4.5
(1869)
15,725
hikers
34
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Great Busby are situated in North Yorkshire, offering access to diverse natural landscapes. The region is characterized by expansive moorlands, wooded areas, and distinctive rock formations, providing a mix of terrain for hikers. Views of the Cleveland Hills and the North York Moors are common along many paths. The area features rolling terrain with some gentle ascents, suitable for various fitness levels.
Last updated: August 17, 2026
4.7
(43)
353
hikers
5.46km
01:40
180m
180m
Embark on the Cringle Moor and Lord Stones loop, an easy hike that promises expansive views across North Yorkshire. You will gain 583 feet (178 metres) in elevation over its 3.4 miles (5.5 km) distance, typically completed in about 1 hour and 40 minutes. The route leads you to the summit of Cringle Moor, where you can enjoy extensive northern outlooks, including panoramas of Middlesbrough and the Cleveland plain. As you hike, you will experience moorland beauty, especially vibrant in autumn when heather and ferns paint the landscape in dusky pinks, greens, oranges, and reds. Be prepared for some steep, rocky steps on the final ascent to Cringle Moor.
Your hike begins and ends conveniently at Lord Stones Country Park, a great spot to find refreshments and facilities at its cafe and farm shop. While the trail is generally well-maintained, sections can become quite muddy after rain. For this reason, we recommend wearing sturdy and water-resistant footwear to ensure a comfortable experience. Plan your visit to make the most of the amenities available at the country park.
Beyond the scenic vistas, this route offers a journey through time with ancient sites like the Lord Stones Stone Circle and a Labyrinth Carving. These historical elements add a unique cultural layer to the natural beauty of the moorland. The Cringle Moor summit itself is notable as the third-highest point within the North York Moors National Park, making this loop a rewarding way to explore a significant part of the region's landscape and heritage.
4.5
(2)
47
hikers
4.85km
01:31
180m
180m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(3)
26
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
27
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
18
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Someone needs to put some solar lights on it.
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This is where I realised wearing new boots for a hike this long was a BAD idea!
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If Cringle End is your destination, approach from Lordstones Country Park to the west, the gradient is more forgiving and the path is relatively straight. If you crest Cringle Moor from the east you will find the ascent comprises vicious sections of very twisty stone path with much steeper gradient, according to the elevation profile on Komoot, up to and over 33%. Quite punishing if you already have already covered a lot of miles and ascent.
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Far-reaching views, especially spectacular just after an early morning spring sunrise. Great view along the ridgeline of Kirby Bank to the east. Easiest way to get to this is from Lord Stones country park to the west - there is a gradient but it is fairly even all the way up. Cresting Cringle Moor from the east, however, is much more arduous with twisty sections of steep stone path with a 33% gradient. I thought I was fit and fast - the gradient begged to differ!
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More spectacular views. The approach from the west is easier with a more gentle incline than the approach from the east, which involves a series of twisting turning steep steps, good safe footing but hard going both up and down.
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Panoramic views enjoyed from a stone seat to rest weary legs. Great view of Kirby Bank to the east.
2
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Crest Cold Moor from the west to get a great view of the Wainstones, and great views all around.
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There are 13 easy hiking trails around Great Busby, offering diverse options for exploring the North York Moors and Cleveland Hills. In total, the area features 34 hiking routes across various difficulty levels.
Yes, many of the easy trails around Great Busby are circular. For example, the Cringle Moor and Lord Stones loop is a popular 3.4-mile circular route, and the View from Cringle End – Cringle End Summit loop from Carlton in Cleveland offers a 2.5-mile circular path through moorland.
Easy hikes in Great Busby offer stunning panoramic views. You can expect to see the expansive heather-clad moorlands of the North York Moors, the picturesque Cleveland Hills, and distinctive geological features like sandstone outcrops. Routes often provide vistas towards landmarks such as Roseberry Topping and Carlton Bank.
Yes, the network of easy hiking trails around Great Busby includes options suitable for families. The terrain often features rolling paths with gentle ascents, making them accessible for various fitness levels, including family outings. Some routes are shorter and less strenuous, ideal for younger hikers.
Many trails in the North York Moors National Park, which surrounds Great Busby, are dog-friendly. However, it's essential to keep dogs on a lead, especially during lambing season (March to July) and when walking through areas with livestock or ground-nesting birds. Always check local signage for specific restrictions.
Absolutely. Along easy hikes, you might encounter several notable landmarks. These include the Carlton Bank Summit Trig Point, offering extensive views, or the distinctive Wainstones, craggy sandstone outcrops. The Cod Beck Reservoir also offers a pleasant 1.5-mile walk through woodlands and moorland.
The best time to hike around Great Busby is generally from spring to autumn. Spring brings wildflowers, while late summer (August/September) sees the moorlands covered in vibrant purple heather. Autumn offers beautiful foliage. While winter hikes are possible, be prepared for colder, potentially wetter conditions and shorter daylight hours.
Many easy hiking routes around Great Busby have accessible parking. Lord Stones Country Park, for instance, is a common trailhead with on-site parking. Other trailheads often have designated car parks, though some smaller, less crowded routes might require roadside parking. Always check specific route details for parking information.
Yes, you'll find options for refreshments. Lord Stones Country Park, a popular starting point for several easy hikes, features an on-site café. The village of Great Busby itself and nearby communities also offer local pubs and cafes where you can relax after your walk.
The easy trails around Great Busby are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 190 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the stunning panoramic views, the unique geological formations, and the well-maintained paths that make for an enjoyable and accessible outdoor experience.
While popular spots like Lord Stones and Cringle Moor can attract visitors, the extensive network of trails in the North York Moors means you can often find quieter paths. Exploring routes slightly off the main highlights or hiking during off-peak hours can lead to a more serene experience.
Easy walks near Great Busby vary in length and duration. Many popular easy routes, such as the Cringle Moor and Lord Stones loop (3.4 miles), can be completed in about 1 hour 40 minutes. Shorter options, like the Lord Stones Café & Car Park – Carlton Bank Summit Trig Point loop (1.7 miles), take around 1 hour.
The terrain on easy hikes around Great Busby is characterized by rolling paths through heather-clad moorlands and wooded areas. While generally accessible, you can expect some gentle ascents and descents, typical of the Cleveland Hills and North York Moors. Paths are often well-defined, but can be uneven in places.


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