Walking holidays in the North York Moors
A much-treasured national park covering 554 square miles, the North York Moors does heather-clad moorland, ironstone mines, Cistercian monasteries, heritage railways, fishing villages, market towns, and Jurassic-era coastline on a grand scale.
For many, Whitby is the region’s showstopper. Straddling the slopes of the River Esk, it's home to the abbey that inspired Bram Stoker’s gothic novel, Dracula, and the house where Captain James Cook served his seaman's apprenticeship. Elsewhere, you’ll find beautiful beaches, a pretty harbour, and a maze of charming narrow streets packed with quirky pubs and seriously good fish and chip shops.
Best loved walking routes
Walks in the North York Moors National Park don’t get better than the Cleveland Way, a 109-mile-long trail that winds through heather moorlands and dramatic coastline. Highlights include Rievaulx Abbey, Whitby Abbey, Captain Cook’s Monument, and the villages of Great Ayton and Robin Hood’s Bay.
Equally worthwhile is walking the steep ascent to the summit of Roseberry Topping, North Yorkshire’s most famous hill. The views of Newton Wood are fabulous, especially when the springtime bluebells burst into bloom.
Coasts and clifftops
Little compares with following the coastline to the village of Ravenscar and onto Robin Hood’s Bay - the final stop on the legendary coast to coast route made famous by British fell walker and author, Alfred Wainwright. Must-dos in this former smuggling haunt include spending time at the Old Coastguards Station, visiting Old St Stephen’s Church, and fossil-hunting at Boggle Hole.
Additionally, you can walk from the market town of market town of Helmsley to Rievaulx Abbey, scramble through the Wainstones, and enjoy a strenuous hike on Cold Moor and Urra Moor.
Spectacular Flora and Fauna
From merlin, woodpeckers, and warblers in ancient woodlands, to mink whales off the North York Moors coast, the wildlife opportunities are endless. And while heather gets most of the glory, there’s plenty of oak, ash, birch, rowan, and sycamore to satisfy nature lovers.
Book your North York Moors walks with HF Holidays
Our North York Moors walks offer carefully-curated itineraries, comfortable country house accommodation, and the experience of HF Holidays Walking Leaders. Alternatively, book a self-guided tour for exploration at your own pace.
