10 of Our Favourite Autumn Walks in North Yorkshire

Each season transforms the beautiful scenery of North Yorkshire in many different ways. With every season offering new challenges and things to do, here we will list some of our favourite Autumn Walks in North Yorkshire.

1. Sutton Bank 

Outstanding panoramic views make this a perfect setting for any walk, all year round. Proclaimed, “The finest view in England” by the author of the James Herriot novels, Alf Wight. You could try the pleasant 1 mile walk along the escarpment edge, which brings you to the top of the striking White Horse of Kilburn, a huge turf-cut figure on the hillside. There are many walks from this point, giving you options from a short stroll to a day long hike.

2. Osmotherly/Cod Beck Reservoir

This beauty spot is created by a delightful lake in a tranquil setting. A walk around Cod Beck Reservoir includes just about every type of scenery you will find in North Yorkshire. For a gentle stroll take a walk around the reservoir or for a more strenuous walk head up the hill through the wood onto the moorland beyond…both equally enjoyable!

3. Aysgarth Falls

The River Ure tumbles over a series of broad limestone steps which are known as Aysgarth Falls, deep in the Yorkshire Dales. Although not particularly high the waterfalls are one of Wensleydale’s most famous beauty spots (having been featured in the Kevin Costner film “Robin Hood – Prince of Thieves”), with a pleasant riverside walk linking the Upper, Middle and Lower Falls.

4. Roseberry Topping

A relatively short walk but Cleveland’s most famous hill can be a challenge. The views from the top will give you the most rewarding feeling for your efforts; the coastline, across the North York Moors and down onto industrial Teesside – a rich and varied landscape that’s unveiled as you climb.

5. Rievaulx Terrace

Rievaulx Terrace is perfect for a gentle walk. These 18th-century landscape gardens were created for unwinding, relaxing and for spending time with others. In Ryedale, boasting views across the Hambleton Hills and down to Rievaulx Abbey, a walk along the Terrace will give you unrivalled views of the surrounding countryside and, if you’re lucky, a glimpse of the wildlife that makes this Georgian landscape its home.

6. Dalby Forest

A large area of dense forestry, Dalby Forest is rapidly becoming the adventure playground of the North York Moors. Go Ape provide some of the excitement but numerous biking and walking trails are its main feature, set up and run very well by the Forestry Commission. The forest itself is divided in to high ground to the north and named vales and riggs to the south. The walking is easy and interesting for a while and to be honest the opportunities are endless with the walk very dependent on how much time is available.

7. Ash Dale from Helmsley

This circular half day walk heads north into the surprisingly open valley floor of Collier Hag Wood, returning along the wide footpath in Ash Dale. The pretty little stream in Hag Wood is enchanting, partly because the woods have been cut back on the valley floor but also because of the numerous pheasants which have made their home here. Ash Dale, meanwhile, is quite a contrast, there is no stream and the track feels enclosed by the forestry despite being only a few trees thick.

8. Ripley Castle

A pleasant walk through rolling countryside and isolated farms. There are some glimpses of the castle and estate over woodland and walls during the hour and a half stroll with an excellent cafe at the end to finish the day off nicely.

9. Bolton Abbey

The ruins of this beautiful Abbey are dramatic. In addition the monks that resided here in the 400 years prior to its Dissolution had a great impact on the surrounding area and affected the lives of all who lived nearby. The site is well worth a visit, the Parish Church itself is still in excellent condition. The stepping stones have attracted many a family, as this part of the River Wharfe is wide with spacious banks.

10. The Gallops of Middleham

Middleham has been famous for it’s Racehorse training for 200 years and there are still 15 firmly-established and successful training stables in the village including Mark Johnson. As you head out over the gallops, you will notice the splendid views over Wensleydale. After a mile and a half the walk leaves the high ground and enters Tupgill Park, the home of the Forbidden Corner – a 4 acre 20th century popular tourist attraction. The woods banking the River Cover are a lovely spot to dawdle before heading back to Middleham.

Take a trip to North Yorkshire to enjoy all these fabulous walks. Planning to stay? Then have a look at our range of Self Catered 4&5 Star Cottages in Yorkshire and Lancashire on the Premier Cottages Website.

Local information kindly provided by: Jessica Barker – Thief Hole Cottages