4.6
(481)
4,168
hikers
167
hikes
Hiking around Thornbrough offers a variety of landscapes, characterized by serene lakes, tranquil reservoirs, and historical earthworks. The region features diverse natural settings, providing opportunities for walks amidst natural beauty and historical significance. Trails often lead through open countryside and past water features, with generally low elevation changes.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
4.8
(4)
14
hikers
9.85km
02:31
30m
30m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.7
(6)
27
hikers
7.26km
01:51
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(1)
8
hikers
5.68km
01:26
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
8
hikers
3.44km
00:53
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
9
hikers
5.96km
01:31
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Lovely Cafe with quality coffee beans, good food and cakes plus dog friendly too. Staff are really nice as well. Highly recommended 😁
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This track is close to the destination in Thirsk. Pleased it had been dry weather for the past few days as the surface would carry mud when raining
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Pub, restaurant and accommodation with car parking space for campervans. The Old Oak serves locally sourced food and drinks with an extensive menu. Food is served Mon to Sat from 11:30 - 14:00 & 17:00 - 21:00. On Sunday food is served from 11:30 - 20:30.
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An award-winning museum dedicated to the life, books and TV series of Alf Wright - the Yorkshire vet better known as James Herriot. It is the original 1940's home and practice better known as Skeldale House, although the film location is in Askrigg.
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The market place here in Thirsk is its vibrant centre full of cafes and an open air market on Mondays and Saturdays. It is famous for its racecourse and the former home of James Herriot, vet and author of the books which inspired 'All Creatures Great and Small', the hit BBC series. His house and vet surgery are now a museum, 'The World of James Herriot'.
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Just outside Thirsk centre and a lovely place to sit. Near to a sluice gate a little way from the seating
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Thornbrough offers a wide selection of hiking opportunities, with over 170 routes available. These range from easy strolls to more challenging excursions, catering to various skill levels.
The hiking trails around Thornbrough are characterized by diverse landscapes, including open countryside, serene lakes, and tranquil reservoirs. You'll find generally low elevation changes, making many routes accessible, with some paths leading through historical sites like the Thornborough Henges.
Yes, Thornbrough has numerous easy hiking options. There are 54 easy routes available, perfect for beginners or families. An example is the World of James Herriot – White Horse Café loop from Thirsk, which is a gentle 4.5-mile path.
Many of the routes around Thornbrough are designed as loops, offering convenient circular walks. For instance, the South Kilvington & Sowerby loop from Thirsk is a popular moderate circular trail, and the Old Oak Tree Pub – St. Gregory's Church, Bedale loop from Thirsk is an easy circular option.
The Thornbrough area is rich in natural beauty and historical sites. You can explore the serene Gormire Lake and its surrounding nature reserve, or visit the iconic Kilburn White Horse. The ancient Thornborough Henges, often referred to as the 'Stonehenge of the North,' also offer a unique historical dimension to your walk.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 450 reviews. Hikers often praise the tranquil water features, the open countryside views, and the historical significance of sites like the Thornborough Henges, which provide a unique backdrop to their walks.
Many trails in the Thornbrough area are suitable for walking with dogs, especially those through open countryside and along water features like Pebble Beach. Always ensure your dog is under control and check local signage for any specific restrictions, particularly in nature reserves or near livestock.
Yes, some routes incorporate local establishments. For example, the Old Oak Tree Pub – St. Gregory's Church, Bedale loop from Thirsk starts near a pub, offering a convenient stop before or after your hike. The Sutton Bank National Park Centre also features a cafe, providing refreshments and facilities.
Thornbrough offers enjoyable hiking experiences throughout the year. Spring and summer bring lush greenery and pleasant weather, ideal for exploring the open countryside and water features. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, while winter walks can be serene, though conditions may require appropriate gear.
Yes, the region is known for its tranquil water features. Leighton Reservoir offers stunning views for peaceful walks, and Eavestone Lake provides a serene natural escape with beautiful landscapes. While specific routes are not listed for these, many local paths will lead you to these scenic spots.
The longest moderate hike listed is the South Kilvington & Sowerby loop from Thirsk, which covers 6.1 miles (9.8 km) and typically takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete.
Absolutely. The Thornborough Henges, a significant Neolithic to Bronze Age ceremonial complex, are a prominent historical attraction in the area. These ancient earthworks offer a unique opportunity to combine hiking with exploring a rich cultural heritage.


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