Exploring the outdoors is a great way to stay active and enjoy the beauty of nature. If you’re looking for some amazing walks in the Harrogate area, you’ve come to the right place.
From the Bilton to Starbeck walk to the beautiful Otley Chevin walk, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, these 15 best walks in Harrogate are sure to provide something for you.
So grab your walking shoes and get ready to explore some of the most beautiful parts of Harrogate!
Bilton to Starbeck Walk
Take a stroll through enchanting Bilton to Starbeck and experience the stunning beauty of the Yorkshire countryside!
This picturesque walk takes you through some of the loveliest landscapes of the region, with rolling hills, lush meadows, and stunning views of the surrounding area.
The way is easy to follow and is suitable for all abilities, including families with young children.
The walk is just over five miles in length and can be completed in around two hours.
Along the way, you’ll pass through the charming village of Bilton, which is home to several pubs and restaurants.
At Starbeck, you’ll find a delightful riverside park, providing an ideal spot for a picnic.
This is a wonderful opportunity to get out and explore the beauty of the Yorkshire countryside, so be sure to take your camera and capture some of the gorgeous views!
Pannal to Burn Bridge Walk
Experience the tranquil beauty of a stroll from Pannal to Burn Bridge.
This leisurely route takes you through some of Harrogate’s most picturesque green spaces.
Starting at the village of Pannal, the route meanders along the winding footpaths, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, such as woodpeckers and red kites.
As you approach Burn Bridge, you can take in the spectacular views of the River Nidd, with the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales in the background.
The route is approximately 4 miles long and perfect for a leisurely afternoon walk, ending with a refreshing drink at a local pub.
Bring a picnic and make a day of it, or just enjoy the fresh air and explore the charming scenery.
Roundhay Park Walk
Embark on a journey through Roundhay Park and savor the beauty of the rolling hills and tranquil lakes.
Meandering along the footpaths, you’ll come across a variety of attractions, from the ornamental garden and boating lake to the walled garden and the recently renovated Tropical World.
In the center of the park, you’ll find an enormous expanse of grassland, ideal for a picnic or even a game of football.
The lakeside walk is also a great place to explore, with its many ducks and swans.
The park also features a café and a restaurant, making it the perfect destination for a relaxing day out.
With its abundance of green spaces and picturesque views, Roundhay Park is a great spot to take in the beauty of Harrogate and get back in touch with nature.
Whether you’re a family, couple, or individual, this park has something for everyone.
Ripon Canal Walk
Saunter along the Ripon Canal and discover a unique ecosystem of bird species, native wildlife, and vibrant wildflowers.
Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere as you walk the towpath, listening to the sound of the water, and the birds singing in the trees.
Feel the sun on your face and the cool breeze in your hair as you take in the sights and smells of the canal.
Look out for a variety of native species such as kingfishers, waterfowl, and water voles.
Explore the wildflower meadows and take in the stunning views of the canal as you make your way along the route.
There are plenty of opportunities to take a break and enjoy the peace and quiet of the area, with many places to stop for a picnic lunch or a spot of fishing.
A walk along the Ripon Canal is sure to be a peaceful and memorable experience.
Otley Chevin Walk
Take a leisurely stroll up Otley Chevin and enjoy the stunning views of the Yorkshire countryside. This 3-mile circular route is a popular choice for local walkers, and with good reason.
The route contains a variety of landscapes, from woodland to open fields, and a climb to the summit of Otley Chevin, with its magnificent views of the surrounding area. Along the route, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including deer, rabbits, and birds of prey.
As you ascend the Chevin, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the city of Harrogate in the distance. It’s the perfect place for a picnic or an afternoon stroll.
As you make your way back down the Chevin, you’ll pass through some of the area’s most beautiful countryside, from rolling hills to valleys, before returning to your starting point.
The Otley Chevin walk is a great way to get outside and explore the beauty of the Yorkshire countryside.
Lister Park Walk
Discover the beauty of Lister Park as you wander through its winding pathways and lush gardens.
Lister Park is a great place to take a leisurely stroll or a more vigorous walk.
