The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Snainton
4.5
(613)
4,875
hikers
7
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around Snainton offer access to the diverse landscapes of the North York Moors National Park. The region features varied terrain, including expansive forests like Dalby Forest and Wykeham Forest, picturesque dales, and open fields. Hikers can explore ancient sandstone rock formations and classic heather moorland, providing a range of natural features for outdoor activities. The area's topography includes gentle inclines and wooded paths, making it suitable for families.
Best family friendly hiking trails around Snainton
- The…
Last updated: July 7, 2026
4.0
(1)
11
hikers
17.6km
04:52
300m
300m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
1
hikers
18.5km
04:58
220m
220m
Hike the moderate 11.5-mile Given Dale and Allerston loop through varied terrain, forests, and historical churches in North York Moors Natio
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7
hikers
8.49km
02:29
230m
230m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
hikers
8.53km
02:19
120m
120m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
16.1km
04:23
230m
230m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
This was a lovely walk, however we went on a soggy day which made some of the terrain very difficult to navigate!! Due to recent storms, trees had fallen making the down hill in the first 1/2k very difficult, having to climb over and around trees on uneven terrain. After overcoming the obstacles, we really enjoyed this walk!!
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hard hike all hills but worth it to see the old school house
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i got there at 11.30 and still plenty of parking places
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old school from the day..I bet the kids hated walking to school the roads are steep
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The construction date of the school, or how it was originally established is unknown, although the current building is thought to date to 1870-1875. An 1823 directory lists 3 schoolmasters in the parish, but they may have all been based in other townships rather than in Troutsdale which had a scattered population of 45 at this date. The 1854 1:10560 Ordnance Survey map includes a label "Troutsdale School" in the general area of the current building, however the school building itself appears to be marked within the field just to the west of the current building. The next edition, the 1:2500 map of 1892, clearly marks the current building, and gives no indication of an earlier building to the west. However on this map it is labelled as disused, possibly because a new Board school had been established in nearby Brompton. At this time the population of the Troutsdale township extended to 6 farmers and their families. Maps between 1912 and 1958 all mark and label the school without the disused qualifier, so its use as a school is thought to have been revived. The school is thought to have finally closed around 1950.
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Great views over Troutsdale with Langdale Forest in the distance to the north. If you follow the Wykeham Forest Trail to the west of the viewpoint, then stick to the tracks as marked on Ordnance Survey maps, don't follow the routes marked as footpaths, as they are horrendously overgrown with brambles like triffids. Another lesson learned :).
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Off-road parking with space for at least a dozen cars and very easy to access from Snainton.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of family-friendly hiking trails can we expect around Snainton?
The area around Snainton, on the edge of the North York Moors National Park, offers a variety of family-friendly trails. You'll find routes traversing ancient sandstone formations, expansive forests like Dalby Forest and Wykeham Forest, picturesque dales, and classic heather moorland. The trails are generally moderate, providing engaging experiences for families without being overly strenuous.
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available in this guide?
This guide features 7 carefully selected family-friendly hiking trails around Snainton. All of them are rated as moderate, offering a good balance of challenge and enjoyment for families.
Are there any circular routes suitable for families?
Yes, many of the family-friendly routes around Snainton are circular, making them convenient for starting and ending at the same point. For example, the Troutsdale and Wykeham Forest loop offers a varied landscape experience, and the Given Dale and Allerston loop is another great option for a full circuit.
What are some natural features or landmarks we might see on these family hikes?
The trails around Snainton offer glimpses of diverse natural beauty. You might encounter unique geological formations, tranquil forested dales, and open fields. Specific highlights include the dramatic Hole of Horcum Bridleway, scenic viewpoints like Rhumbard Snout and Cross Dale, and the serene Troutsdale gorge.
What is the typical duration and distance for these family-friendly hikes?
The family-friendly hikes in this guide vary in length and duration. Shorter options like the Highwood Brow Viewpoint loop are around 8.5 km and can take about 2 hours and 20 minutes. Longer routes, such as the Troutsdale and Wykeham Forest loop, can be up to 17.6 km and take closer to 5 hours, offering more extensive exploration.
Are these trails suitable for families with dogs?
Many trails in the North York Moors National Park and surrounding areas are dog-friendly, but it's always best to keep dogs under control, especially near livestock. Wykeham Forest and Dalby Forest generally welcome dogs, but specific rules may apply in certain areas or during nesting seasons. Always check local signage for the most current information.
What is the best time of year to go hiking with family around Snainton?
The area around Snainton is beautiful year-round. Spring brings wildflowers and new growth, while summer offers longer daylight hours and warmer weather. Autumn showcases stunning foliage, and even winter can be magical with crisp air and frosty landscapes, though some paths might be muddy. Always check weather forecasts before heading out, especially with children.
Where can we find parking for these family hikes?
Many trailheads in the North York Moors National Park and within forests like Dalby Forest and Wykeham Forest offer dedicated parking areas. For example, Staxton Hill provides convenient parking with scenic views. Specific routes like the Troutsdale – Cockmoor Parking Area loop start directly from a parking location, making access easy for families.
Are there any cafes or pubs near the family-friendly hiking routes?
Snainton village itself has local amenities. Additionally, Dalby Forest features a visitor center with facilities, including cafes. You can often find pubs and cafes in nearby villages surrounding the North York Moors and Wykeham Forest, perfect for a refreshment stop after your family hike.
What do other hikers say about the family-friendly trails around Snainton?
The family-friendly trails around Snainton are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 550 reviews. Hikers often praise the quiet woodlands, varied landscapes, and the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the North York Moors National Park with their loved ones.
What is the terrain like on these family-friendly trails?
The terrain on these family-friendly trails is varied, ranging from well-maintained forest paths in areas like Dalby Forest and Wykeham Forest to open fields and tracks across heather moorland. While generally manageable for families, some sections may include gentle ascents and descents, characteristic of the North York Moors landscape.
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