Walking Holidays & Outdoor Adventures in the North York Moors National Park

Heather Moorland, Ancient Valleys, and Dramatic North Sea Clifftops

The North York Moors National Park is a landscape of sweeping heather moorland, deep wooded dales, and rugged coastline — one of England’s most distinctive regions for walking holidays and outdoor adventures. Its vast uplands and quiet valleys create a sense of space rare in lowland England, while coastal paths offer dramatic views across the North Sea. It’s a region made for slow exploration, long distances, and peaceful days on foot.

With its protected status, rich wildlife, and strong cultural heritage, the Moors blend natural beauty with a deep sense of place. Walkers can follow the iconic Cleveland Way, cross the upland plateau on the Lyke Wake Walk, or wander through historic towns and villages like Helmsley, Goathland, Grosmont, and Robin Hood’s Bay. From late-summer purple heather to spring valley daffodils, every season brings a new mood to this wild northern landscape.

Where to Walk

Cleveland Way

A 109-mile National Trail from Helmsley to Filey, combining high moorland ridges with spectacular coastal walking around Whitby, Ravenscar, and Robin Hood’s Bay.

Lyke Wake Walk

A legendary 40-mile traverse across the widest part of the Moors — remote, challenging, and known for its wide horizons and exposed terrain.

Esk Valley Walk

A gentler long-distance route following the River Esk from the high moorland to the harbour town of Whitby, passing through peaceful villages and wooded valleys.

Tabular Hills Walk

A contrasting route to open moorland, running from Scarborough to Helmsley through forests, farms, and sheltered valleys.

Coast to Coast Path

One of England’s most iconic long-distance routes, crossing the high moorland of the North York Moors before descending through Glaisdale, Grosmont, and Littlebeck to reach Robin Hood’s Bay.

Coastal Paths (Whitby–Robin Hood’s Bay–Scarborough)

Clifftop routes with dramatic views, historic fishing villages, and some of the most scenic seaside walking in the UK.

Highlights

• One of the UK’s largest expanses of heather moorland.
• Dramatic North Sea cliffs around Whitby, Ravenscar, and Robin Hood’s Bay.
• Historic landmarks including Rievaulx Abbey and Whitby Abbey.
• Steam railway routes perfect for car-free walking days.
• Peaceful dales such as Farndale, famous for spring wild daffodils.

Adventure Highlights

• Walk the Cleveland Way across moorland and coastal landscapes.
• Cross the Moors on the challenging Lyke Wake Walk.
• Explore deep valleys, ancient woodland, and remote hilltops.
• Discover wildlife-rich habitats and far-reaching views.
• Experience dark skies and atmospheric evening walks.