Walks in North Yorkshire

Pickering and Pickering Woods North Yorks Circular

Pickering is an absolute classic in the world of walking, and for good reason. The woodland area of the region is one of the most exciting and beautiful areas in North Yorkshire and it attracts many walkers at all times of the year.

This one is a 9.2 kilometre journey and a circular trail which takes you across a range of different terrains. It’s used primarily as a bird watching trail as well as hiking and walking-based nature trips, and there’s a lovely quaint river in the area for you to explore and enjoy. 

Starting from the market town of Pickering in the heart of North Yorks, this walk takes you off north out of the town alongside the banks of Pickering Beck and into Pickering Woods. This instantly gives you the feel of being in the Great British outdoors and you are greeted with an array of wildlife and beautiful greenery to keep you company along the way. You cross the beck eventually and a railway before returning along a quiet country lane and back into the town for a little explore.

This is a relatively easy walk and should be manageable for families with small children. It is quite a long one however, and it can get extremely muddy and wet in the winter months. However, it’s pretty much flat all the way aside from a few gradients as you might expect from a woods-based walk, and at times, the footpaths are a little uneven which contributes to the seasonal muddiness. There are lots of fields to walk through and even one full of sheep, but other than that it’s a pretty straight forward nature trail. Oh, and the railway line is active and without signalling, so you’ll need to cross this with caution particularly if you’re walking with pets and children. 

With a short stay car park and public toilets at the start of the walk, you might want to take advantage of these facilities if you’re bringing the kids, as the entire circular route can take up to 3 hours without stopping. This makes it a long one as we’ve said, but easily manageable for capable walkers.

And for somewhere to stay in the town of Pickering, take a look at our website for a range of different options. We have something to suit everyone from properties sleeping 4 up to 8, meaning you can make the most of this fantastic area regardless of the numbers in your party. 

The Strid – Just Near Skipton

Although not exactly in Skipton, instead residing just 10 minutes from the centre of town, The Strid is a family-friendly walk and one of the best ones you’ll find in the area for that purpose. 

The route takes you along the River Wharfe through Strid Wood, where you can experience woodland at its best along with the beautiful banks of this winding river. There are views all around on this excursion, making it ideal to soak up all mother nature has to offer while you enjoy the landscapes of the great outdoors.

Skipton Woods Walk

Another woodland-based walk is the Skipton Woods Walk, which is a nice 1.9 mile trip around the woods near Skipton Castle. With an abundance of riverside paths towards Round Dam, there’s even a little island in the middle of the water that offers 360 degree views of the surrounding area and valleys. 

The woodlands that immerse this beautiful walk are ancient and are therefore rife with birds of all kinds and other intriguing wildlife, and this walk is fantastic for families with children, bird-watchers, or even solo ramblers. 

It’s a relatively quick walk compared to some of the others on this list, but it’s none the less extremely rewarding thanks to the unique area it’s located in.

Newport Bridge – Portrack Marsh Nature Reserve Loop

In Middlesbrough, there is a bustling town centre and a range of independent pubs, cafes, and restaurants to keep you entertained all night long. But for something a little different, there are many hidden walks in the land of The Tees, including this beautiful riverside route starting at The Tees Barrage.

From the Barrage, you can watch a range of white water rafting take place or simply take in the relaxing atmosphere at the many seating areas in the area, before you set off along the path for a walk towards Middlesbrough and Newport Bridge. After a couple of miles along the route, you can take in the views from the top of the hill in Maze Park, which offers serenity in abundance in this place of nature and outdoor beauty. 

Then, continue on for another 3 miles to end up at the newly restored Newport Bridge, before heading off to the Portrack Marsh Nature Reserve. Here, you’ll get the chance to spot lots of unlikely wildlife from the region and local area, and take a load off and enjoy the views of the river as you make your back to the Barrage. 

This route when completed in its entirety takes around 2 hours, and is just under 4.5 miles in total. It features lots of easily accessible paths and is suitable for all skill levels, making it ideal for you, the family, and even the dog! 

Middlesbrough is known for many things and has an eclectic, exciting history. And while walking might not be at the top of most people’s lists of things to do when you visit Teesside, the region actually has a range of hidden gems when it comes to a good old fashioned walk. Local locations of interest include the world-famous Roseberry Topping, and there are many areas surrounding the heart of Middlesbrough which are perfect to forget about your troubles and head off into the woodlands and scenery of the mighty Teesside.

Beatrice Little Duckling is the perfect property to use as a base to explore Middlesbrough, and is located within touching distance of James Cook Hospital and Middlesbrough Town Centre.