9 Circular Walks in Yorkshire

Circular walks in Yorkshire offer you the easiest way of getting to know this bountiful and vast region, with wonderful routes mapped out including spectacular scenery and interesting sights.

From traversing over seemingly endless moorlands, finding your way through luscious woodlands, or coming before impressive reservoirs, a walk in Yorkshire is a great way to use your time well while staying in your Sykes holiday cottage.

Discover 9 hand-picked circular walks in Yorkshire…

Circular Walks in North Yorkshire

1. Roseberry Topping Circular Walk

Distance: 7 miles
Time: 3 – 4 hours
Rating: Moderate

This classic circular walk on the North York Moors takes you up to Roseberry Topping, one of the most prominent hilltops in Middlesbrough. Traverse across the moorland and come to the intrepid explorer’s famous landmark, Captain Cook’s Monument.

View the full directions for this Roseberry Topping Circular Walk.

2. Whitby Circular Walk

Distance: 8.9 miles
Time: 4 hours
Rating: Moderate

A list about walks in North Yorkshire would not be complete without including an amble around the historic port town of Whitby. Grab a bite to eat at one of the charming cafés on the seafront before setting off along the river and following the railway line to Ruswarp.

Continue to Stainsacre before reaching the beautiful North Yorkshire coast and coming back to Whitby centre via the eerie Whitby Abbey and down the 199 Steps.

View the full directions for the Whitby Circular Walk.

3. Harrogate Circular Walk

Distance: 3.6 miles
Time: 2 hours
Rating: Easy

Stretch your legs with a delightful circular walk around Harrogate; blow the cobwebs away and set off from the Harrogate Pump Rooms uphill to Birk Crag woodland. Return via the Victorian Valley Gardens past blooming flowers in summer and frost-bitten grass in winter, before heading back to your Harrogate holiday cottage.

View the full directions for the Harrogate Circular Walk.

Circular Walks in West Yorkshire

4. Ilkley Moor Circular Walk

Distance: 6.3 miles
Time: 3 – 4 hours
Rating: Moderate

Ilkley Moor is a popular location for walks in West Yorkshire, with this excellent circular walk passing the Twelve Apostles Stone Circle and the Cow and Calf gritstone outcrop, providing some fabulous photo opportunities.

View the full directions for the Ilkley Moor Circular Walk.

5. South Pennines Circular Walk

Distance: 7.9 miles
Time: 4 hours
Rating: Moderate

The locals will tell you that a stroll around Baitings Reservoir is one of the best circular walks in West Yorkshire, with this route beginning here and continuing along the secluded moors. Passing through Blackwood Common and up to Dog Hill, before descending back down to the water.

View the full directions for the South Pennines Circular Walk.

6. Bridestones Moor Circular Walk

Distance: 4.3 miles
Time: 2 hours
Rating: Easy

This fairly short circular walk can be found in the area near to Hebden Bridge, at just around 2 hours long it’s a perfect route if you don’t have a huge amount of time but still want to get out in the fresh air. Beginning in Harley Wood near Todmorden, the walk takes you on a climb of around 200 metres where you can then meander along the moors and marvel at the interesting grit stone outcrops.

View the full directions for the Bridestones Moor Circular Walk.

Circular Walks in South Yorkshire

7. Wentworth Woodhouse Circular Walk

Distance: 7.3 miles
Time: 3.5 – 4 hours
Rating: Moderate

If you’re looking for walks near Barnsley or Rotherham, why not give this amble a go which passes through rural areas and the grand and imposing Wentworth Woodhouse in Wentworth? Although it’s not accessible for viewing inside without prior appointment, it still makes for a great sight to behold during your South Yorkshire circular walk.

View the full directions for the Wentworth Woodhouse Circular Walk.

8. Broomhead Moor & Ewden Beck Circular Walk

Distance: 6 miles
Time: 3 hours
Rating: Easy

Broomhead Moor is a lovely place to enjoy circular walks in Sheffield  with this area being located within the borders of the magnificent Peak District National Park. Begin with an incline up along Ewden Beck valley onto the moors, through woodlands, and past Broomhead Reservoir, all offering picturesque scenery on a clear day.

View the full directions for the Broomhead Moor Circular Walk.

9. The Little Don Circular Walk

Distance: 3.7 miles
Time: 2 hours
Rating: Easy

Another easy circular walk in South Yorkshire is this route which begins near Langsett and enjoys a route through little-known moorland, coming back down via the Little Don River. If you’re enjoying good weather, extend the route to encompass the Langsett Reservoir.

View the full directions to The Little Don Circular Walk.

Make use of our North Yorkshire Travel Guide for inspiration on how to best enjoy this fantastic region, and start planning your next holiday in Yorkshire by browsing our array of Yorkshire holiday cottages. Or if you are unsure which part of Yorkshire is for you, why not take a look at Yorkshire Dales vs Moors?

Image Credits: Andrewrabbott – CC BY-SA 4.0