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.
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.
A legendary 40-mile traverse across the widest part of the Moors — remote, challenging, and known for its wide horizons and exposed terrain.
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.
A contrasting route to open moorland, running from Scarborough to Helmsley through forests, farms, and sheltered valleys.
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.
Clifftop routes with dramatic views, historic fishing villages, and some of the most scenic seaside walking in the UK.
It’s a protected landscape in North Yorkshire known for its heather moorland, wooded valleys, and dramatic coastline.
The park stretches between Helmsley, Whitby, Guisborough, and Pickering, covering upland moors and the North Sea coast.
The Cleveland Way is the standout option, along with the Lyke Wake Walk, Esk Valley Walk, Tabular Hills Walk, and numerous circular moorland and coastal routes.
Yes — while some moorland sections are exposed, there are many easier valley, woodland, and coastal paths suitable for all abilities.
Late summer is famous for the purple heather bloom, while spring and autumn offer cooler weather and quieter trails. Winter can be beautiful but requires good preparation.