May is National Walking Month. The North Yorkshire Moors National Park is one of the best places in the country to go for a walk. There are short, long, easy, and challenging routes to suit almost anyone. You can stick to well-worn trails or go off the beaten path, all the while guaranteed to be in touch with nature and experience magnificent views.
Below are five of our favourites – some can be done directly from the door of Lock Cottage, others are a short drive or even a train ride away. For all walks make sure you’ve got sturdy shoes, suitable layers (the weather changes at the drop of a hat in Yorkshire), plenty of water and snacks, and a good map.
Lockton to Levisham (approx. 1 mile)
An easy, if steep, walk through Levisham Woods to the Horseshoe Inn pub.
You can start this one at either end of the village. Our favourite route is to head out of the village towards the A169 and take the footpath opposite the cemetery, which leads downhill through a steep field to the woods.
Follow the footpath through the woods along the stream – depending on the time of year you’ll see snowdrops, bluebells and the occasional curious sheep!
The stupendously helpful ‘Footpath’ sign points in three directions. Follow the sign that points uphill for a steep climb into Levisham village. Stop at the pub for a drink or lunch and then head back the way you came or carry on to…
The Hole of Horcum (approx. 6 miles)
This is a walk that can be done from Lock Cottage. Once you reach the Horseshoe Inn follow the road to the right of the pub, which takes you up to the Hole of Horcum.
You then have the choice to walk clockwise or anti-clockwise around the Hole, and return to Lockton the way you came, which takes around 2 hours. Or when you get to the beautiful babbling brook of Dundale Griff you can head into the woods and back to Lockton, joining up with the Levisham-Lockton footpath en route.
Hutton-le-Hole-Lastingham (approx. 8 miles)
Hutton-le-Hole is a pretty 'chocolate-box' village situated 4 miles north of Kirkbymoorside and a 20-minute drive from Lockton.
For this walk park in the village car park and then walk up out of the village taking a grassy footpath up onto the Moors.
This path takes you on a walk across the moorland up to the road at Chimney Beck before tracking back onto the Moors, past the landmark of Ana Cross – the views here are fantastic. You then follow the footpath downhill towards Lastingham village. You can have a wander round the village if you want before rejoining the footpath to walk through Hole Beck, past farmland and onto a minor road – watch out for stray chickens.
You can follow the road all the way back to the car park or take the public footpath down through some woodland to come out in the centre of the village.
Grab a drink at the pub or visit Ryedale Folk Museum before you head home.
Grosmont to Goathland Rail Trail (3 miles)
The 3-mile rail trail follows the old train line from Grosmont to Goathland. It’s a mostly flat, even route, very easy to walk for all ages although there is a steep incline at the Grosmont end.
To make the most of the day take the North Yorkshire Moors Railway from Pickering to Grosmont – it’s a great route through the moors and a lovely way to start the day. Once at Grosmont it’s worth taking some time to explore the rail sheds before following the rail trail signs up a short steep rise out of the village and on to the footpath.
There’s the steep incline back down to the rail trail itself and the route is very straightforward from there. It’s wide, mostly smooth and even, very easy to follow with information boards along the way relating to the history of the line.
There are lots of opportunities to extend the walk; you can explore the river banks, stop off at Beck Hole or the Esk Valley Mine among other points of interest. This map shows the full route.
When you reach Goathland have a wander around the village, treat yourself to something sweet in the tea rooms and jump back on the train to Pickering.
Alternatively you can do what we did – take the train as far as Goathland and walk the whole route to Grosmont and back again!
Runswick Bay to Sandsend (9.5 miles)
This is a long one but totally worth it with stunning views of the coast the whole way.
Start in Runswick Bay – we would recommend getting there relatively early (before 10am) to get a spot in the car park by the bay. Miss this and you will have to park at the top of a hill, adding a very steep climb to the end of your day!
The walk is accessed via the beach. Follow the beach to an opening between cliffs, which leads up to join the Cleveland Way. It is then relatively easy to navigate along the cliff tops to Sandsend, occasionally wandering inland and skirting the village of Kettleness.
When you reach Sandsend drop down through woodland to finish in the car park.
Continue down to the beach where you can grab lunch and an ice cream to fortify yourselves for the walk back.
You should always take a map on any walk and check your route before setting off. Make sure you’ve checked the weather forecast, and take appropriate clothing, sun cream etc. If you’re doing a beach walk it’s really important that you check the tide times.
Lock Cottage is a self-catering holiday home sleeping 6, situated in the heart of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. Check availability, find out more about the cottage and book your stay here.
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