We are extremely proud to be working in partnership with the North York Moors National Park and have been awarded a Walking Friendly classification.   This means you can wash your boots, dry any waterproofs, fill your flask up and borrow maps or walking routes.  An official Walking Friendly accommodation means we go that extra mile to enhance your walking experience in the North York Moors National Park.  Step outside our front door and be surrounded by stunning Yorkshire countryside in a matter of minutes.

Before lacing up your boots and heading out on an adventure, why not have a read of the Countryside Code and our very own Moors Message from the North York Moors National Park.  It’s a great way to protect all the incredible flora and fauna that you’ll spot on your walking journey.

Here’s a few of our favourite walks for you to enjoy.

Helmsley Discovery Trail is just over a mile and a great introduction to the town.

Helmsley and the River Rye – 4 miles          Helmsley and Beck Dale – 6.5 miles          Helmsley and Rievaulx Abbey – 7 miles          Helmsley and Riccal Dale – 8 miles

Alongside walking from Helmsley there are also some wonderful trails located a short drive away.  This is a great way to get out and explore the local area as you stroll through sleepy hamlets and pretty villages whilst surrounded by lovely Yorkshire countryside.  Yorkshire Life published these walks which start only a short drive away.

Nunnington Hall – 6 miles from Helmsley

Enjoy the Howardian Hills, take in the valley of the Rye, and visit two of the most historic buildings in the area.   6 miles/10km  3-4 hours  Riverside paths and farm tracks

Coxwold and villages – 8 miles from Helmsley

Take in four delightful villages, sweeping views of the Vale of York and charming moors around the White Horse.    8.5 miles/13.5km    4-5 hours    Mostly farm tracks, field paths and country lanes.

Sutton Bank – 9 miles from Helmsley

Take in James Herriot’s favourite view and discover wonderful panoramas from the top of Sutton Bank.    9miles/14km    4-5 hours   Paths and woodland tracks plus a steep climb up beside the White Horse

Hawnby – 7 miles from Helmsley

Follow paths and farm tracks from All Saints’ Church before heading onto a ridge during this lovely moorland walk.    5miles/8km    3-4 hours    Good paths and tracks, a high ridge to climb

The charming hamlet of Hutton-le-Hole – 9 miles from Helmsley

Visit the Ryedale Folk Museum, the pretty valley of the River Dove and the rural community of Gillamoor.    6.5miles/11km     3-4 hours    Field paths, forest roads and quiet lanes

The charming Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) offers pretty stone villages, sleepy hamlets and trails which meander through peaceful countryside.

The following walks are a great way to take in the scenery of the Howardian Hills and a number of them can be combined.

Terrington is a pretty village of stone cottages and whilst the heart of the village is a Conservation Area.

Easy 3.7 miles   Easy 2.5miles   Easy/moderate 4.5miles   Easy/moderate 6.5miles  

Slingsby Easy/moderate 4.5miles lies 6 miles west of Malton and 2 miles north of Castle Howard.

Hovingham is half-way between Helmsley and Malton.  The idyllic location of the village means its perfectly placed as a base to walk from after picking up some excellent bread from the village’s famous bakery.  3 walk leaflet

Welburn is only 2 miles from Castle Howard and sits on the banks of the River Derwent.  3 walk leaflet