Located in Bradford, this stunning park is made up of over 30 acres of green spaces, gardens, and water features.
The park is home to the National Science and Media Museum, as well as several other attractions.
As you explore, you can take in the lush greenery and the beauty of the park’s abundant wildlife.
You can also take in the views of the city from the top of the park’s hill.
You can take a leisurely stroll around the park’s winding pathways, or take a more vigorous walk around the lake.
Whatever your preference, you’ll find plenty of opportunity to take in the beauty of the park.
From the vibrant colors of the gardens to the tranquil atmosphere of the lake, you’ll be sure to enjoy your time in Lister Park.
Nidderdale Way Walk
After exploring the beautiful Lister Park, I was ready to take on the next challenge: the Nidderdale Way Walk.
This walk is perfect for those who are looking for a more strenuous experience. The path winds through the stunning Nidderdale Valley, with dramatic views of the valley’s steep sides and lush green meadows.
As you make your way along the path, you will pass through ancient woodlands and small villages. This walk is great for wildlife spotting, as it takes you through some of the most beautiful and wild countryside in Yorkshire.
The path is well-marked and easy to follow, so even novices can experience the beauty of the Nidderdale Way Walk.
Brimham Rocks Walk
Head out on an invigorating adventure as you explore the natural beauty of Brimham Rocks Walk. Located near Harrogate, this 4.4 mile roundtrip trek is an ideal way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
You’ll be surrounded by breathtaking views of the Yorkshire Dales as you make your way through the path and enjoy the peace and serenity of the countryside. The path takes you past rocky outcroppings, with the most famous being the Brimham Rocks. These massive boulders are a testament to the power of nature and make for an impressive sight.
After taking in the views, the path leads you to some of the best views of the surrounding area. You’ll be able to take in the rolling hills, the gorgeous valleys, and the stunning rivers that can be seen in the distance.
The walk is just the thing to clear the mind and add a little adventure to your life.
Scar House Reservoir Walk
For a truly unique experience, take a stroll around Scar House Reservoir, located just outside Harrogate.
This picturesque walk offers breathtaking views of the lake, surrounded by the hills of Nidderdale.
The reservoir itself is filled with natural beauty and wildlife, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful walk.
The area is full of interesting history and interesting stories, so make sure to take a moment to stop and explore the area.
As you make your way around the reservoir, you’ll come across several old stone cottages with beautiful gardens, as well as a few picnic tables and benches to rest and enjoy the view.
The path is fairly flat, making it easy to traverse without any trouble.
As the sun sets, the reservoir takes on a magical hue, making it a wonderful spot to end the day with a leisurely stroll.
Ripley Castle Walk
Take a stroll through the grounds of Ripley Castle for a truly unique experience. Located in the village of Ripley, North Yorkshire, this 14th-century castle is full of history. The original castle was built by Sir Thomas Ingilby around 1315. The castle was bought by Sir William Ingilby in 1567 and has been the home of the Ingilby family ever since.
With its manicured gardens, picturesque lake, and towering turrets, this is a great place to take a peaceful walk and bask in the history of the castle.
The grounds are perfect for a leisurely stroll and offer plenty of sights to take in. The gardens have been lovingly tended by the Ingilby family over the centuries, and you can admire the flowers and shrubbery that grace the grounds. The lake is a great spot for birdwatching, and you may even spot a few swans gliding gracefully across its waters.
Follow the footpaths around the lake and take in the stunning views of the castle. There’s plenty to explore and discover, making it an ideal spot for a scenic walk.
High Force Waterfall Walk
Experience the stunning beauty of High Force Waterfall on an exciting hike through the Teesdale countryside. Located in Middleton-in-Teesdale, High Force Waterfall is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in England. It’s a 30-foot plunge over hard volcanic rock, with a breathtaking view of the countryside.
As you make your way through the rolling hills and lush green pastures of the Teesdale countryside, you’ll be treated to some of the most stunning scenery in the region. The walk itself is relatively easy and doesn’t require any special gear or equipment. You’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of the waterfall as you make your way up the hill.
