You can leave your car at home next time you want to go rambling in the Yorkshire countryside because each of these walks can be reached by train.
Yorkshire’s stunning countryside isn’t just for drivers. You can hop on the train from Leeds to reach the start of these 10 great routes. So, are you ready to explore? From picturesque Harden Valley to the historic Ilkley Moor, you’ll soon see why it’s called God’s Own County.
Harden Valley Circular
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Waterfalls, viaducts and woodlands await on this wonderful, if a little long, circular wander around the Harden Valley. This 10.7-mile walk isn’t for the faint-hearted, but it offers so much that it really is a must-try.
You’ll head to Bingley direct from Leeds on the train, then hike from Myrtle Park to Ruin Bank Wood, Goit Stock Waterfall and Hewenden Viaduct. That’s not to mention all the incredible views you can savour over the Brontë Country. On your way back to Bingley Station, enjoy great real ales and pub grub in the Old White Horse.
Start point: Bingley Station – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 10.7 miles (5-6 hours).
Difficulty: Hard.
Try it: Check out the route.
Horton-in-Ribblesdale to Ingleborough and back
If you’re a more experienced walker, this route is a doozy. It’s a 9.3-mile trek that follows the Three Peaks trail in reverse, from Horton-in-Ribblesdale Station and back again (which you can reach direct from Leeds).
You’ll go up and over Ingleborough, for views over to Pen-y-ghent, Morecambe Bay and the Lakeland Hills on a clear day, before you pass the active Horton Quarry, which offers views to Simon’s Fell and The Lord’s Seat. On your way back into Horton, make time to visit the wonderful Golden Lion before you get the train home.
Start point: Horton-in-Ribblesdale Station – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 9.3 miles (4-5 hours).
Difficulty: Hard.
Try it: Check out the route.
Newtondale Circular
One of the most picturesque walks for non-drivers in Yorkshire, this 6.1-mile route starts from Levisham Station after a quick change in Malton. The beauty of the North York Moors makes it worth the effort and it’s even great for beginners with one gradual climb splitting up strolls along fields, bridleways and tracks.
There’s plenty to look forward to – you’ll pass Kale Pot Hole Farm, offering views across the valley to Skelton Tower, on your way to Raper’s Farm Picnic Place. The Horseshoe Inn provides pints and pub grub before you catch the train home.
Start point: Levisham Station – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 6.1 miles (2-3 hours).
Difficulty: Moderate.
Try it: Check out the route.
Whernside Circular
You can ride the glorious Leeds-Settle-Carlisle line to reach the start of the Whernside Circular. This 9-mile hike starts at Ribblehead Station after a scenic journey that’s going to get even more stunning.
It leads you across some of the most beautiful parts of Yorkshire – you’ll pass Force Gill Aqueduct to see the waterfall in full flow, before climbing to the Whernside trig point to tick off one of the Three Peaks. The views here are incredible, so take it all in before you pop in to The Station Inn back in Ribblehead ahead of the train home.
Start point: Ribblehead Station – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 9 miles (5-6 hours).
Difficulty: Hard.
Try it: Check out the route.
Knaresborough and The Nidd Gorge
It’s a doddle to get to Knaresborough from Leeds on the train, so this 5.9-mile walk from the centre of town is a must. It’s a wonderfully scenic ramble around one of the natural wonders of North Yorkshire.
You’ll get to breeze by Conyngham Hall and its beautiful grounds, before pootling past Mother Shipton’s Cave, Bilton Village and the River Nidd. Make sure you pause on the way around to admire the views along the Nidd Gorge before you head back into town. The Half Moon and Six Poor Folk are worth a visit before catching the train home.
Start point: Knaresborough Station – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 5.9 miles (2-3 hours).
Difficulty: Moderate.
Try it: Check out the route.
Scarborough to Filey
You can get the train direct to Scarborough from Leeds and the station is where this wonderful 16.4-mile adventure down the North Yorkshire coast starts. Make your way to South Sands beach before taking the sea-view path past Black Rocks to Cayton Bay.
This is a lovely stretch of golden sand, a peaceful place for a picnic. Afterwards, head past Lebberston Cliff, The Wake and Filey Brigg, where you can dig out fossils in the prehistoric rocks, before you arrive in the heart of Filey – fish and chips, followed by a visit to The Star? You’ll need it to fuel up for the walk home.
Start point: Scarborough Station – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 8.2 miles each way (6-8 hours total).
Difficulty: Moderate.
Try it: Check out the route.
Thirsk Circular
Jump on the train to Thirsk via York and take the short walk to the town’s market to begin this rewarding ramble. It’s a leisurely 3.5-mile walk, good for all ages and abilities, that blends wonderful scenery with hidden historical gems and incredible architecture.
Look out over the Hambleton Hills and visit St Mary’s Church which dates back to 1430. You’ll even get the chance to pop by the World of James Herriot Museum if you wish. The walk returns to the town centre where you can pop by The Frankland Arms – it’s dog and kid-friendly too.
Start point: Thirsk Market Place – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 3.5 miles (3-4 hours).
Difficulty: Easy.
Try it: Check out the route.
In Giant Rombalds Footsteps
Jump on the train to Burley-in-Wharfedale to kick off this 4.5-mile walk across Rombalds Moor. This is an ideal route if you don’t have a lot of rambling experience, with a medley of good tracks and moorland paths to tackle. It’s great for pooches too with loads of off-lead spaces too.
There’s plenty to see on your two-hour trek – York View offers incredible vistas of the Minster on a clear day, Carr Bottom Reservoir gives you a lakeside stroll and The Hermit Inn provides the perfect mid-mooch pit-stop right on the edge of Ilkley Moor.
Start point: Burley in Wharfedale Station – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 4.5 miles (2-3 hours).
Difficulty: Moderate.
Try it: Check out the route.
Settle Circular
This 7.89-mile walk from Settle Station is full of incredible surprises. You’ll start in the picture-perfect North Yorkshire village after an hour-long train journey, then head clockwise towards Giggleswick Station and Accerhill Hall.
Along the route, which takes in straightforward roads and bridleway paths, you’ll be able to stop to enjoy the incredible sights of Ingleborough, Pen-y-ghent, Fountains Fell and Warrendale Knotts. Just make sure you leave enough time in Settle to grab a pint and bite to eat in The Talbot Arms, ahead of your train journey home.
Start point: Station Road, Settle – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 7.89 miles (4-5 hours).
Difficulty: Moderate.
Try it: Check out the route.
Steeton to Ilkley
It takes just over 30 minutes from Leeds to reach Steeton & Silsden Station, where you’ll you kick off this epic exploration of Wharfedale and all of its rocky landmarks. You’ll get to tick off the Windgate Nick disused quarry up on Addingham Moor, as well as the Sepulchre, Doubler, Swastika and Panorama Stones.
There are incredible views on much of the walk, over Airedale in one direction and to Wharfedale in the other. It’s a fairly easy-going 7.25-mile route which sees you return to Leeds from Ilkley, via the fabulous Flying Duck pub.
Start point: Steeton & Silsden Station – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 7.25 miles (4-5 hours).
Difficulty: Moderate.
Try it: Check out the route.
