Walking
The Howardian Hills was recognised nationally in the late 1940s as one of the finest landscapes in the country. It was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1987.
Light-dappled woodland and plantation trails offer shade on sunny days and meandering riverbank footpaths give unique perspectives of the region’s rich built and natural heritage. Farmland paths open out to reveal extraordinary views of priories, monuments, lakes and landscapes. If you are looking for accessible or entry level walks please check out our new Easy Countryside Trails on the Accessible Trails page.
The Bike Rides and Rambles in the Howardian Hills leaflet is a good place to start if you are unsure where to walk in the Howardian Hills. It provides an overview of the different walk routes available; you can then download more detailed information about your chosen routes.
Please note that from time-to-time Public Rights of Way may be temporarily diverted or closed. Rights of Way Public Notices can be found on the North Yorkshire County Council Rights of Way website page.
Route guides
A number of route guides are available to help you discover the area on foot. Routes vary from short flat strolls to longer hillier walks. Many link in with villages or attractions which offer tearooms, pubs or village stores where you can buy refreshments.
Bike Rides & Rambles
Terrington Walk 1
Terrington Walk 2
Terrington Walk 3
Terrington Walk 4
Slingsby Walk
Castle Howard Estate Walk
Barton le Street Walk
Nunnington Walk
Three walks from Hovingham
Three walks from Welburn
NYCC Walks
North Yorkshire County Council has also produced a set of walk leaflets, three of which contain information on routes in the Howardian Hills.
Coxwold and Beacon Banks walk
Rye Along the River Rye walk
Kirkham Priory and the River Derwent
Viewpoints
In 2012, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the designation of the AONB, 25 log seats were installed at some of the most iconic viewpoints within the AONB. If you visit any (or all) of these you will get a real flavour of the special landscape qualities of the Howardian Hills. Click on the button below for a larger map showing their locations.
