If the weather plays ball, autumn is one of, if not, the best season to go walking. The leaves are amazingly coloured and crispy underfoot and the low winter sun when shining warms even the chilliest of days. Living in Yorkshire we have some of the most (ok we may be slightly bias) walking routes which are perfect for traversing during the autumn months. From coastline trails to waterfalls and ancient abbeys we’ve got them all. Therefore we have put together a list of some of our favourite wonderful autumn walks in Yorkshire.
Aysgarth Falls circular, North Yorkshire
Address: Leyburn DL8 3TH
If waterfalls are your thing then the circular walk from Aysgarth Falls via Castle Bolton is a must if you are looking for autumn walks in Yorkshire. This walk allows you to take in 3 flights of waterfalls and also the gardens and ruins of Bolton Castle.
Distance: 6.75 miles (10.8 Km)
Grade: Medium
Brimham Rocks, North Yorkshire
Address: Brimham Rocks Rd, Summerbridge, Harrogate HG3 4DW
If you are looking for a short, easy walk then the Brimham Rocks circular walk is a great choice. This walk allows you to see the dramatic rock formations up close together with beautiful heather moorland.
Distance: 1.3 miles (2 km)
Grade: Easy
Flamborough Head, East Yorkshire
Address: Bridlington YO15 1AR
The Flamborough Head circular walk if perfect for those who love fresh sea air. This walk offers amazing views over the cliffs, surrounding coastline and the North Sea. Keep your eyes peeled for various wildlife including seals too.
Distance: 9.7 miles (15.8 km)
Grade: Easy/moderate
Fountains Abbey Ancient Trees Walk, North Yorkshire
Address: Fountains, Ripon HG4 3DY
Follow the bridleways, footpaths and roadways on the Fountains Abbey Ancient Trees circular walk. It allows you the opportunity to learn a little more about the ancient trees in the Deer Park, which is home to three types of deer.
Distance: 2.5 miles (4 km)
Grade: Easy
Railway Trail at Hardcastle Crags, West Yorkshire
Address: Near Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, HX7 7AS
If you are looking for stunning riverside views, head to the railway trail at Hardcastle Crags in West Yorkshire. Here you’ll find oak, beech and pine woods and tumbling streams together with plenty of wildlife to spot along the rocky paths.
Distance: 2 – 3 miles (3.2 – 4.8 km)
Grade: Moderate
Cow & Calf, Ilkley Moor, West Yorkshire
Address: Ilkley LS29 9RF
The Cow and Calf circular walk starts at the famous ‘Cow and Calf’ rock formation consisting of an outcrop and boulder. The walk takes you across Burley Moor to the Lower Lanshaw Dam and also allows you to see the Twelve Apostles stone circle.
Distance: 3.9 mile (6.3 km)
Grade: Moderate
Malham village to Janet’s Foss, North Yorkshire
Address: Malham, Skipton BD23 4DJ
The Malham village to Janet’s Foss walk is extremely popular and a great option if you are looking for a walk to take with children. Along the walk, you can enjoy fields and woodlands ending with the magnificent waterfall at Janet’s Foss.
Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km)
Grade: Easy
May Beck and Falling Foss Circular, North Yorkshire
Address: Midge Hall, Whitby YO22 5JD
If you’re looking for a magical walk then the May Beck and Falling Foss circular is a winner. It is one of the best autumn walks in Yorkshire as the woodland colours are at their best. With shallow water to paddle in, a beautiful waterfall and tea garden, this is a lovely short walk.
Distance: 2 miles (3.2km)
Grade: Easy
Millington Wood-Huggate Circular Walk, East Yorkshire
Address: Pocklington, YO42 1TZ
Millington Wood is a 52-acre ancient ash wood set within a Yorkshire Wolds valley. The Millington Woods- Huggate circular walk offers great views with some steep ascents and descents. Therefore certain places can be muddy/slippery following wet weather.
Distance: 7.9 miles (12.7 km)
Grade: Moderate
The Yorkshire Three Peaks, North Yorkshire
Address: There are three optional start points
Chapel le Dale — LA6 3AR (limited free parking, usually quiet)
Horton-in-Ribblesdale — BD24 0HE (lots of parking, £4 for the day, very busy at weekends)
Ribblehead — LA6 3AS (some free parking)
If you are looking for something more challenging then the Yorkshire Three Peaks is the walk for you. The walk takes on the peaks of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. Many people attempt this walk as an organised event often for charity.
Distance: 23 miles (37km)
Grade: Challenging
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