The best walks and hikes around Hatfield Moors
4.5
(157)
1,003
hikers
181
hikes
Hiking around Hatfield Moors offers access to one of the largest remaining lowland raised peat bogs in the United Kingdom. This ancient wetland ecosystem features a predominantly flat landscape with well-trodden paths and boardwalks. The area is characterized by heathland, woodlands, and numerous lakes and ponds, including Badger Corner Lake. Lindholme Island, a geological formation of sand and gravel, adds further diversity to the terrain.
Best hiking trails around Hatfield Moors
- The most popular hiking route is Badger Corner Lake…
Last updated: April 24, 2026
4.3
(16)
61
hikers
4.87km
01:14
10m
10m
Hike the easy 3.0-mile Badger Corner Lake loop at Hatfield Moor, exploring wetlands and forests with gentle elevation gain.
4.5
(12)
43
hikers
11.1km
02:48
10m
10m
Hike the Hatfield Moor loop, a moderate 6.9-mile trail through the Humberhead Peatlands, offering unique wildlife and wetland scenery.
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5.0
(1)
21
hikers
2.50km
00:38
0m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
15
hikers
7.63km
01:55
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
8
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
📍Crash of Wellington W5557 with six Polish airmen of 305 Squadron (305 Dywizjon) in 1941 Having been to the remains of RAF Lindholme I received a message regarding a memorial to a crashed polish aircraft. I've heard tales of a plane on Hatfield Moors that was visible when the peat bogs were low. Today I went out to find the memorial 🛩️ On the night of 26th / 27th September 1941, the crew of this 305 Squadron aircraft undertook an operational flight to bomb Cologne and took off from base at Lindholme at 19:27hrs. All appears to have gone without incident outbound and over the target area. Fog was over Lindholme during the early hours of 27th September 1941, and while it was clear air above 500 feet, fog was seriously affecting visibility below. Added to that, other aircraft that were returning to Lindholme were short on fuel, so there was a possibility that Wellington W5557 may also have been low on fuel or even run out of fuel. Having flown back into the general area of Lindholme airfield, the crew lowered their undercarriage and were making an approach to land when it was thought that the pilot either misjudged the height the aircraft was flying, or it had run out of fuel and the pilot was attempting a forced landing. The aircraft struck trees and then crashed on Hatfield Moor, just short of the airfield at 01:30hrs. Sadly, three members of the Polish crew were killed in the crash, and a fourth died just over twenty-four hours later in Hospital in Doncaster Hospital. The body found in 1987 cannot have been part of the W5557 crew, as in the casualty file (AIR81/9282), it states they were all buried on the 30th September 1941, and no one was missing - Source (Yorkshire Aircraft) Pilot Sgt Eugeniusz Buszko (aged 27) Killed on impact Wireless Operator Sgt Jerzy Sławomir Leyche (aged 23) Killed on impact Air Gunner Sgt Wiktor Wasilenko (aged 18) Killed on impact Second Pilot Sgt Tadeusz Korczyk (aged 27) Died of injuries Navigator FL/t Stanisław Barzdo Injured - Later killed in action in Germany May 1942 (aged 26). Air Gunner Sgt Zdzisław Pisarek Injured - Passed away in Pennsylvania (aged 74). Rest easy gentlemen
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We often find the direction arrows on the way round confusing so we used komoot on my Garmin Venu 2 watch and it was very easy to follow.
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about 30 mins in you cannot turn right as instructed. follow path forward to re join route
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More than 200 bird species have been recorded visiting Hatfield and Thorne Moor. Winter visitors include whooper swans, pink-footed geese, hen harrier, and short-eared owls. From March-July a very special summer visitor is the diminutive woodlark and also oystercatcher, lapwing, ringed plover and great crested grebe can be spotted around the lakes. Badger Corner Lake is a special place to watch your favourite birds.
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The Humberhead Peatlands are a remnant of a large wetland that occupied the floodplain of the Humberhead Levels thousands of years ago. They have been worked for peat throughout recorded history. The impact of this working has been to leave the remaining area with too varied a water table to allow peat formation. It is a fascinating area full of wildlife and of course it is quite boggy!
