Despite the friendly ongoing rivalry between Yorkshire and my home county of Lancashire, I simply can’t deny how spectacular ‘God’s own country’ is for walking.
Each time I cross the border I’m greeted with a seemingly endless array of cracking hiking trails to explore.
Jaw-dropping coastlines, dramatic valleys, formidable peaks, idyllic woodlands & much more; the county is also home to one of my all-time favourite National Parks – The legendary Yorkshire Dales.
With so many hikes to choose from however, choosing a route during your visit can sometimes feel a tad overwhelming.
Separating the wheat from the chaff so you don’t have to, we’ve thought long and hard to compile some of the most scenic rambles you’ll find in the whole county.
With plenty of variety, I’m positive you’ll find something below to tickle your fancy.
Interested? Let’s get to it 👇👇
Best walks in Yorkshire
Lumb Hole Falls
Starting point: Hebden Bridge, HX7 6JE
Starting with one of Yorkshire’s hidden gems, Lumb Falls truly looks like something pulled straight from a fairy-tale.
Also dubbed the ‘Hebden Bridge Waterfall’, this picturesque location is nestled in the wooded valley of Hardcastle Crags, just on the outskirts of Hebden Bridge.
Offering magical vistas, you may even find the moss-covered falls abundant with wild plant life such as blue bells and wild garlic during season, further adding to its bewitching aura.
With parking options available directly at Hardcastle Crags, you can also alternatively walk to the valley directly from the centre of Hebden Bridge.
We sometimes take the train to Hebden Bridge rather than drive so we can enjoy a few rewarding drinks after our trek!
Best seen as part of the Lumb Hole Circular Trail, this 9-mile ramble offers plenty of variety, guiding you through ancient woodands, over scenic moorlands and past derelict ruins before finally dropping down to the hidden waterfall.
For a detailed step-by-step guide, you can head on over to our ‘Lumb Hole Falls Walk Guide’ here 👈
Simon’s Seat (and valley of Desolation)
Starting point: Barden Bridge, 6AT, Dales Way, Skipton
Another underrated hike, the views from atop of Simon’s Seat are simply astounding.
One of the best vantage points for admiring the spectacular Yorkshire Dales countryside, the peak of Simon’s Seat is also renowned for its unique millstone grit formations which dramatically jut out from the summit.
Part of the legendary Bolton Abbey Estate, I do think one reason why this spot isn’t more celebrated is because of the steep car park prices. Last time I checked, it cost £15 to park on one of the official car parks.
However – unknown to many – there is a completely FREE parking spot along a scenic path which takes you up to the summit of Simon’s Seat.
A 3-mile ascent, from up top there are also several options to extend your ramble. In particular I’d recommend venturing down to the Valley of Desolation if you’ve time.
For a detailed step-by-step breakdown, be sure to head on over to our ‘Ultimate Simon’s Seat Walk Guide’ 👈
Whernside via Ribblehead Viaduct
Starting point: Blea Moor Rd, Carnforth LA6 3AS
Making up one of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, Whernside is notorious as being the largest mountain in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Standing an impressive 736 metres high, needless to say the views up top are exceptional.
However, what also sets Whernside apart from other nearby peaks is that it’s situated beside the Ribblehead Viaduct.
An epic railway bridge sweeping through the countryside, the Grade II listed wonder is only a stone’s throw away from Whernside car park and is well worth a nosey before (or after) your climb.
For the full lowdown, click through to our ‘Detailed Whernside Walk Guide’ here 👈
Malham Cove
Starting point: Chapel Gate, Malham BD23 4DA
Speaking of Harry Potter; if you’re a fan of the movies then you’ll undoubtedly enjoy visiting Malham Cove.
Located just half a mile north from the quaint village of Malham, this gigantic curved limestone cliff-face has been one of Yorkshire’s most popular natural marvels for hundreds of years now.
Standing at a staggering 260 feet high and home to the iconic limestone pavement seen in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, clambering around to locate the exact shooting location is great fun.
While it is possible to simply hike straight up to the limestone pavement via a short trail from the village of Malham, the best way to see the Cove in my opinion is via the Malham Circular Trail.
Offering plenty of variety and home to other natural wonders, this looping 4.5-mile trail also passes by the enchanted Janet’s Foss & Gordale Scar formation.
For the full shebang, click through to our Malham Cove Walk Guide here 👈
Gaddings Dam
Starting Point: Rochdale Rd, Walsden, Todmorden OL14 7TJ
Did you know that Yorkshire is unofficially home to the ‘highest beach in England’?
Gaddings Dam – locally known as ‘Todmorden Beach’ – is a long disused reservoir turned wild swimming haven that sits on the moors in Todmorden.
Highly celebrated for its cosy stretch of sand, sparkling blue waters & spectacular panoramas of the countryside below, it’s honestly surprising this spot isn’t more popular than it is.
With the only way to reach this unusual marvel via one of the steep incline trails to the summit, there’s one trail in particular we feel is best…
Also a fantastic spot to go for a cheeky dip once reaching the top, just be prepared since the winds can make the water quite chilly up there
For the full lowdown, be sure to head on over to our Gaddings Dam Walk Guide post 👈
Stoodley Pike Monument
Quite possibly the most iconic symbol of Upper Calder Valley’s skyline, Stoodley Pike Monument dominates the surrounding Pennine landscape for miles and miles.
Peering over Todmorden and Hebden Bridge, the structure is found at the summit of Stoodley Pike hill and continues to be one of West Yorkshire’s most popular rambling destinations.
Attracting visitors from all around each year, the monument is only accessible on foot, with our favourite trail variation being the one from Hebden Bridge.
It’s a cracking countryside trail and finishing the hike in Hebden Bridge means you can always treat yourself to some good pub-grub in the heart of town afterwards.
