6 Unmissable Walking Trails to Explore Northern England on Foot

When you are thinking of holidays you would want to head out in the open and explore nature at its best. If you are thinking of outdoor adventures there’s no better way to experience the soul of Northern England than by walking through its sweeping landscapes, quiet valleys, and timeworn villages.

From dramatic coastlines to serene dales, the region is home to some of the UK’s most rewarding walking trails. Hence, whether you are heading out for a solo adventure or a family trip across Northern England you can have a great time exploring the English countryside.

With Mickledore you can make the most of their self-guided walking holidays in the UK allowing you to discover hidden gems just the way you prefer. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking to unwind and reconnect with nature, these six unmissable routes promise unforgettable views and a genuine taste of countryside life, all on foot.

Cleveland Way

Stretching for 110 miles (177 km) from the market town of Helmsley to the charming seaside town of Filey, the Cleveland Way is one of Northern England’s most iconic National Trails. This long-distance route offers a spectacular contrast of landscapes, beginning with the untouched scenic views of the North York Moors, then turning dramatic as it follows the rugged Yorkshire coastline along cliff-top paths, fishing villages, and sandy bays.

While you are exploring this path you can enjoy panoramic heather moorlands, peaceful dales, and historic landmarks like Rievaulx Abbey, Whitby Abbey, and Scarborough Castle. The trail also meanders through picturesque coastal villages such as Robin Hood’s Bay, Staithes, and Saltburn-by-the-Sea, each with its timeless character. This moderately challenging trail is well-marked and certainly a worthy contender for Britain’s best walking path.

Coast to Coast

If you are looking for a challenge, Coast to Coast offers a great walking experience while pushing your stamina and endurance. Spanning approximately 193 miles (311 km), the legendary Coast to Coast walk runs from the Irish Sea at St Bees in Cumbria to the North Sea at Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire. Created by Alfred Wainwright in 1972, this long-distance route cuts across three of England’s most celebrated national parks: the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, and the North York Moors.

The eastern leg features sweeping views of heather-clad moors and eventually the dramatic coastal cliffs of the North York Moors National Park.

Though not a National Trail, the Coast to Coast remains one of England’s classic long-distance walks. What makes this route popular and challenging is the diversity of the landscapes that walkers have to pass through. This includes shimmering lakes, high fells, pastoral valleys, wild moorlands, and quaint villages that feel untouched by time.

In the Yorkshire stretch, highlights include Reeth, Richmond, and Ingleby Cross, with their stone-built charm and market-town character. The eastern leg features sweeping views of heather-clad moors and eventually the dramatic coastal cliffs of the North York Moors National Park. Whether done in full or in sections, the Coast to Coast path offers a richly rewarding journey for adventure and nature lovers.

Dales Way

Looking for something easy and manageable but adventurous? The Dales Way is widely considered one of the easiest long-distance paths in the UK, making it ideal for first-time walkers, families, or those seeking a more relaxed walking holiday. The terrain is mostly flat or gently undulating, with well-maintained paths and plenty of welcoming tearooms, inns, and local accommodations along the way.

Stretching for 81 miles (130 km) from Ilkley to Bowness-on-Windermere in the Lake District, this path follows river valleys and ancient trade routes offering some of the most charming countryside views in Northern England. The Dales Way offers a gentler and more pastoral experience of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. You can always plan a hiking and camping trip to Dales Way for a short adventure experience.

Winding alongside the River Wharfe and River Dee, through picturesque villages like Grassington, Kettlewell, and Dent this path is accessible, tranquil and deeply scenic. The scenery shifts gradually as the walk enters Cumbria, ending at the shores of Lake Windermere.

Dales High Way

On the other hand, The Dales High Way opts for the high and wild path and is ideal for those who crave elevation, solitude and panoramic beauty. Stretching for 94 miles (151 km) the route runs from Saltaire, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in West Yorkshire, to Appleby-in-Westmorland in Cumbria.

Like the Dales Way, this route also traverses the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, leading walkers over rolling fells, limestone pavements, ancient packhorse routes, and quiet moorland ridges. It passes dramatic landmarks such as Malham Cove, Ingleborough, and the Howgill Fells, offering striking views that stretch across the Pennines.

However, be ready for prolonged ascents and uneven terrain that make this path strenuous, especially in certain sections. In the end, walkers are rewarded with moments of total stillness, wide-open skies, and the timeless character of Dales villages like Settle, Dent, and Ribblehead—home to the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct.

Herriot Way

This one is certainly for those who love countryside literature, Yorkshire charm and shorter scenic adventures. Looping for 52 miles (84 km) through the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, the Herriot Way is a circular route that begins and ends in Aysgarth. The trail pays homage to James Herriot’s All Creatures Great and Small and offers a deeply immersive experience of Wensleydale and Swaledale.

With charming B&Bs, historic inns, and tearooms scattered along the way, the walk combines natural beauty with cultural nostalgia.

While you are exploring this loop you can explore Aysgarth Falls, the cobbled market town of Hawes, the ruins of Bolton Castle, the village of Keld, and panoramic views from the Kidson Hill ridge. Traditional stone barns, sheep-dotted hillsides, and wildflower-filled meadows frame much of the route, making it one of the most photogenic in the region.

Being a moderately challenging route, The Herriot Way is ideal for walkers in reasonably good condition. This is a great path for those who enjoy circular routes that begin and end in the same spot. With charming B&Bs, historic inns, and tearooms scattered along the way, the walk combines natural beauty with cultural nostalgia.

Lady Anne’s Way

Inspired by the life and legacy of Lady Anne Clifford, a 17th-century noblewoman who tirelessly restored her family’s castles and estates, this scenic route retraces her journey through some of Northern England’s most stunning and culturally rich landscapes.

Overall the path is moderately challenging, but nothing overly technical and therefore it is well-suited for solo travellers…

Spanning 100 miles (161 km) from Skipton in North Yorkshire to Penrith in Cumbria, Lady Anne’s Way is a long-distance trail steeped in history. The route offers a satisfying mix of riverside walks, open moorland, and market towns, with ever-changing views across fells and farmland. Walkers pass through the Yorkshire Dales National Park, following valleys, green lanes, and Roman roads through places like Grassington, Buckden, Askrigg, and Kirkby Stephen. There are plenty of castles along the way like Skipton Castle, each linked to Lady Anne’s story and restored under her patronage.

Overall the path is moderately challenging, but nothing overly technical and therefore it is well-suited for solo travellers, history enthusiasts and families looking for a walk with narrative depth.