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Hatfield Moor is a beautiful nature reserve, which boasts lovely scenic views and a variety of nature to take in whilst you're walking around. It is a SSSI area and Thorne and Hatfield Moors form the largest area of lowland raised peat bog in the United Kingdom.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Hatfield Moors?
Hatfield Moors offers a wide variety of hiking opportunities, with over 180 routes available. These range from easy strolls to more moderate explorations, ensuring options for various ability levels.
Are there easy or accessible hiking routes in Hatfield Moors?
Yes, Hatfield Moors is known for its predominantly flat terrain and well-trodden paths, including boardwalks, making it suitable for easy access routes. Over 110 of the available routes are classified as easy, perfect for a relaxed walk. For example, the Hiking loop from HMP Lindholme is an easy 1.6-mile trail.
Can I find circular hiking routes around Hatfield Moors?
Absolutely. Many of the trails in Hatfield Moors are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A popular option is the Hatfield Moor loop, a moderate 6.9-mile path that offers a comprehensive exploration of the moor's diverse landscape.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see while hiking?
Hatfield Moors is a haven for wildlife. It's an internationally important site for breeding nightjars and hosts over 200 bird species, including winter visitors like whooper swans and hen harriers, and summer birds such as woodlarks. You might also spot rare invertebrates like the mire pill beetle and the large heath butterfly. Bird hides and viewing platforms are provided to aid observation.
Are there any historical or notable landmarks to explore?
Yes, beyond its natural beauty, Hatfield Moors features interesting points of interest. You can visit the reconstructed section of a 5,000-year-old Neolithic timber trackway and platform near Lindholme Island, a significant historical attraction. The Neolithic House and Trackway, Humberhead Peatlands is a highlight worth exploring.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Hatfield Moors?
Hatfield Moors offers unique beauty year-round. August and September are particularly vibrant with purple heather and abundant dragonflies. Early summer brings cotton grass, while autumn showcases the changing colors of hedgerows and trees. The largely flat terrain makes it enjoyable in most seasons, including winter.
Is Hatfield Moors suitable for family hikes?
Yes, the reserve offers varying walk lengths, including easy access routes, making it suitable for families. The predominantly flat terrain and well-maintained paths are ideal for children and those seeking a less strenuous outing. The opportunity to spot diverse wildlife also adds to the family-friendly appeal.
Are dogs allowed on the trails in Hatfield Moors?
Hatfield Moors is a National Nature Reserve, and while dogs are generally welcome, they must be kept under close control, preferably on a lead, to protect the sensitive wildlife and habitats. Always check local signage for specific restrictions, especially during bird breeding seasons.
Where can I park when visiting Hatfield Moors for a hike?
While specific parking details for all trailheads are not provided, Hatfield Moors is generally accessible for walkers, and designated car parks are available at key entry points to the nature reserve. It's advisable to check the specific starting point of your chosen route for the nearest parking facilities.
What do other hikers say about their experience in Hatfield Moors?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 150 reviews. Hikers often praise the tranquil and immersive experience in nature, the unique lowland raised peat bog landscape, and the well-maintained, easy-to-navigate paths.
Are there any specific viewpoints or scenic spots?
Hatfield Moors is celebrated for its beautiful scenic views across the expansive peat bog, heathland, and woodlands. Badger Corner Lake is a particularly noted spot, especially for birdwatching, offering tranquil lakeside views. The geological formation of Lindholme Island also provides unique vistas.
What makes the landscape of Hatfield Moors unique for hiking?
Hatfield Moors is unique as one of the largest remaining lowland raised peat bogs in the UK. This ancient wetland ecosystem, with its ongoing rewetting restoration, offers a distinct landscape of heathland, young deciduous woodlands, and numerous lakes and ponds. The flat terrain and diverse flora, including heather, Sphagnum moss, and bog cranberry, create a truly immersive natural experience.
Are there options for longer, more challenging hikes?
While much of Hatfield Moors is flat and offers easy routes, there are options for longer, more moderate explorations. For instance, the Hatfield Moor loop is a moderate 6.9-mile trail that provides a more extensive journey through the diverse landscape. Overall, 63 routes are classified as moderate, and one is difficult, catering to those seeking a greater challenge.
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