The wonders of the Yorkshire countryside await on these circular walks, so put your walking boots on and start exploring.
Yorkshire’s natural wonders are just waiting to be explored and the best way to do so is on two feet, so plan a trip out to the countryside and make the most of these picturesque circular walks. We’ve picked 10 of the very best and they’re as convenient as they are beautiful, each taking you back to your starting point. You can enjoy panoramic views across the Dales or enjoy the beauty of the Yorkshire Coast overlooking the North Sea. Trust us, they really live up to the billing.
Great Ayton Circular
A true Yorkshire gem for ramblers, the Great Ayton Circular is one of the best walks you can do in the North York Moors. It’s a seven-mile route around the village of Great Ayton that ties history and nature together.
First, you’ll make your way out of the built-up areas along Newton Road and make a beeline up to Roseberry Topping where you can see the beauty of the Yorkshire moors in all their glory. Next, head across Great Ayton Moor to the Captain Cook Monument, dedicated to the famous local explorer, before you return to the beginning and into The Royal Oak for a well-earned pint or two.
Start point: The Royal Oak – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 7 miles.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Route: Check out the route.
Flamborough Head Circular
Set aside a whole day to complete this eight-mile route, because it’s not worth missing a single step of this wonderful Yorkshire coastal walk. First, you’ll head to the seafront at South Landing to join up with a series of fairly easygoing, if not for the faint-hearted, coastal paths that will show off the entire peninsula and offer breathtaking views across the North Sea.
There’s plenty to see elsewhere too – stop off at ancient settlements, learn about naval battles, spot one of the thousands of seabirds and enjoy the pretty chalk cliffs before rounding off back in Flamborough with a well-earned pint and a bite at The Seabirds Inn.
Start point: St Oswald’s Church – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 8 miles.
Difficulty: Easy.
Route: Check out the route.
The May Beck and Falling Foss Circular
For one of the easiest, most family-friendly circular walks in Yorkshire, head to May Beck in the North York Moors National Park. This stunning stroll starts at the May Beck car park, before you set off on a beautiful woodland walk up to Midge Hall and on to the quaint Falling Foss Tea Garden where you can grab a mid-bimble brew.
When you’re ready, head round the back of the cafe to uncover its amazing secret – you can walk up to an incredible 30-foot waterfall and soak in the views below. Then make your way back through the woods along the waterway of May Beck before reaching the start again.
Start point: May Beck Car Park – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 1.9 miles.
Difficulty: Easy.
Route: Check out the route.
Beamsley Beacon Circular
Nestled on the very edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Beamsley is a picturesque village that’s home to a moderate circular walk that blends nature and history. It starts right in the centre of the village, before you take the climb up to the Beacon, where you’ll enjoy stunning views over Wharfedale.
Then it’s over to Kex Beck, crossing the stream for a ramble over Beamsley Moor – keep an eye out for Beamsley Hospital, a unique circular landmark from 1593 that’s now a holiday home. Make your way back down into the village via open fields and a beck-side wander, popping in to The Devonshire Arms for a bit of R&R.
Start point: Langbar Road – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 7 miles.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Route: Check out the route.
Fell Beck Circular
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If stunning views are the goal of your circular walks in Yorkshire, the Fell Beck Circular is a must. It shows off a handful of Yorkshire’s most beautiful natural landmarks across a leisurely 2.8-mile route made up of hard surfaces and woodland paths.
You’ll get to wander through meadows, pastures and woods to reach the pretty Fell Beck Stream, before you loop around and head up towards Brimham Rocks with sensational views of the Dales over to your right. You’ll first reach Idol Rock, then the Druid’s Writing Desk before you reach the iconic Dancing Bear and head back to the start, via a pitstop in Ye Ole Oak Inn.
Start point: Brimham Rocks – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 2.8 miles.
Difficulty: Easy.
Route: Check out the route.
Haworth Circular
Brontë Country is one of the most beautiful areas in Yorkshire and this circular walk is the perfect way to explore it. There’s so much to see on the easygoing 7-mile route. You’ll see the places that inspired the family’s literary settings as you pass flowing streams, awe-inspiring moorland and breathtaking views over the Pennine Hills.
The stroll over Haworth Moor is special in all seasons, and it’s followed by a visit to Penistone Hill Country Park, Lower Laithe Reservoir and the Brontë Waterfall before you reach Top Withens, the inspiration for Wuthering Heights. Haworth Steam Brewery awaits before you head home.
Start point: St Michael & All Angels Church – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 7.5 miles.
Difficulty: Easy.
Route: Check out the route.
The Hubberholme Circular
If you really want to stretch your legs, the Hubberholme Circular is one of the best walks in Yorkshire. It’s a mammoth 9.6-mile route that kicks off with a calf-crunching ascent up Birk’s Fell. The rewards are plenty, though, with a walk over open moorland and incredible views all around.
You’ll also pass landmarks like Moss Top, Sugar Loaf and the Horse Head – if you’re lucky enough to go on a clear day, you can see as far as Plover Hill, Pen-y-ghent and Longstrothdale valley. You’ll make your return to Hubberholme along the River Wharfe, but why not treat yourself to a drink and classic pub grub at The George Inn?
Start point: The George Inn – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 9.6 miles.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Route: Check out the route.
West Burton and Aysgarth Falls Circular
There’s no doubt that this 5-mile route is one of the best circular walks in Yorkshire – it leads you to two sets of waterfalls and along a beautiful river. That’s the jackpot! It kicks off the in the quaint setting of West Burton, also home to one of the Yorkshire Dales’ best-kept secrets – West Burton Waterfall.
It’s certainly pretty, but your next stop might trump it. You’ll follow the banks of the River Ure and head through Freeholders’ Wood Nature Reserve along easy bridleways to reach the three flights of roaring water over limestone steps at Aysgarth Falls. End your day at The Fox & Hounds back in the village.
Start point: Front Nook – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 5 miles.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Route: Check out the route.
Whernside Circular
You can tick off one of Yorkshire’s Three Peaks on this wonderful circular walk. The 8-mile route is as popular as it is beautiful, so expect to meet many a passing walker as you go. It starts at Ribblehead Station (so you can even leave the car at home) and then you’ll cross over the Force Gill Aqueduct where you can stop to enjoy the waterfall before taking Craven Way up to the Whernside trig point.
There are breathtaking views in every direction here, looking out over Greensett Tarn, Ingleborough and the majestic Ribblehead Viaduct. On your way back, you can pay a little visit to The Station Inn and rest your weary legs.
Start point: Ribblehead Station – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 8 miles.
Difficulty: Easy.
Route: Check out the route.
Ilkley Moor Circular
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Ilkley Moor is one of the most popular destinations for walks in Yorkshire and this 6.3-mile circular route shows it off at its very best. You’ll kick things off in the town centre at West View Park before you take the Dales Way Link up towards the top of the moor. There are stunning views over God’s Own County to take in as you walk up, before you check out a host of must-visit landmarks.
There’s Ilkley Crags and the Twelve Apostles, Ilkley Tarn and the Cow and Calf. In fact, there’s two of the latter to check out – on your way back into Ilkley, you can stop off for a pint and a bite to eat at the pub of the same name.
Start point: West View Park – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 6.3 miles.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Route: Check out the route.
