The best walks and hikes around York

There are over 25 hiking trails around York listed on komoot, offering a diverse range of experiences. You'll find routes suitable for various fitness levels, from easy strolls to more moderate hikes.

Hiking around York offers varied terrain. Within the city, you'll find flat riverside paths along the Ouse and Foss, and paved routes like the York Solar System Trail. Further afield, trails lead through woodlands, expansive parklands, and gentle slopes. The nearby North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales offer more rugged landscapes, including heather moorland, dales, and hills.

Yes, York offers several easy and family-friendly options. The South Shore Trail loop — William Kain County Park is an easy 7.1 km path with scenic views around a lake. Within the city, the Historic City Walls provide a unique 2-mile circular walk, and parks like Rowntree Park and Museum Gardens offer tranquil, accessible pathways. Askham Bog also features a circular boardwalk trail suitable for families.

Many trails around York are dog-friendly, especially those in parks and woodlands. Riverside paths along the Ouse and Foss are generally suitable for dogs. When hiking, always ensure your dog is under control, especially near livestock or in nature reserves. Check local signage for specific restrictions, particularly in protected areas like Askham Bog.

Yes, circular walks are a popular option. The Historic City Walls offer a 2-mile circular route with elevated views of the city. For a longer option, the Rocky Ridge Perimeter Trail loop — Rocky Ridge County Park is a moderate 12.1 km trail. The Two Lakes Loop — William Kain County Park is another great circular option, covering 9.8 km around two lakes.

York's hiking trails often pass by historical and natural attractions. You can explore the medieval architecture along the City Walls, or discover Roman artifacts in the Museum Gardens. The John Rudy Park via Heritage Rail Trail — York route connects to the Heritage Rail Trail at North York and passes near the historic Howard Tunnel. Further afield, the North York Moors offer sights like the Kilburn White Horse and Rievaulx Abbey.

Many urban and riverside walks within York are easily accessible by public transport. The City Walls and riverside paths are centrally located. For routes slightly outside the city, local bus services can often take you to starting points. For example, the York to Bishopthorpe Riverside Walk is reachable via local buses. Always check current timetables for specific routes.

The hiking experience in York is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 88 hikers. Reviewers often praise the blend of natural areas and accessible routes, highlighting the scenic views along riverside paths and the tranquility of the woodlands and park trails.

Absolutely. York is defined by its rivers, the Ouse and the Foss, offering numerous scenic riverside walks. The South Shore Trail loop — William Kain County Park provides picturesque views around a lake, and the Two Lakes Loop — William Kain County Park circles two beautiful lakes. Further afield, the Yorkshire Dales National Park, though a bit further, is known for its numerous waterfalls.

For a shorter, easy hike in a park setting, consider the Rocky Ridge County Park loop from Parking Lot 2, which is an easy 4.1 km trail. Rowntree Park and Museum Gardens in the city center also offer beautiful, leisurely strolls through landscaped areas and gardens.

Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring York's parks and riverside paths, with lush greenery and blooming flowers. Autumn brings beautiful fall colors to the woodlands. Even in winter, many trails remain accessible, offering crisp, quiet walks, especially along the City Walls or paved routes. Always check local conditions, especially if venturing into the national parks during colder months.