North Yorkshire – Moors, Dales, and Coast Walking
Heather moorland, limestone valleys, and long coastal cliffs between the Pennines and the North Sea
Open heather moor, limestone dales, and rugged coastline shape North Yorkshire, where walking routes cross the North York Moors National Park and the Yorkshire Dales National Park and extend into the Nidderdale National Landscape and the Howardian Hills National Landscape, while the Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden UNESCO World Heritage Site lies near Ripon. Major routes such as the Cleveland Way, Coast to Coast Path, Pennine Way, and Dales Way link places including Whitby, Scarborough, Helmsley, Richmond, Skipton, and Harrogate across upland, valley, and coastal terrain.
Much of the terrain is firm but varied underfoot. Moorland tracks, stone-paved paths, grassy ridges, and riverside trails allow steady progress, with longer climbs and rougher sections common on higher ground and escarpments.
The landscape changes across the county. The east is defined by high moorland and steep coastal cliffs, while the west becomes limestone valleys, pasture, and dry-stone walls across the Dales. Central areas soften into wooded hills and farmland around Nidderdale and the Howardian Hills.
Towns and villages are spaced widely across valleys and market towns, creating practical stopping points while preserving long, quiet stretches of open countryside between settlements.
Trails and Routes Through North Yorkshire
Cleveland Way
A National Trail combining moorland ridge walking and coastal cliffs between Helmsley and Filey.
Coast to Coast Path
Runs west–east across the county through the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, linking upland valleys and high ground.
Pennine Way
Follows high moorland and escarpments along the western side of the county through remote Pennine terrain.
Dales Way
A riverside route between Ilkley and Bowness passing through Wharfedale and other limestone valleys in the south-west of the county.
Herriot Way
A circular walk around Wensleydale connecting Hawes, Aysgarth, and surrounding dales villages.
Tabular Hills Walk
Crosses the southern edge of the North York Moors between Scarborough and Helmsley through woodland and rolling hills.
Walking Character
• Heather moorland and wide skies
• Limestone dales and dry-stone walls
• High coastal cliffs and sandy bays
• Riverside valley paths
• Market towns and small villages
• Varied terrain with regular climbs