For all the info you need to know, click through to our detailed Stoodley Pike Walk Guide 👈
Swinsty Reservoir
Flat, tranquil and easy to follow, what’s not to love about a classic reservoir walk.
Out of all the reservoirs in Yorkshire however, I’d rate Swinsty as one of the very best.
Nestled within the stunning Washburn Valley – just to the west of Harrogate – the dazzling waters of Swinsty Reservoir certainly aren’t to be missed.
Located on the southern side of the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this 5-kilometre footpath around the Swinsty embankment is well-laid out and mostly flat throughout, making it a great day out for ramblers of all abilities.
Offering plenty of variety for outdoorsy types; there’s also the opportunity to divert off the main path and explore the surrounding fields and woodlands.
Likewise, for those wanting to extend their ramble, you have the option of combining Swinsty Reservoir with a walk around it’s equally scenic neighbour, Fewston Reservoir.
A gentle 6.6-mile loop if tackling both bodies of water, you can’t get much more relaxing than this gentle 3 hour trail.
For all you need to know, feel free to check out our Swinsty Reservoir Walk Guide 👈
Druid’s Temple
Looking for something a little different? Then a trip to Druid’s Temple might be right up your street.
Quirky, striking and eerily atmospheric, the stone formation resides in the woodlands of the Swinton Estate and has been attracting curious walkers for centuries now.
However – unknown to many who ventures here – this is not actually a legitimate temple.
Perhaps the county’s greatest folly, this structure wasn’t created until the 1800s by owner of the Swinton Estate, William Danby.
Nevertheless, while not as old as it first may seem, the ‘Druid’s Temple’ is still undeniably spooky and has had its fair share of urban legends over the years.
Rumour has it that a bearded hermit lived in the temple for a considerably length of time after completion, and in 2000 the site was even linked to Satanic worship after a pig’s head was found on the stone altar inside the temple grounds. Creepy stuff…
With numerous walking trails weaving through the lush grounds of the Swinton Estate – I’d consider one of the best to be the Druid’s Temple and Sole Beck Circular Walk.
Allowing you to explore the ruins before heading out onto the gorgeous moorland trail; towards the end of the 5-mile circular loop you’ll also pass the derelict ruins of Lobley Hall – a grade II listed building dating all the way back to the 17th Century.
To top off your hike, the trail also conveniently finishes at the Swinton Bivouac café; the perfect spot for a rewarding brew and bite to eat!
For more details on this walk, discover all you need to know in our ‘Druid’s Temple Walk Guide’ 👈
Bronte Waterfall
No list of the best Yorkshire walks would be complete without a mention of Bronte Falls.
A legendary waterfall ramble teeming with jaw-dropping vistas throughout, this walk is never one to disappoint.
With the ramble starting from the historic village of Haworth – home of the legendary Brontë sisters – the waterfall was named in honour of the sisters due to being a particularly favourite spot of theirs.
There are several walking routes available to reach the waterfall, plus various off-shoot trails for those who’d like to adventure further afield. For diehard Wuthering Heights fans, chances are you’ll also want to check out Top Withens during your outing!
A 30-minute walk from Bronte Waterfall, the now derelict farmhouse is well worth a visit if you’ve time.
For all you need to know around this iconic location, be sure to read through our Bronte Waterfall Walk Guide 👈
Saltburn By The Sea coastal walk
Ask any non-Yorkshireman (or lady) about Saltburn By The Sea, and chances are they’ve never even heard of this hidden gem.
I’ll admit – I had no idea of its existence either until my partner brought me here last summer.
A quaint seaside town characterised by impressive Victorian features and stunning beach, Saltburn By The Sea can be found on the scenic coast of Redcar and Cleveland, North Yorkshire.
Rich in history, the coastline from Whitby to Saltburn was actually a notorious smuggling hotspot during the 18th Century and early 19th Century – the most prominent figure being Saltburn’s very own John Andrew, best known as ‘King of the Smugglers’.
While a popular surfing destination – if braving the waves isn’t quite your thing – then the Saltburn Beach Circular Walk is a fine alternative activity that’ll also keep you much more dry (weather permitting!).
Coming in at just under 6-kilometre in length, this flat & gentle trail is suitable for all abilities & the sandy shoreline is always a winner if you’re hiking with kids!
With Saltburn Beach providing the perfect spot to grab an ice-cream or perhaps bring along a picnic, just be sure to keep an eye on tide times before you walk along the coast.
For more ideas on what to do during your time by the sea, check out our ‘6 Unmissable Things To Do In Saltburn By The Sea’ blog post 👈
Scarborough To Filey coastal walk
Last but not least, there was no way Yorkshire’s most iconic coastal town could not make the list.
Part of the legendary Cleveland Way – a mammoth 109-mile coastal trail – this small stretch from Scarborough to Filey offers some of the most spectacular seafront scenery in the whole country.
A relatively gentle 10.5-mile walk with only a handful of steeper segments, this walk also gives you a great excuse to mooch around both of these historic & charming towns!
Breathe in that fresh sea air as you traverse above clifftops & along sandy beaches, enjoying picturesque views throughout. On a clear day you may also be able to spot the white cliffs of Flamborough Head looming in the far distance.
Cayton Bay is a particular favourite spot on the trail of ours – a perfect spot for a pit stop & quick snack.
More Yorkshire resources
For more ideas on what to do during your time in God’s Own Country, be sure to trawl through the Yorkshire section of our blog!
In particular, I’d recommend our comprehensive post listing the 10 BEST Waterfalls In Yorkshire.
From cascading falls big and small, we’ve even thrown a few hidden gems in there for good measure. Enjoy!
Happy walking 🚶🚶