love it too. Great views over South bay and the castle

10. Leyburn Shawl

Just off Shawl Terrace, Leyburn England
Excellent
74%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 114 reviews

Leyburn Shawl

Reviewed By Patricia1947 - Bedale, United Kingdom

The Shawl is only 2 minute's walk from the market place. You can walk as far as you like on a level path, which is easy for young children and old folk, and come back the same way or take any of the opportunities to have a circular walk involving changes in level. It's wonderful all year round but especially in spring when the bluebells & wild garlic are out. In late winter there are snowdrops. The views are stupendous, especially that over the Ure to Pen Hill on the other side of the dale.

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