Shorter Walks for All

There is much of interest in the North York Moors ; well kept villages, castles and abbeys, rivers and countryside and all are easily accessible on a short walk.

All the walks here are perfect for those of any age or a bit short of time. Completing each one will certainly give anyone a really good understanding of what makes the North York Moors work.

Each walk is under 5 miles, usually 2 or 3 and involves only limited uphill stretches but for all walks be kitted and booted and the walk is that much more enjoyable.

Whitby Abbey and the coast

Whitby Abbey is splendidly situated on the headland just south of the town of its name. To most appreciate Whitby Abbey and the coast walk start along the cliffs and then return to approach the abbey from the south east. It is a short walk but simple at any time of the year. The Walk

Round Hill on Urra Moor

Chop Gate in Bilsdale is the start of this walk to Round Hill on Urra Moor, the highest point in the North York Moors. The moorland walking on Urra Moor is on very good paths with excellent views.

Beacon Hill near Danby

Beacon Hill near Danby is an excellent vantage point for the northern moors and over to the sea. Coupled with an exploration of Danby and a stroll along the River Esk it is a pleasant few hours.

Walk up Roseberry Topping

An iconic small but distinct hill stands proud and detached from the main North York Moors. The walk up Roseberry Topping is highly enjoyable and includes a short scramble but the views across the moors and north to the sea make it worthwhile.

The Wainstones walk

This walk to the Wainstones is made much easier due to a starting point at the car park at Clay Bank. Climb the slopes on to Hasty Bank where a short moorland stroll brings you to the rock formation known as the Wainstones.

Coast at Filey

The Coast at Filey offers a pleasant walk in spectacular coastal scenery. Filey Brigg is the rocky promenade where you can scramble down to the shoreline. As an added benefit the town itself is full of interest.

Keep scrolling for more walks

Short walk round Pickering

Pickering is a regency town worth of closer inspection. The castle dominates all but a short walk round Pickering brings other surprises including some pleasant woodland.

Walk at Hutton-le-Hole

This walk starts at the popular village of Hutton-le-Hole. There are some great views across the moors before descending to Lastingham. The return is further north past the finely named Fairy Call Beck.

Mount Grace Priory

Park in Osmotherley and drop steeply to the grounds of Mount Grace Priory. Visit if you wish then return via the woods. Osmotherley is an excellent village, the centre of walking in the North York Moors.

Walk to Malo Cross

The walk to Malo Cross is a not long but full of interest and variety. There are also some excellent views from Whinny Hill towards the sea at Whitby. The terrain is a mix of woodland, fields and moorland.

A walk in Dalby Forest

Near Scarborough is Dalby Forest, a large area of well managed forestry. However it can become very popular. A walk in Dalby Forest takes you along wide forest tracks, well signposted to the the village of Thornton.

Waterfalls of Goathland

Goathland is a quite sprawling village, full of character, but spread widely across the moors. The waterfalls of Goathland; Mallyan Spout and Thomason Foss, are a short distance from the village and, combined, make for a good walk.

© Where2Walk 2025 - Walking in Yorkshire and the Lake District