THERE is no doubt that North Yorkshire has some of the best hiking routes the country has to offer - but which routes are most popular according to TripAdvisor?
From coast-to-coast routes to railway walks, the region has a range of scenic walks to offer with varying degrees of challenge and varying degrees of length.
These are six of the most popular and top-rated hiking trails across North Yorkshire as rated by the public via TripAdvisor.
With lockdown restrictions easing across the country, and the official start of summer this week, these would be fantastic places to spend a day in the next couple of weeks and months.
Take a look below:
Wainwright’s Coast-to-Coast Walk:
Securing TripAdvisors 2020 Travellers Choice award this mammoth-trail is a must-try for any avid hikers.
With 169 out of 178 reviews being five stars, the 190 mile trail is a much loved route by a lot of people.
The coast-to-coast route offers some of the best views of the region as it passes through the mountainous Lake District, the rolling Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors.
Starting from St Bees to Robin Hoods Bay, the hike has attracted people from as far as New Zealand.
One person said: “Undoubtedly the first three days when walking West to East through the glorious Lake District leaves a lasting impression. It’s a tough start but take it easy and you will make it.
“I have done all the long walks in Britain and this coast-to-coast still rates as the best experience.”
Another reviewer said: “It was a fantastic experience, very strenuous and challenging, but enjoyable. Great scenery and history. All our B&B accommodations were nice and the food was great.”
Ingleborough:
Also picking up a TripAdvisor 2020 Travellers Choice award, this mountain hike is another staple trail of the Yorkshire Dales.
The route has received 182 five star reviews out of 234 reviews and features some beautiful views of the heather-clad Dales and a challenging hike.
The mountain is part of the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge, another famous hiking challenge.
One person said: “Been up Ingleborough a few times, each time a different experience depending on the time of the year and weather conditions.”
Another person said: “Awesome views. Went up one Thursday night after work. Decent hike up to the top. Quite windy up there, but it’s a perfect place for a picnic and has an amazing sunset.”
Yorkshire Three Peaks Walk:
One of the most well-known routes in the region, this hiking trail is tackled by people every year.
The 24 mile route includes 1,585 metres of ascent and takes on the peaks of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, and challengers must complete the route in under 12 hours.
The peaks form part of the Pennine range and encircle the head of the valley of the River Ribble, the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
The hike has received 138 five star reviews out of 165 reviews and was also awarded a TripAdvisor 2020 Travellers Choice Award.
One person said: “I have done this walk numerous times over the years, the latest being October 2020. It’s a good out with decent rail connections at Ribblehead and Horton in Ribblesdale if you don’t drive.”
Another person said: “This was a fun day and a real challenge. Not just a long amble in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales but a hike with pace and some steep climbing.”
Cleveland Way National Trail:
The best way to experience the North York Moors, this route is a 109 mile walking trail through the beautiful national park.
The route starts from the market town of Helmsley and heads across the breathtaking heather moorland of the North York Moors National Park, before reaching the coast of Saltburn-by-the-Sea.
The trail also passes through the famous smuggler’s village of Robin Hood’s Bay and the popular seaside resorts of Scarborough and Whitby.
This route has received 103 five star reviews out of 136 reviews all together and is no doubt a favourite among many.
One person said: “Wonderful with stunning scenery. We did three different walks on different days, two of which were coastal.
“The views were amazing and the route is well sign posted and overall we didn’t see many people.”
River Nidd Waterside Walk:
This two to three hour route is perfect if you’re looking for a busy walk with lots to see and do and places to stop and eat.
The route runs for just under two miles starting from the ruins of the 12 century Knaresborough Castle.
Walkers can also explore the interior of the castle for a fee and visit the museums which details the history of the castle.
The walk is a popular one receiving 229 five-star reviews out of 339 and some calling it a “stunning riverside walk.”
One person said: “A simply stunning walk by the river which started and ended at the castle. Plenty of eateries and places to get refreshments along the way.
Rosedale Railway Walk:
This walk seems to be a bit of hidden gem with just nine reviews, seven of which are five star reviews.
The trail allows you to walk through the history of Rosedale which was once an industrial Yorkshire with ironstone mines, kilns and a moorland railway.
The seven and a half mile circuit takes you from Rosedale Abbey Village through farmland into Rosedale itself.
One person said: “The old mine railway line now allows a great walk and views over Rosedale. It is possible to do a circular walk from the village of Rosedale using the old railway line at the top of Chimney Bank.”
Find more information about the walks on the TripAdvisor website.
Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.
Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here