The area is also home to many other natural attractions, such as cascading streams, rolling hills, and a variety of wildlife. As you make your way back down the hill, you’ll be able to take in the breathtaking beauty of the waterfall one last time before continuing your journey.
Taking the High Force Waterfall Walk is a great way to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Teesdale countryside.
Bolton Abbey Walk
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the stunning Bolton Abbey, located in the beautiful grounds of Harrogate. This 12th-century priory is home to over 30,000 acres of historical landscape. It boasts a unique blend of lush woodlands, grasslands, rivers, and lakes.
The walk will take you through some of the most awe-inspiring scenes. From the tranquil Strid Wood to the picturesque ruins of Bolton Priory. Along the way, you’ll be able to take in the stunning views of the River Wharfe, the ruins of the Templar Church, the remains of the old mill, and the old chapel.
There’s also a variety of flora and fauna to admire. Including the rare yellow flag iris, the elusive kingfisher, and the majestic red kite. Whether you’re looking for a gentle stroll or a more challenging hike, the Bolton Abbey Walk offers something for everyone.
So why not take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and explore the beauty of Bolton Abbey?
Tockwith to Cattal Walk
Discover the beauty of the Yorkshire countryside on the Tockwith to Cattal Walk, a scenic journey between two charming villages.
This gorgeous walk provides an opportunity to take in the gorgeous views of the countryside, while also exploring the history of the two villages.
The walk is approximately 6 miles long and begins in the village of Tockwith, which is home to a historic 16th-century church and a former RAF base.
From there, the walk passes through some of the most stunning landscapes in the area, offering views of the rolling hills and fields that make Yorkshire so beautiful.
As you continue on the trail, you’ll pass through the village of Cattal, which also has its own charming history.
Here you can visit the ruins of the old Archbishop’s Palace, which was once a grand estate.
Once you’ve reached the end of the walk, you can reward yourself with some traditional Yorkshire hospitality in one of the many local pubs.
So, if you’re looking for a peaceful and picturesque stroll, the Tockwith to Cattal Walk is the perfect choice.
Knaresborough Castle Walk
Take a journey back to medieval times on the Knaresborough Castle Walk, a captivating trek through this fascinating fortress.
Starting at the town centre, you’ll weave your way through a picturesque park before crossing a bridge that will take you back to the Middle Ages.
As you explore the winding pathways of the castle, you’ll be surrounded by the ruins of the old stone walls and towers, as well as the lush greenery of the nearby forest.
You’ll also pass by the ancient chapel and see the moat that was once used to protect the castle from invaders.
It’s a great way to get a taste of history and have a wonderful outing in the great outdoors.
The stunning views of the River Nidd and the surrounding area will make this a truly memorable experience.
Harlow Carr Gardens Walk
Leaving the grounds of Knaresborough Castle is a bittersweet moment, but the Harlow Carr Gardens Walk awaits.
After a short drive, I arrive at this beautiful, sprawling garden in the North Yorkshire countryside.
The Harlow Carr Gardens span over sixty acres with a wide variety of plants, trees, and wildlife.
Even in the depths of winter, the gardens are a treat to explore.
With winding paths and plenty of benches, I can spend hours strolling through the gardens, admiring the variety of plants and flowers.
In the summer, the garden is even more beautiful with bright colors, buzzing bees, and the sweet smell of flowers.
The gardens also feature ponds, streams, and meandering paths that can take me to tranquil spots, perfect for a peaceful picnic.
Harlow Carr Gardens provides the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and I’m always happy to come here for a peaceful walk.
Conclusion
I’ve explored some of the best walks Harrogate has to offer, from the peaceful Bilton to Starbeck Walk to the spectacular views of the Otley Chevin Walk. Each route offers something unique and memorable.
Whether you’re a keen hiker or seeking a leisurely stroll, there’s something to suit everyone. I’d definitely recommend exploring some of these routes for a truly wonderful experience.
From the beauty of the Harlow Carr Gardens to the nostalgic Ripon Canal Walk, the stunning Yorkshire scenery will take your breath away. I can’t wait to go back and explore more of what Harrogate has to offer.
So, lace up your boots and explore the best walks in Yorkshire – you won’t regret it!