MARK Best Walks in the North York Moors
The North York Moors are one of England’s most distinctive upland landscapes — sweeping heather moorland, dramatic escarpments, ancient woodland, historic abbeys, and a rugged coastline.
This region pairs perfectly with the Cleveland Way and Coast to Coast, giving a natural cluster of high-traffic routes and iconic viewpoints. These are the best short walks, ridge routes, and coastal sections — structured for fast access, clean navigation, and deep internal linking.
The Best Walks in the North York Moors
Roseberry Topping
The iconic 'Yorkshire Matterhorn' — a short, steep 320 m summit with huge views and loop options past Captain Cook's Monument.
Explore →ViewpointSutton Bank
One of England's best viewpoints — easy escarpment walking above the Vale of York, with the White Horse and the glider launch site.
Explore →HistoricRievaulx Abbey & Woods
A historic Cistercian abbey in a quiet wooded valley — gentle walking from Helmsley, with the Rievaulx Terrace viewpoints.
Explore →CoastalRavenscar Cliffs & Seal Colony
Dramatic cliff-top walking above the North Sea with a reliable seal colony, plus the superb coastal stretch to Robin Hood's Bay.
Explore →RidgeClay Bank & the Wainstones
One of the North York Moors' best ridges — gritstone crags, big moorland views, and the Urra Moor high point.
Explore →Best Viewpoints
- Sutton Bank escarpment
- Roseberry Topping summit
- Wainstones ridge
- Ravenscar cliffs
- Rievaulx Terrace
- Clay Bank viewpoint
Gateway Town: Helmsley
Helmsley is the natural gateway to the North York Moors and the start of the Cleveland Way. It’s an historic market town with easy access to the best of the region.
- Helmsley Castle loop — an easy stroll around the castle and grounds.
- Helmsley → Rievaulx — the classic historic valley walk (see the Rievaulx page).
- River Rye circuits — gentle riverside paths for families.
- Cleveland Way start — the national trail begins (or ends) here.
Facilities: cafés, pubs, shops and accommodation throughout the town, with parking for the surrounding walks.
Planning Notes
- Terrain: heather moorland, escarpments, woodland, coastal cliffs, and steep short climbs.
- Navigation: generally easy on marked paths, but moorland can be featureless and fog reduces visibility — carry a GPX and offline maps.
- Weather: the Moors are exposed — strong winds and rapid changes, cold even in summer. Check the Met Office and MWIS.
- Seasonal: August–September brings the heather bloom (huge visual interest); winter is boggy and icy; spring offers the best visibility.