7 Picturesque Walks In East Yorkshire
The sheer scenic beauty of the East Riding is the stuff of Philip Larkin’s poetry and inspiring paintings by David Hockney – and indeed some superb hiking options for you to consider. As far as walks in North East England go (and they can go far), those in East Yorkshire surely rank among the most captivating, revealing as they do countless caves, cliffs and rock stacks along its rugged coastline or swell and dip of its inland wolds. Combine these trails with an ancient pilgrims’ route, and you have seven picturesque East Yorkshire walks to get you underway.
If you’re embarking on an East Yorkshire hiking holiday, you’ll be needing somewhere to rest your weary feet overnight. Take a look at Pitchup’s choice of outdoor accommodation – from back-to-basics campsites to glampsites with saunas and hot tubs to ease any aches and pains – and find the base that’s right for you.
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Yorkshire Wolds Way
On no other walking route than the Yorkshire Wolds Way will you get such a complete survey of East Yorkshire’s scenic splendour. Totalling almost 80 miles in length, this National Trail begins at Hessle on the banks of the Humber estuary, then runs through an inspiring expanse of wolds, sloping woodlands, dry river valleys, deserted medieval villages and scenic hilltops until reaching its end at Filey in North Yorkshire.
But if going that distance is going too far, you can simply walk on one or two of the 12 separate sections making up the route, each ranging between eight and 20 miles in length.
Particular points of interest along the way are the handsome village of Welton (with Dick Turpin connections), the scant remains of a Roman amphitheatre near Hesselskew Farm, a centuries-old Norman church at North Newbald and Iron Age tumuli near Arras Farm.
Of course, as miles of walk builds miles of thirst, be glad that East Yorkshire is a county with a tremendous brewing tradition. You can expect lots of refreshing opportunities throughout your village tour. Goodmanham, Huggate, Fridaythorpe and Thixendale, for example, all have superb pubs to visit for lunch, snacks and local ales.
The Minster Way
Here’s a shorter but no less thorough route through the contours of East Yorkshire’s gentle landscapes. Well signposted, this deeply historic route links the minster towns of Beverley and York, traversing the chalky and rolling wolds along the National Trail before diverting to Millington, Bishop Wilton and Stamford Bridge – each of these pretty villages has at least one pub for emergency refuelling stops. The latter half of the hike follows the River Derwent across woodland paths to the River Ouse and on into York’s handsome city centre.
How long is the Minster Way? At 50 miles, it’s still one for more durable boots, but also one that will ensure full and extended immersion into the scenic beauty of East Yorkshire.
Cowick Hall Trail
If you’re short on time and travelling with young kids or anyone with mobility issues, then the fully accessible Cowick Hall Trail should be on your list of things to do in East Yorkshire. Linking up East and West Cowick villages, this circular walk runs for 4.5 miles through fields and on trails through the rolling wolds, touching on the meanders of the River Aire and crossing the New Junction Canal. Amble about the historic, scenic villages of Pollington, Rawcliffe and Snaith, and nip into one (or two) of their welcoming pubs for traditional brews and fayre.
Wold Rangers Way
For anyone with an interest in the backstory of East Yorkshire, the Wolds Rangers Way is part healthy workout and part history lesson, named for the bands of farm workers who used to wander from farm to farm around the region in the 19th and 20th centuries. This challenging circular trail wends its way for 44 miles through the chalk landscapes and dry river valleys of the Yorkshire Wolds, connecting centuries-old Wolds villages like Sledmere, Little Driffield and Thixendale with landmarks such as Wharram Percy medieval hamlet and Sykes Monument. Look out for red kites soaring around Holm Dale and red deer grazing on the grasslands.
Good to know: there are several self-guided themed walks you can take around East Yorkshire’s urban centres, from a Larkin trail in Hull to an historic walk around Driffield.
King Charles III England Coast Path
There’s a new kids on the block – the King Charles III England Coast Path is due to open fully in August 2025, when it will become – at a massive 2,795 miles – the longest managed trail anywhere the world as it runs around the whole coastline of England. Exactly 91 miles of this trail will ultimately run through the East Riding of Yorkshire. As of January 2025, walkers can hike north uninterrupted from Bridlington to the Scottish border just north of Berwick-upon-Tweed on this new National Trail; when it fully opens, there will be coastal walks all the way north from the Holderness coast for you to discover.
Bempton Cliffs to Flamborough Head
Encompassing two of Europe’s most important seabird colonies, this is a walk for keen birders – although everyone will marvel at the spectacle of thousands upon thousands of seabirds roosting on the cliffs as they walk along the headland – especially if you’re following the trail between April and July, when gannets and puffins join gaggles of fulmars and guillemots at Bempton. This 5.5-mile linear trail starts near Sewerby and wends its way north around the promontory to Flamborough Head. It’s a moderately challenging route taking around two hours to complete, but perhaps not for anyone who suffers from vertigo as the cliffs reach up to 400 feet above the North Sea. Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on leads for safety reasons (and keep an eye on the kids too).
Good to know: the terrain can get slippy, so go carefully after rainfall.
Dane’s Dyke Local Nature Reserve
Also on the greater Flamborough headland is Dane’s Dyke Local Nature Reserve, which at 148 acres is a sprawling area of woodland – and the most northerly chalk outcrop in the UK. Its geology has prehistoric origins; Bronze Age artefacts have been uncovered here along with ancient ditches and earthworks, and as such, it’s classified as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. But that’s not all, for the reserve is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest thanks to its abundant wildlife, including rare butterflies and songbirds. There’s never a wrong time to visit: see snowdrops in late winter, bluebells in spring or forage for fungi in autumn. There are several fully accessible paths and a 1.75-mile circular Tree Trail that starts in the car park; you can also have a potter along the sandy beach at the foot of the reserve, which is safe for swimming
For those of you in a particularly ‘beach’ frame of mind, East Yorkshire’s award-winners don’t end with Bridlington. Dane’s Dyke, Fraisthorpe, South Landing and Wilsthorpe are also on the list – and those with a canine companion can have a look at some further options for seven dog-friendly beaches in East Yorkshire.
Inspired by your walks in East Yorkshire? Pitchup’s guides to the North East of England have lots of information to help you plan your next trip to the region. Of course, when you’re active all day, it’s reassuring to have a top campsite to return to – our range of sites is second to none.